Intensive English Programme (IEP)

R13 417

If you want to improve your English at a leading university, and at the same time explore beautiful Cape Town and Stellenbosch, this is a great option for you! Join a community of international students from all over the world.

The Intensive English Programme (IEP) is an English language programme for students who want to improve their English reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is presented in blocks of eight weeks across six levels: beginner, elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper-intermediate and advanced. We will help you to decide where you fit in. Teaching is interactive and fun, and classes are small for a great learning experience.

Our prices are competitive, and generally our courses cost less than most reputable English courses offered around the world. We offer this programme as a credit-bearing programme (usually great for students, as your results are added to your academic transcript) OR a short course (no credits, but you get a Certificate of Competence on completion). The content stays exactly the same. What will it be?

Contact Michelle Pieters for more information (also check out the Info page if you scroll down a bit).

2025 course dates

Block 1: 13 January – 7 March
Block 2: 10 March – 2 May
Block 3: 5 May – 27 June
Block 4: 30 June – 22 August
Block 5: 25 August – 17 October
Block 6: 20 October – 12 December

Credit-bearing programme: Start application

Short course: Start Application

Downloadable documents

– 2025 Info page
– Declaration

Presenters

Our presenters are friendly, qualified and experienced English language teachers who are passionate about working with students from around the world.

Location

All sessions will be offered in Stellenbosch at the university campus.

Each eight-week academic course level will help you to develop your English skills further. Once you have completed the whole programme, you will be confident to communicate in English in a variety of situations. You will be able to –

read and understand a wide variety of texts dealing with a range of topics;
listen to, understand and participate meaningfully and accurately in spoken communications covering a wide range of subjects;
have conversations and create written texts using the styles and registers that fit the situation best; and
improve your English vocabulary and grammar so that you are comfortable communicating what you want to say.

We place you in a class that best suits your needs using a valid, recognised online test. Our contact classes run from Mondays to Fridays from 09:00 to 12:30 over eight-week blocks. You will be expected to complete an additional hour per day of self-paced activities in preparation for the next day’s class.

If you prefer to study online, e-mail Ammie Henson at ammie@sun.ac.za for more details on our online IEP short course.

Anyone who wants to learn English can apply. The programme is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, but anyone else who would like to become a student is also welcome.

First read this declaration. Then click ‘Apply now’, complete the online sign-up form and submit it. You will then receive an e-mail with more instructions to complete your application.

You will need to pay the full fee (as stated in the letter of admission) before we can finalise your registration. The additional levy of R5 115, administered by Stellenbosch University International (SUI), is payable upon course registration.

If you enrol through Stellenbosch University International (SUI), you will receive a transcript from the University listing your results, as well as a report from the Language Centre at the end of each level.

If you have enrolled as a short-course participant, you will get a certificate from the University for each level you complete.

You are responsible for your own private accommodation arrangements. Check the Stellenbosch University International website for more information on safe and suitable accommodation.

You will be able to practise your written and spoken English in a variety of different situations and settings. Being able to speak English fluently will open many doors for you, personally and work wise.

You will expand your cultural knowledge and explore a new part of the world. Stellenbosch is a beautiful, relatively safe, historic town situated close to Cape Town. You will have enough time to discover hiking routes, sandy beaches and historic sites, and make new friends.

Currently the course costs R12 778 for each eight-week block. Our prices are competitive, and generally our courses cost less than most reputable English courses offered around the world. The price includes the course book – we use the National Geographic Outcomes series.

Applicants will be required to complete an online placement test before registration and payment is complete.

The 2024 International Registration Fee (IRF) is R5 035 plus R80 (for the student card) = R5 115. This is administered by Stellenbosch University International (SUI) and is payable upon course registration.

The IRF includes: