Applications for the 2026 intake close on 31 October 2025. A first round of selections and notifications will happen in August/September, so apply early if you can! Please keep in mind that space is limited.

To apply for admission into the MSc programme, follow the steps below.

  1. Go to the applicant portal on SUNStudent, create a profile if you haven't already, and log in.
  2. Click on "Programme selection".
    • Faculty: "Faculty of Science - Stellenbosch"
    • Programme type: "Postgraduate"
    • Programme: "MSc (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence)", full-time or part-time
  3. Complete the required information from the menus on the left panel.
  4. Under "Upload documents" you will be asked for:
    • a comprehensive CV
    • a letter of motivation
    • a statement of research interest
    The letter of motivation can be short (1 page), on why you want to complete this programme, what you hope to get out of it, and what you might want to do after the programme. The statement of research interest can be a short (1 page) letter on any specific interests you currently have within the fields of ML and AI.
  5. Note that you do not need to identify an academic supervisor. Accepted students will have an opportunity after the start of the programme to speak to potential supervisors and indicate research project preferences. If the SUNStudent system does ask for confirmation of a prospective supervisor, please upload this letter.
  6. If you are happy with the terms, submit your application. Note that there may be a small application fee.

For general information on the online application process, study fees, support services, and more, follow this link to Stellenbosch University’s website for prospective postgraduate students.