Study FAQs
Everything you need to know about studying at the Africa Centre
Study FAQs
This page explains the ins and outs of becoming an Africa Centre student, including who can study with us, what to expect and how to apply. If you have a question about something that we don’t address on this page, please email ralex@sun.ac.za or ybarendse@sun.ac.za.
In a nutshell
You’ll earn a qualification from the university, one of the leading universities globally.
Our programmes teach management skills – they are not clinical courses. Anyone in the world of work can benefit from our programmes.
Attending both is compulsory.
- Online classes take place in the evenings and Saturday mornings
- In-person classes for one week at a time in Stellenbosch (in February and July for the PgDip and in April for the MPhil)
Who our programmes are for
- You don’t have to work in the medical industry to do our programmes: The Africa Centre’s programmes are aimed at broadening students’ management skills – they are not clinical courses. Anyone who meets the admission requirements from whatever industry or sector can benefit from the programmes. Although the majority of our students over the years have been trained nurses, past students also include teachers, religious leaders, HR managers, business leaders and sportspeople – we’ve even had a hairdresser!
- You will benefit most from our programmes if you have the right mindset and certain attributes: As part of Stellenbosch University, the Africa Centre is aligned with the university’s focus on attracting and developing students on several levels. If you associate with the attributes listed below, you will get the most value from our programmes.
An enquiring mind
- Curious
- Creative
- Questions the status quo
- Dedicated to lifelong learning
An engaged citizen
- A leader and collaborator
- Innovative
- Learns and engages continuously
- Applies varied lenses
- Change agent
A dynamic professional
- Problem-solver
- Follows a multidisciplinary approach
- Uses global knowledge and digital technology to shape knowledge
A well-rounded individual
- Incorporates own knowledge and shared learning
- Clear and relevant goals for decision-making
- Accountable for own growth and time management
Programme logistics
Our programmes consist of a combination of in-person and online classes
Our PgDip and MPhil programmes as well as our upcoming short courses are presented through hybrid learning, which means they include both in-person classes and online sessions. For the PgDip programme, in-person classes take place twice a year for a week at a time (once in February and once in June/July). For the MPhil programme, there is an on-campus workshop for a week in April. The rest of the time, classes and assignments take place online.
Attending in-person classes is compulsory
Stellenbosch University is a residential university, which means attending classes in person is compulsory. The in-person sessions provide excellent learning and growth opportunities and enables you to connect with other students and the Africa Centre team and experience the university environment. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions by allowing students to only attend the online sessions or do independent study.
If you choose not to attend an in-person session, it is your responsibility to catch up.
Our lecturers cannot offer additional support beyond what is already offered during classes to students who do not attend. Keep in mind that you will likely miss out on valuable assessment and learning opportunities that will be available in-class.
The application process
Applications for our academic programmes are handled by Stellenbosch University registrar’s office and only passed to the Africa Centre once processed. On a high level, the application process consists of five steps:
01 Create your profile
- Go the university’s postgraduate student registration page and create a profile by providing some basic details.
- You’ll then receive a letter from the university with your username and password.
Tip: Keep your application ID on hand
You will use it in all your communication with the university.
02 Complete and submit your application
- Complete the application, including providing the required supporting documents, e.g. proof of qualifications.
- Please note that the Africa Centre falls under the Economic and Management Sciences Faculty and you will find our programmes under ‘Telematic’ in the ‘Programme type’ list.
- Pay the application fee online or via EFT – only South Africans pay the application fee.
Who to contact if you need help with your application
If you have any questions about completing your application, you can contact:
- Africa Centre: ralex@sun.ac.za or ybarendse@sun.ac.za
- Stellenbosch University Student Services: info@sun.ac.za or
+27 (0)21 808 9111
03 The Stellenbosch University team reviews your application
- The university’s Central Application Office (CAO) will review your application and will let you know if they need more information or documents.
- You can review the status of your application at any time by logging into your profile.
- Once the CAO has completed their review, they will send your application to the Africa Centre for processing. You will be notified when this happens.
04 Receive feedback on the outcome
You will be notified whether you have been accepted or not.
