Stellenbosch University
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SU first university in SA to go cashless with SnapScan in-app payments
Author: Finance and Operations
Published: 15/10/2019

​​Stellenbosch University (SU) is the first university in South Africa to make use of the SnapScan in-app payment solutions for payments on its campuses, so that students no longer have to carry cash with them for certain payments.

SnapScap is a mobile application that enables cashless payments. Initially two of SnapScan's in-app payment mechanisms will be available for students to do bill payments for their student fees, as well as for pre-paid internet and printer credits. These payments previously had to be made (in cash or with card) at the University's cashiers in the central administration building.

“The University is constantly renewing itself by adopting smart technology to create a better, simpler and safer environment for students and the broader campus community," says Prof Stan du Plessis, Chief Operating Officer of SU. “Apart from SnapScan, we will be rolling out more cashless options in the next few months. We encourage our students to make use of these payment options to reduce risk and help us to make studying at the SU a safer experience."

SU is one of more than 50 000 merchants and vendors in South Africa to embrace the SnapScan technology. SnapScan integrates with the University's financial systems to ensure that less cash is in circulation on its campuses. 

Using the SnapScan app is quick and effortless. It is free to use, and just requires data or wifi. Students need to download the SnapScan app to their smart phones from their app store and complete a quick registration process to add their card details. Thereafter, they need to scan a QR code (a square barcode) that is linked to a merchant's SnapScan account or use the in-app payment options (bills or prepaid payments), enter payment details (the amount and a PIN) and the transaction is done. SnapScan only works with most ecommerce enabled debit or credit cards from any South African bank, as well as most international credit cards. 

Apart from SnapScan in-app payments, students also have an online option on the SU's website where they have the options of pre-paids (for internet, meals, washing, printing credits and rides) and bill payments (for student fees).