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Stellenbosch University is an internationally recognised university which is situated in the town of Stellenbosch, South Africa.
It consists of about 150 departments divided amongst 10 faculties. It also has more than 40 research (and other) institutions. There were a total of 20,421 students and 764 full-time teaching staff in the year 2000.
The university is also nicknamed "Maties", which arises from their maroon rugby colors: a "tamatie" is the Afrikaans translation for tomato.
History
The origin of the university can be traced back to the Stellenbosch Gymnasium, which was opened in 1866, as well as the establishment of the arts department, which became the Stellenbosch College in 1881. In 1887 this college was renamed Victoria College; when it acquired university status in 1918 it was renamed once again - to Stellenbosch University.
Location
Stellenbosch is a university town with a population of about 90,000 (excluding students). It is located about 50 kilometres from Cape Town and is situated on the banks of the Eerste Rivier ("First River") in the famous wine-growing region and is encircled by picturesque mountains. Teaching at Stellenbosch University is divided between the main Stellenbosch campus, the Tygerberg Faculty of Health Sciences, the Bellville Park Business School and Saldanha Faculty of Military Sciences.
Language
Stellenbosch University is a predominantly Afrikaans medium university, especially at undergraduate and honours course level. However, students are allowed to write their assignments, tests and examinations in English.
At postgraduate level the language of tuition is determined by the composition of the class. The majority of advanced postgraduate courses are conducted in English.
This is still an ongoing issue for the University, since it is one of the very few institutions left in South Africa offering tuition in Afrikaans. Other institutions are gradually changing over to an English-only policy.
Faculties and schools
The faculties that are situated on the main campus are:
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Science
- Education
- Agricultural and Forestry Sciences
- Law
- Theology
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Engineering
The faculties that are not situated on the main campus are:
- Military Science
- Health Sciences
Facilities and services
The university has an extensive library which is catalogued on a computerised database. It also has a modern conservatory, including two concert halls where regular concerts are held. The Langenhoven Student Centre houses the Student Representative Council, a food court, a shopping mall, an advice office and all student societies.
Sports facilities for the more than 30 competitive and recreational sports that are supported by the university include two sport stadiums, two large swimming pools, numerous playing fields and a modern gymnasium.
The campus offers more than 50 cultural, sporting, religious and political clubs and societies.
On-campus residences for circa 6,000 students are available.
Notable Alumni
- Stuart Abbott, a rugby union footballer who plays centre for Wasps and England.
- Uys Krige, famous writer, poet, playwright, translator, rugby player, war correspondent and romantic.
- Jan Smuts, prominent South African statesman and soldier.
- Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd, former Prime Minister of South Africa.
- Heinz Winckler, the first winner of the Idols, the South African version of Pop Idol.
External link
Official Stellenbosch University Website (http://www.sun.ac.za/)
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