If you are accepted, you will receive:
- A conditional acceptance letter and contract from the university’s Centre of Student Administration (CSA)
- An acceptance letter and registration form from the Africa Centre with instructions of what to do next
05 Complete your registration
- Log on to your profile to accept the offer (within a certain timeframe) and upload the signed contract.
- Complete the Africa Centre registration form and pay the international registration fee (IRF), which is only applicable to international applicants and South Africans based outside South Africa. Then send us your completed form and proof of payment. (We will send this on the CSA.)
- If you have a bursary or your company is paying for your studies, please send the necessary details to ralex@sun.ac.za.
Who to contact if you need help during the registration process
Stellenbosch University Student Fees & Loans:
- Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4913
- Email: studentaccounts@sun.ac.za
View the university’s detailed postgraduate application guide
For a more detailed breakdown of the application process and requirements, take a look Stellenbosch University’s guide for applying for postgraduate programmes.
FAQs
Still have some unanswered questions? Have a look at our FAQs.
Applications
When can I apply?
- Applications for the PgDip and MPhil are open from March until the end of November every year.
- Applications for the doctoral programme are open throughout the year until 30 September.
- Application requirements and timelines for short courses will be communicated when the programmes are launched.
Do I have to be South African to apply?
No, anyone who qualifies for our programmes is welcome to apply, irrespective of where they are based.
I don’t live in South Africa – do I need a visa to enrol?
Since our courses are hybrid courses with only two weeks of in-person classes in the academic year, you don’t need a permanent study visa. However, you do need a visitation visa. If you have any questions about which visa you need and how to go about acquiring the relevant visa, contact the Stellenbosch University International Services Centre on +27(0)218082565.
Do you apply recognition of prior learning (RPL) principles as part of the selection process?
Yes, we do. When you apply, we may request additional information from you to determine whether you qualify.
Payments
What are the tuition fees?
The tuition fee depends on whether you are a South African national, an SADC national, from the rest of Africa, or from other countries. Applicants’ immigration status in South Africa is also relevant.
To find out more about the current tuition fees, please contact ralex@sun.ac.za.
When do I need to pay the tuition fees?
- South African students: You can arrange a debit order or pay according to the payment schedule guideline that you will receive when you register.
- SADC/international students: Upfront full payment is ideal for international students. However, if needed, you can pay for your studies in two instalments before the semester commences in January and July of each year.
Can I make alternative payment arrangements for paying my course fees?
You can contact Stellenbosch University’s Student Fees & Loans division at studentaccounts@sun.ac.za or +27 (0)21 808 4913 to find out whether an alternative arrangement is possible.
Are there bursaries available for the Africa Centre programmes?
Although the Africa Centre does not offer any bursaries, you can contact the university’s Postgraduate Office to find out more about funding options. Email them at postgradfunding@sun.ac.za at or visit their website.
I have paid upfront for the course but will no longer be pursuing my studies – will I lose my money if I de-register?
If you deregister before 31 March of the year of your studies, you may be refunded partially or in full.
Programme logistics
Can I work while I study?
Yes, our programmes are specifically geared towards people in the workplace.
When do classes take place?
Online classes are offered after hours during the week and on Saturday mornings via Teams. In-person sessions for the PgDip programme take place during one week in February (summer school) and one week June/July (winter school). An in-person MPhil workshop takes place during April.
Do I need to find accommodation during the summer and winter schools?
Yes. Since the summer and winter schools take place during the university terms, on-campus accommodation is unfortunately not available and you have to make your own arrangements. However, we can provide recommendations for places to stay close to campus if needed, please contact ralex@sun.ac.za and ybarendse@sun.ac.za to find out more.
I have already registered but I am unable to attend the summer/winter school. Can I still complete the programme?
Attending the summer and winter schools in person is compulsory. Please contact the Africa Centre’s academic manager, Anja Laas, at alaas@sun.ac.za for further information if needed.
Would I need to buy any textbooks?
No, all study materials will be made available online on the SUNLearn platform – Stellenbosch University’s online learning platform.