Cornish - Stellenbosch University - Full Curriculum
/0x14:1900x1226/prod01/channel_34/media/seattle-university/academics/education-abroad/program-search-photos/AIFS-Stellenbosch.png)
About this Program
Since its founding in 1918 Stellenbosch University (SU) has evolved from a traditional white Afrikaans university to 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. This, together with the scenic beauty of the area, state-of-the- art, environmentally friendly facilities and technology, as well as visionary thinking about the creation of a sustainable 21st-century institution, makes for the unique character of Stellenbosch University.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Locals
- Local University Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Dorm
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 48-60
- Credit System: South African Credits
- Typical Course load: 3-5
- Credit Per Course: 12-16
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Stellenbosch University
- Credit Conversion Rate: 12 SA Credit = 3 U.S. Semester Credits
- Quarter Range: Not specified
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $4000
- Spring Semester: $4000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
No valid buttons givenParticipation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to AIFS on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by AIFS. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (September to November): Mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Ideal for exploring the landscapes as flowers bloom, particularly in the Western Cape.
- Summer (December to February): Hot and rainy in the north, with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), and dry and hot in the south. This is a popular time for coastal visits.
- Autumn (March to May): Mild and cooler, with temperatures from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Rainfall decreases, making it ideal for wildlife viewing.
- Winter (June to August): Cool and dry, particularly in the interior, with temperatures between 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F). The Western Cape experiences rainy conditions.
Travel Resources
- Air: Major international airports include O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport, and King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
- Train: The Gautrain connects Johannesburg to Pretoria, and the Shosholoza Meyl offers long-distance routes. The luxurious Blue Train offers scenic travel between Pretoria and Cape Town.
- Public Transport: Cities have bus systems, minibus taxis, and metered taxis. Ridesharing apps like Uber are widely available in larger cities.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Top attractions include Kruger National Park for wildlife, Table Mountain in Cape Town, Robben Island, Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and the Garden Route.
- Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, including English, Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans. English is widely used, especially in business and tourism.
- Festivals: Popular events include the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, and Comrades Marathon, an ultra-marathon.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: South African dishes include bobotie (spiced meat casserole), braai (barbecue), bunny chow (curry-filled bread), and biltong (dried meat). There’s also a strong multicultural influence on the cuisine.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are available in urban areas. Restaurants in larger cities cater to diverse dietary needs, while rural areas may have fewer options.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Pretoria: 877 Pretorius St, Arcadia, Pretoria (Phone: +27 12 431-4000)
- U.S. Consulate in Cape Town: 2 Reddam Ave, Westlake 7945 (Phone: +27 21 702-7300)
- U.S Consulate in Durban: 303 Dr. Pixley KaSeme Street, 31st Floor, Delta Towers, Durban 4001 (Phone: +27 31 310-3300)
- U.S Consulate in Johannesburg: 1 Sandton Drive, Sandhurst (Phone: +27 11 290-3000)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Accessibility is improving in major cities and tourist areas, though rural areas may lack adequate facilities for individuals with disabilities.
- LGBTQ+: South Africa is progressive regarding LGBTQ+ rights, with same-sex marriage legalized and legal protections in place. However, social attitudes can vary, particularly in rural areas.
- Religion: South Africa is religiously diverse, with Christianity being the majority faith, alongside significant Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, and indigenous spiritual communities, reflecting its multicultural society.
- Race & Ethnicity: South Africa is ethnically diverse, with a history shaped by apartheid; while significant strides have been made toward equality, racial and economic disparities persist.
- Gender: Gender equality is protected by law, and South Africa has strong female representation in politics, though gender-based violence and traditional gender roles remain significant challenges.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by AIFS.
U.S. passport holders must obtain a mandatory visa for this program (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). Students will apply directly with the South African consulate. AIFS will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in AIFS’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.