AgriScienes is Science in practice!

AgriSciences offers a great number of exciting programmes in which you apply your science knowledge to real-life problems. The research we do and the solutions we find have a direct impact and effect on every nation, every person, and every living organism on this earth.

 There is also a tremendous shortage in most areas of the applied sciences which means that there are many opportunities and a wide variety of challenging careers to follow. Should you choose to study AgriSciences you will become part of a team of experts that are highly qualified, sought after, and in-demand in South Africa, Africa, and the rest of the world.

Definitely not! You would be able to farm should that be your choice, but in the Faculty we actually train scientists. Your knowledge and skills will empower you to work within the broader agricultural sector. It can, of course, include working with farmers, but it also includes a much wider range of career opportunities than only farming.

Sure, if that is your style, but generally speaking, no – a definite no! The old-fashioned way of thinking that agriculture means only farming, owning land, doing manual labour and wearing specific clothing cannot be further from the truth.

By doing a BScAgric degree you apply basic science knowledge to real problems and challenges the world is facing. You start off with basic subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Biology in your 1^st year of study (similar to BSc students), but as you continue with your 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th year of study you apply the science to areas that impact not only people’s lives but also those of the animal and plant kingdom.

You won’t only learn pure science, but you put your science into practice – whether it is to develop new food products; develop plants that are more resistant to drought; improve the soil in which our food grows and our animals feed on; find ways to combat plant diseases; find solutions to growing concerns of food sustainability and even to better understand business principles.

 Once graduated, you will not only be equipped with the pure science of your field, but you will be able to immediately apply your science, research knowledge, and skills within the different working environments.

There are many and varied opportunities within the applied sciences that are generally viewed as scarce skills environments. And bear in mind, opportunities are not only limited to South Africa.

Stellenbosch University is well recognised throughout the world as a foremost institution of higher learning. The University has more than 100 partner institutions across the globe and our AgriSciences graduates hold top positions in several countries. Our programmes do indeed open many international doors to students. However, bear in mind that every country has its own requirements concerning accreditation.

Students need to have both Mathematics and Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics) to be considered for a programme in the Faculty of AgriSciences. Students with Mathematical Literacy can apply for programmes offered at the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute which is situated just outside Stellenbosch (visit their web page here).

If you apply for a programme in the Faculty of AgriSciences, only students who follow the School of Tomorrow curriculum must write the NBTs.

Applications for the 2023 academic year open on 4 April 2022. Applications close on 31 July 2022. You apply electronically at www.maties.com.

The Admissions Office will evaluate your application and let you have a conditional offer as soon as possible. You need to accept this conditional offer to secure your place in the programme. After your final matric results have been released, the faculty will re-visit your application and if you meet the minimum requirements you will receive a final offer which you need to accept within a stipulated time.

Should this be the case, then please e-mail us on agric@sun.ac.za.
An option available to you could be the Extended Degree Programme (see below).

The EDP is an alternative route you can opt for to gain access to the University should you not meet the minimum requirements. It is an extra year of study during which students receive additional academic support in preparation for specific mainstream subjects and for university studies in general.

Any student who is admitted to a mainstream programme may apply for admission to a relevant EDP. Depending on school results, a student may be advised, or required, by the faculty to pursue the EDP route. A maximum of 50 students per year are selected for the EDP programmes. Preference is given to applicants from disadvantaged socio-economic and schooling backgrounds.

Prospective students, who receive a conditional offer to mainstream programmes based on their Grade 11 results, but whose final NSC, or IEB, results do not meet the minimum requirements of the relevant programme, may submit a request for a transfer into an EDP.

Prospective students are considered for an EDP if they fall in one of the following categories: