We invite international applications from suitably qualified students who are interested in studying abroad on our beautiful campus in the Stellenbosch winelands. Non-residential opportunities are also available. Visit this page for more information about our postgraduate programmes and for information relating to international postgrad studies in general at Stellenbosch University see here.
Why do a postgraduate degree in Ancient Studies at Stellenbosch?
Stellenbosch University is a world-class university, ranked as one of the most competitive on the African continent.
The Department of Ancient Studies is a unique interdisciplinary department with a focus on postcolonial and decolonial approaches to the ancient world.
There is a vibrant, close-knit student community at both departmental and university levels, including a large number of societies and sports clubs.
Fees and living expenses are affordable and high value compared to programmes in North America, Europe and Australasia.
Stellenbosch provides a beautiful setting, climate and environment in which to live and work in close proximity to winelands, the sea, mountains and the beautiful Cape Peninsula.
A dedicated International Office provides support and guidance to international students, See their page to find out more about the office's role and life as an international student in Stellenbosch.
Information on postgraduate programmes
The Department of Ancient Studies offers Honours (equivalent to 4th year undergraduate), MAs and PhDs in Ancient Languages (Latin, Greek, and Biblical Hebrew) and in Ancient Cultures. The department currently has 30 students pursuing Master's and PhD degrees (see here for current postgrad projects). In order to explore potential topic areas for Masters and PhD students, please see our departmental research clusters/ focus areas. In looking for a research area and topic, also look at individual staff pages, current postgraduate research projects an those recently completed in the department.
FAQ
What are the programme costs? The programme costs for international students are competitive when compared with programmes in many other countries. See here for up-to-date information on programme costs.
What is it like to live in Stellenbosch? For information on being a student in Stellenbosch see here and here.
When does the academic year begin in South Africa? The programmes begin at the beginning of the calendar year, unlike many northern hemisphere universities. Our academic year is divided into two semesters: the first runs January/February-June and the second is from mid July-November.
How long does it take to finish Honours/Masters/PhD? An Honours is a one-year programme. The Masters can be finished in one year but it is more feasible to complete it over 2 years. The PhD can be completed in a minimum of 3 years but the typical PhD student takes between 3-5 years to complete.
What are the requirements for admissions into a Master's degree? The requirements for an MA degree are a solid undergraduate degree in the appropriate subject as well as demonstrable potential to do research and write a thesis. A writing sample will be requested as part of the application. As an international student, your qualifications will be assessed by the applications team for equivalence with South African degree levels. Furthermore, before application, the student must have contacted a proposed supervisor and presented a proposed subject area/topic to the department so that we can assess the feasibility of the project and our capacity to supervise it.
What is the process for admission? The application and admission requirements can be found here.
What are the deadlines for international applications?
The deadlines are faculty-, department- and programme-specific and can be found here. Usually applications for international postgraduate applications close at the end of August.
Are there any funding opportunities for international students available through Stellenbosch University? Look for funding for postgraduate students here.
What are the language requirements, i.e. in what language will I study/write my thesis? While Stellenbosch university promotes multilingualism, your degree will be conducted in English. International candidates who have obtained their qualifications from tertiary institutions where English is not the language of instruction are required to provide proof of English Language proficiency. More information can be found here.
