Location | Academics | Housing | Dates/Deadlines | Program Costs | Eligibility/How To Apply

ISEP* University of Stellenbosch, South Africa - Academic Year Programs

Location

Located in the Western Cape of South Africa, Stellenbosch was founded in 1679. However, it is not simply a town of dignified historic buildings and tree-lined avenues, it is also a modern city, a bustling center for commerce, agriculture and education with the campus as an integral part. The town has moved with the times whilst maintaining its rural character and preserving its historic heritage.

Stellenbosch is twelve miles from beautiful beaches and 34 miles from Cape Town. The active nature-lover can enjoy the hiking trails in the surrounding mountain ranges or even a walk in the town's nature reserve. Stellenbosch also offers a wide variety of cultural activities in which the University's departments of Music, Drama and Creative Arts play an important role. The Stellenbosch wine region, the Napa Valley of South Africa, is one of the oldest in the southern hemisphere, and certainly regarded as the most beautiful.

University Profile: University of Stellenbosch

The history of the University of Stellenbosch dates back to the opening of the Stellenbosch Gymnasium in 1866. Out of the Gymnasium grew the Arts Department, which became Stellenbosch College in 1881. The college became Victoria College in 1887, the jubilee year of Queen Victoria's reign. From a small institution with a mere 500 students and 39 lecturers in 1918, Stellenbosch has grown into a modern university with nearly 25,000 students and 738 full-time permanent lecturers. The University of Stellenbosch aims to serve higher education in South Africa in the best possible way by delivering high quality teaching, research and community service.

The Langenhoven Student Centre, or "Neelsie," is the social heartbeat of the campus. The modern center offers students a variety of commercial, financial and entertainment services. A wide range of societies contributes greatly to the bustling atmosphere on campus. Societies range from cultural and political to religious and recreational - something for everyone. Joining a club or a society is a good way for international students to integrate with local students. There is also a society specifically for international students: the International Student Organisation of Stellenbosch (ISOS), which supports and facilitates international student integration. The University prides itself on its outstanding sporting achievements. There are more than 20 competitive sport clubs including: basketball, cricket, cycling, diving, hockey, judo, parachuting, rowing, rugby, and soccer.

The South African grading system is far more stringent than the U.S. system. It is extremely difficult for a South African student, either on the high school or tertiary level, to obtain an "A" aggregate.

South Africa follows the Southern Hemisphere calendar. When applying for an academic year exchange, students will find it beneficial to begin their studies during the U.S. second term. The South African academic year runs from February to December.

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Academic Departments

The following departments offer courses taught in English:

Classes Offered

ISEP participants are welcome to select any combination of courses from the listings of courses taught in English. Individual course approval is subject, however, to timetable, class space, and prerequisite satisfaction.

Being historically and officially an Afrikaans institution, the University of Stellenbosch offers most of its classes in Afrikaans and the majority of its students are Afrikaans speaking (51 percent) (all students speak English). Reflecting the needs and interests of an increasingly diverse student body, the University also offers courses in English, and it is from these that international students will typically make their enrollment selections. Such courses are available in various departments.

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Housing

Students will be housed in on-campus housing facilities and receive a stipend for meals.

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Program Dates & Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: (July 15, 2008 - December 6, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: January 15 (priority deadline)
• Spring Semester: (January 22, 2008 - June 26, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: August 15 (priority deadline)

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Program Costs

Program Fees:

• The program fee for the ISEP* program in Stellenbosch, South Africa is $6300

Program fees include:

• Tuition
• Housing
• Meals
• On-site and U.S. based staff support
• Credit transfer assistance

Sample Program Budget

See our What Does It Cost page for more information on fees & deposits you may be responsible for.

Financial Aid

Most forms of financial aid and scholarships apply to the cost of study abroad programs. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor at their home campus for specific information about awards and eligibility. You can also visit our What Does it Cost web page.

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Eligibility

• Minimum GPA: 2.75
• Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
• Good academic standing
• No current disciplinary record
• An interview may be required

How to Apply

Before you begin your application, we highly recommend that you see a study abroad advisor to ensure that you have all the information you need about program logistics and eligibility. CWU students can call 963-3622 or drop by the International Center, Room 101 (across from L&L), to schedule an appointment.

• Apply Here

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More Information

Prices and dates are subject to change without notice. Contact Study Abroad & Exchange Programs for more information.

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