Stellenbosch University is a residential university, which means attending classes in-person is compulsory. Engaging in class activities is essential for developing the graduate attributes that are necessary for tertiary education. We cannot grant permission for students to stop attending classes or to only do online attendance or independent study.

If students choose to self-study without attending classes, it is their responsibility to remain updated. They should also understand that this choice may result in missing out on valuable assessment and learning opportunities that will be available in-class. It is also important to note that students cannot expect additional support from lecturers beyond what is already offered during classes.

This also applies to the Africa Centre’s PgDip and MPhil programmes with their campus-based summer and winter schools or workshops. In future, in-person classes will not be available online. Students are adults and can take the risk of not attending and only doing assignments and completing quizzes, but that is not recommended. Be there in person, make the most of every learning and growth opportunity and experience the supporting environment with other students and the Africa Centre’s team.