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Study Abroad | Stellenbosch

South Africa | Stellenbosch University | Fall 2023
People taking pictures on rocks.
Elephants in South Africa.
Girls posing in front of night lights.

Select Your Program Option:

  • Fall 2023

  • Spring 2024

  • Fall 2024

  • Spring 2025

Overview

Spend a semester or academic year in the scenic university town of Stellenbosch, South Africa, with AIFS! Study a variety of academic program options at Stellenbosch University. Located in the winelands of the Western Cape, the campus is home to close to 28,000 students representing more than 110 nationalities.

What’s Included

The AIFS inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.

Review Our Policies
  • Tuition

    Up to 15 semester credits depending on program and course selection

  • Courses

    Wide variety of courses available; taught in English

  • Housing

    University residence hall

  • Excursions & Day Trips

    Cape Town and Robben Island, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, beach trip and scenic Garden Route

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    A wide range of AIFS-organized cultural activities and social events to enrich your experience

  • Onsite Program Director

    To help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance

  • Personal/Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network

  • Green Initiative

Additional Options & Opportunities

Program Details: Study Abroad | Stellenbosch Full Curriculum

Program is closed

Dates

July 17, 2023November 21, 2023

Term

Fall

Institution

Stellenbosch University

Application Deadline

March 20, 2023

Inclusive Fees

$16,290

Stay for a year to save on cost

Eligibility

Open to Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Minimum of 2.5 GPA

Additional requirements may vary by course selection. See Academic section below.

Visa Requirements

Students must obtain a mandatory visa for this program. After acceptance AIFS will provide detailed visa information and the official documents required for students to apply for the visa. Students will apply directly with the South African consulate.

Areas of Interest

  • Anthropology
  • Area Studies
  • Art
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Foreign Language
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Literature
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Natural Resources & Conservation
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Service Learning & Community Service
  • Sociology
  • Sustainability

Global Themes

  • Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
  • Business, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
  • Education, Social Services, and Psychology
  • Global Peace, International Security and Human Rights
  • Global Sustainability
  • Health Sciences and STEM
  • Language, History and Culture
  • Social and Criminal Justice
Learn More About Global Themes

Academics

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students on this program, with the following academic options available:

Since its founding in 1918, Stellenbosch University (SU) has evolved into a multilingual melting-pot of cultures. Today, close to 28,000 students representing more than 110 nationalities attend the university. The university is among South Africa’s leading institutions based on research output, student success and rated scientists, and is recognized internationally as an academic institution of excellence. Its campus includes state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facilities and technology. 

  • Anthropology
  • Area Studies
  • Art
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Foreign Language
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Literature
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Natural Resources & Conservation
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Service Learning & Community Service
  • Sociology
  • Sustainability

Full Curriculum means that AIFS students can choose any course offered by Stellenbosch University if prerequisites are met. Stellenbosch University has also designed courses with a focus on South African history and culture to give international students a grounding in and introduction to this fascinating country. Subject areas include Agriscience, Art, Biodiversity, Conservation Ecology, Economics, English Literature, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Studies, Geography, Global Health, History, International Relations, Languages, Political Science, Science, Sociology, Sustainability and Theology. You will experience South Africa’s educational system firsthand, studying alongside South African and other international students. Choose up to 5 courses for a total of 15 credits. 

These courses were designed by Stellenbosch University to give international students an introduction to, and understanding of, South African history, politics and culture and the continent beyond. Students may choose up to two General Education courses as well as the Global Service Learning course (for 6 or 9 credits) and can also select courses from the Full Curriculum. Choose from courses including “An Overview of South African History”, “Politics and Cultural Change in Contemporary South Africa”, “Gender and Identity in Africa”, “Understanding HIV in South Africa” and “Afrikaans for Beginners”. Choose up to 5 courses for a total of 15 credits.

Global Service Learning (GSL) is an experiential learning program offered by the Global Engagement Centre of Stellenbosch University and presented in collaboration with a local primary school. It comprises 90 class hours and 45 hours of on-site community engagement.

This program is situated at the intersection between (international) education, community engagement, and sustainable development and aims to harness students’ self-reflection to engage with contemporary global issues in a local context and use the community engagement elements critically as a tool for social impact. 

Students take the Global Service Learning course for either 6 or 9 credits plus two or three courses from the Full Curriculum Program or the General Education Program for a total of 12-15 credits.

