Study

Undergraduate

Undergraduate physics programmes follow a general BSc Physics curriculum at undergraduate level with specialization occuring at BSC Honours level. Topics cover in the physics programme are aligned with the research interests and activities of the Nuclear Physics group, Laser Research Institute and Insitute for Theoretical Physics.

Enquiries

E-mail: ​physq​ueries@sun.ac.za​​

How to apply

Undergraduate programme applications are completed through a central university system. You can read up on the different physics programmes on the programmes tab for more information on what we offer. Once you’ve made your decision, head on over to the Maties page to apply.

Masters and Doctoral

There is a range of experimental and theoretical disciplines with a wealth of projects available in the Department of Physics at Stellenbosch University. We welcome your queries and application to join our research programmes. The research we do is presented on the web pages of the Physics Department. Take the time to explore under the dropdown menu item “Research” above. There you will also find individual researchers’ or groups’ contact details for your enquiries about research programmes.

Post Graduate Enquiries (Honours, MSc, PhD)

E-mail: physpostgrad@sun.ac.za

Should you have any problems with or queries regarding your application please feel free to contact us at physoffice@sun.ac.za or physpostgrad@sun.ac.za or follow up on the status of your application through your supervisor.

How to apply

If you wish to apply to be accepted for a Masters or Doctoral research programme, please read the following points to expedite your application process.

  1. Please take a look at groups’ and individual researchers’ web sites to identify a possible field or fields you might be interested in doing your degree. Contact potential supervisors, asking them about projects.
  2. When you have identified potential supervisors (this need not be final yet) you should apply through the central applications system of Stellenbosch University.
    1. We are pleased about your enquiries about research throughout the year, but take note of closing dates for applications here
    2. Many practical details about Stellenbosch and your application are available at http://www0.sun.ac.za/pgstudies/. If you are an international student, please also study https://www0.sun.ac.za/international/ carefully.
    3. Follow the application procedure on the web site of Stellenbosch University. Application link: https://web-apps.sun.ac.za/eAansoek2/alg.jsp?Tl=1
    4. On your application: Please indicate in which field you would like to do research and the names of the persons with whom you have communicated and perhaps agreed on a research topic.
    5. Your application to the University will be forwarded to the Physics Department, which consults with the group or potential supervisors you have identified. The Department shall issue final approval once a research project and supervisor(s) have been approved.
Funding

Please keep in mind that approval of your application does not mean that the University of Stellenbosch or the Physics Department will provide you with a bursary. In general potential funders want to see a project proposal and have a letter of support from the future supervisor. It is therefore necessary to apply for bursaries well ahead of your planned start at Stellenbosch University. You can ask your potential supervisor for advice on possible funding agencies where you could apply for a bursary, and you should consult the websites below.

  • Stellenbosch University website on bursaries: http://www0.sun.ac.za/pgstudies/postgraduate-funding-and-support.html
  • The National Research Foundation: http://www.nrf.ac.za/bursaries/calls
  • The World Academy of Science: https://twas.org/opportunities/fellowships
  • The Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World: https://owsd.net/career-development/phd-fellowship