Stellenbosch University
Welcome to Stellenbosch University
Participation in first-ever online Maties Open Day exceeds all expectations
Author: Corporate Communication and Marketing Division/Afdeling Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking [Sandra Mulder]
Published: 20/04/2021

​Stellenbosch University (SU)'s first online Open Day attracted more than 23 238 prospective students, parents, guardians and other interested individuals who participated in the live online event on Saturday (17 April 2021). This number of cyber visitors is more than double the number of visitors who attended previous face-to-face Open Day events.

On Sunday, more than 1 500 people were still exploring the website to obtain information on study opportunities, financial assistance, accommodation and student life.  

Michelle Swart, marketing and media officer at SU's Centre for Student Recruitment and Career Advice, says the online engagement to the Open Day webpage exceeded their expectations. The virtual event reached audiences across the globe, with visitors from as far as the United States, Namibia, the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, Germany, Botswana, Nigeria and France.  

Swart says the virtual event achieved its aim of sharing information that can help learners and parents in their decision-making process.

The top five visited faculty online stalls were Medicine and Health Sciences (7 170 visitors); Economic and Management Science (6 189 visitors); Science (5 888 visitors); Arts and Social Science (5 589 visitors) and Engineering (4 452 visitors).

The move to cyberspace is in line with the University's commitment to comply with COVID-19 safety protocols. The Open Day webpage will be active until the end of July 2021 for people to obtain information and download brochures and documents.

Important information on how to apply for an SU programme, available funding options, career advice and student support (including for students with special learning needs) will remain on the web. “If you have missed the day, you can still visit the page," adds Swart.

The Corporate Communication and Marketing Division is very excited about the increased number of people who gained access to the Open Day. In partnership with the faculties, they are looking forward to welcoming the newcomer students of 2022, says Swart.

Prospective learners and parents who missed the Open Day can click here to gain access to the information.