A 3.2 GPA, completion of junior year, and being age 20 or above is required for the Global Service Learning Program 

Full Curriculum means that AIFS students can choose any course offered by Stellenbosch University if prerequisites are met. Stellenbosch University has also designed courses with a focus on South African history and culture to give international students a grounding in and introduction to this fascinating country. Subject areas include Agriscience, Art, Biodiversity, Conservation Ecology, Economics, English Literature, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Studies, Geography, Global Health, History, International Relations, Languages, Political Science, Science, Sociology, Sustainability and Theology. You will experience South Africa’s educational system firsthand, studying alongside South African and other international students. Choose up to 5 courses for a total of 15 credits. 

These courses were designed by Stellenbosch University to give international students an introduction to, and understanding of, South African history, politics and culture and the continent beyond. Students may choose up to two General Education courses as well as the Global Service Learning course (for 6 or 9 credits) and can also select courses from the Full Curriculum. Choose from courses including “An Overview of South African History”, “Politics and Cultural Change in Contemporary South Africa”, “Gender and Identity in Africa”, “Understanding HIV in South Africa” and “Afrikaans for Beginners”. Choose up to 5 courses for a total of 15 credits.

Global Service Learning (GSL) is an experiential learning program offered by the Global Engagement Centre of Stellenbosch University and presented in collaboration with a local primary school. It comprises 90 class hours and 45 hours of on-site community engagement.

This program is situated at the intersection between (international) education, community engagement, and sustainable development and aims to harness students’ self-reflection to engage with contemporary global issues in a local context and use the community engagement elements critically as a tool for social impact. 

Students take the Global Service Learning course for either 6 or 9 credits plus two or three courses from the Full Curriculum Program or the General Education Program for a total of 12-15 credits.

A 3.2 GPA, completion of junior year, and being age 20 or above is required for the Global Service Learning Program 

View All Courses For Full Curriculum
Isabelle Instagram Takeover

A DAY IN THE LIFE STELLENBOSCH

Want to study abroad in South Africa? Isabelle, an AIFS Abroad alum from UNC Wilmington, recently took over our Instagram story recently to answer questions about what it’s like to study abroad in Stellenbosch for a semester. Watch as she highlights her experience!

Living Abroad

Student Residence

The main university campus is located in the town itself. Student housing (the “res”) is at the heart of campus life allowing you to make new friends, be part of the community and be independent while having the convenience of access to classrooms and other university services.

  • Single en-suite rooms
  • Fully-equipped kitchenettes
  • Bedding provided
  • Shared common room area for socializing, watching TV or just hanging out
  • Access to laundry facilities
  • Courtyards and/or gardens for play and relaxation

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Stellenbosch

Geography

Surrounded by rolling vineyards and dramatic mountains, Stellenbosch, only around 30 minutes from Cape Town, offers the best in Western Cape warmth and hospitality. 

Cuisine

Restaurants are plentiful in Stellenbosch. The prices are competitive, and the variety is great! 

Culture

South Africa’s constitution recognizes 12 official languages, which is among the highest number of any country in the world! 

AIFS in Stellenbosch Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Hestea headshot.

Hestea de Wet

Hallo! I’ve been the Program Director here in Stellenbosch since 2003 and I previously worked in the International Office handling student accommodations. I received both my BA (Hons) degree in Psychology and a post-graduate diploma in Education from Stellenbosch University. I previously worked as a high school English teacher, a tour guide for Americans visiting South Africa and in a school and home for disabled and disadvantaged children and adults. I am a bit of a traveler myself and have visited the U.S., Europe and Africa. The office is only a 5-minute walk from the Student Center—feel free to drop by and say “hallo!” Students refer to me as “Mama H”; their mother away from home! I’m here to help you adjust, to embrace a new culture, and to guide you into one of the most fulfilling and meaningful experiences of your life.

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

In addition to day trips and excursions, a cultural calendar of activities and events is included in your program fee. These will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff to give you a more authentic view of South African life. Activities may include hiking, a vineyard tour, beach days and more.

ISOS – International Student Organization Stellenbosch
University offers events to help international students experience South African culture.

For a small membership fee students can join subsidized events such as wine tours, weekends away to a local beach town, hikes in surrounding nature reserves and visits to food festivals.

Stellenbosch University offers a 20-hour, non-credit bearing Volunteerism and Community Engagement (VCE) Program which is designed to deepen practical engagement with Stellenbosch during your semester abroad. Students volunteer at a local school within the wine farms, learning more about the people and the socio-political realities of the region and themselves. A certificate is issued on completion of the program. Over 10 weeks students volunteer at the school designing an after-school activities program in groups alongside VCE staff, teachers and students. This program includes mandatory training sessions designed to help students reflect on the experience. 

SPORTS FACILITIES 

South Africa is a proud sporting nation and Stellenbosch University has great sporting facilities including a gymnasium with weight training and cycling studios, an indoor pool and six aerobic halls offering a variety of classes. Students interested in using these facilities can purchase student gym membership when on-site. 

