Study Abroad in Stellenbosch: Academics

Admission standards at Stellenbosch University are highly competitive. Entrance requirements for foreign students permit AIFS to enroll only those students who have completed their first semester sophomore year at an American college or university. Students must have a 2.5 GPA to be considered for admission to the Traditional Program.

A mixture of lectures and seminars with individual lab time and library work, South African academic life mirrors the European tradition. Students specialize early and study one or two disciplines for three or four years. In most subjects, assessment relies on continuous evaluation with one mid-semester test and a concluding examination. An extended essay is also required in some subjects.

Course load

The University offers a 3-year liberal arts degree. Students begin at the equivalent of the U.S. sophomore level. AIFS students may enroll in 100, 200 or 300 level (equivalent to 200, 300 or 400 level in the U.S.). Semester courses are typically worth 3 credits and meet 45 academic hours a semester (an academic hour is 50 minutes).

AIFS recommends that students take 4 or 5 courses for a total of 12 or 15 credits.

AIFS students are fully matriculated students at the University. As in American universities, some courses may be limited to a maximum enrollment.

Advising

The Resident Director and International Office staff are available for academic or personal assistance.

Grading

South Africa's grading system differs from the U.S. (represented by letter grades):

  A+: 90+ C+: 62-64
  A: 80-89 C: 58-61
  A-: 75-79 C-: 55-57
  B+: 72-74 D: 50-54
  B: 68-71 F: 49 and below
  B-: 65-67    

Grading is competitive. Teachers readily provide explanations to students detailing how work is evaluated. No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a letter grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available.