INTER-CULTURAL COMPETENCY PROGRAM 

Stellenbosch University has introduced a 10-week not for credit Inter-Cultural Competency Program which will enhance the experience of visiting AIFS students on campus and in the wider community. Inter-cultural competencies are communicative skills that are learned and developed through experiences in environments that are not one’s home-culture, which positively enhance one’s ability to communicate with, and navigate cultural difference. These skills give students a flexible framework with a foundation in Africa for engaging with the diversity of a globalized world. Working in small groups, this discussion-based program will involve SU “buddies” (Stellenbosch University students) and students from around the world looking at the question of “What makes you X?” (The X being your nationality.) Students will have the opportunity to share aspects of their language, cuisine, politics and the cultural practices which may inform their national identity. In addition to the group work this course will include 3 excursions to different environments in the Western Cape in order to engage with various cultural, historical, political and social contexts and develop the skills needed to positively communicate in different cultural environments. 

Excursions

This program offers a range of day trips and excursions that will take you outside Stellenbosch and deepen your social, historical and cultural understanding of South Africa. Previous excursions have included:

A road on a green landscape.

Garden Route

Guided sightseeing tours and visits to the Cango Caves, an ostrich farm, a Wilderness canoeing and hike. A two hour game drive through the ADDO Elephant Park. Includes round trip transportation, accommodation and breakfast.

* Option to participate in the following activities for an additional fee such as an extra 4×4 Safari an Elephant Observation Nature Bush Walk, Surf lessons or Sandboarding or Beach Horseback Riding.

  • South Africa
  • 5 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
Robben Island.

Cape Town and Robben Island

The island was a common stopping point for passing ships in the 16th and early 17th centuries. From the mid-1960s to 1991 Robben Island served as South Africa’s maximum-security prison. Nelson Mandela was incarcerated at Robben Island Prison From 1964 to 1982. The Island is now a Museum and World Heritage Site. Includes Boat and Museum tickets and round trip transportation fees.

  • South Africa
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Cape Good Hope.

Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach (home of 3,000 African penguins)

Sightseeing, including the lighthouse at Cape Point and local wildlife. Includes round-trip transportation.

  • South Africa
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
South Africa beach.

Beach and Food Market

Craft beer tasting. Free time to explore and relax at the beach. Includes round-trip transportation.

  • South Africa
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Girls posing on mountain.

Table Mountain

Sightseeing. Hike or take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain. Includes round-trip transportation.

  • South Africa
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Cederberg mountains.

Cederberg Mountains

Sightseeing. Wine tasting at a vineyard, stargazing at Sanddrif and a tour of 8,000-year-old cave drawings. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodation in cabins at a local farm and most meals.  

* A minimum of 10 students is required for this excursion to run.

  • South Africa
  • 3 Days
  • $425 Spring 2024 / $475 Fall 2024/Spring 2025
Barcelona,Spain
A group of happy students at a carnival.
A view of Prague.

Social identity & access

One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled many resources about social identity and access in specific locations abroad. Your program staff will also provide you with more details pre-departure and during orientation.

Learn more

Important Dates & Deadlines

Request Info

Closed

Program is closed

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Application Deadline
    March 20, 2023
  • Deposit Deadline
    April 14, 2023
  • Scholarship Deadline
    April 20, 2023
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    July 15, 2023
  • Program Begins
    July 17, 2023
  • Program Ends
    November 21, 2023
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    November 22, 2023
  • *** Included for students on AIFS flight package.
  • **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.

Optional Flight Package

Students can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS programs. Students who choose to book their own flights should meet up with group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements.

Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total flight package price will be confirmed in your account 6 months prior to departure. (Program fee is guaranteed.)

Depature City

Fee

  • Atlanta
    $2,260
  • Boston
    $2,200
  • Buffalo
    $2,200
  • Charlotte
    $2,200
  • Chicago
    $2,200
  • Cincinnati
    $2,200
  • Columbus
    $2,200
  • Dallas
    $2,240
  • Denver
    $2,280
  • Des Moines
    $2,240
  • Detroit
    $2,260
  • Houston
    $2,120
  • Los Angeles
    $2,280
  • Miami
    $2,240
  • Minneapolis
    $2,280
  • New York
    $2,200
  • Newark
    $2,200
  • Orlando
    $2,240
  • Philadelphia
    $2,140
  • Phoenix
    $2,200
  • Pittsburgh
    $2,140
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $2,160
  • San Francisco
    $2,200
  • Seattle
    $2,200
  • St. Louis
    $2,160
  • Washington/Dulles
    $2,140
  • View more View less

See what others are saying

Two students walking in a field.

Ready to Study Abroad in Stellenbosch?

For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com