Stellenbosch, South Africa

AIFS: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Next Offered: Every Fall and Spring Semester

Application Deadlines: September 15 (for spring semester abroad); March 15, (for fall semester abroad)

While students are able to apply for future semesters abroad, Dominican will make a decision on whether travel is possible, after the application deadline and before any payments are made.

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Stellenbosch is a university town of 90,000 people in the most beautiful part of South Africa. The town and university is surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges and vineyards. Residents and students enjoy easy access to Cape Town, a 30-minute drive and a crossroads of cultures, languages and oceans. Safety and security are statistically higher than in large cities. Visit the AIFS website: AIFS in Stellenbosch

Academic Program
  • Coursework: Students enroll in selected English language courses at the University of Stellenbosch.
  • Service Learning Certificate offered as option
  • It may be possible for students to take courses that fulfill Dominican requirements within their major, minor, or the core curriculum. Students should obtain course descriptions from AIFS and get approval in writing from their advisors or the appropriate core curriculum approver, prior to studying abroad. This Area Requirements (pdf) document lists courses that fulfilled core area requirements prior for Fall 2021. This is a great place to start when looking for courses that may fulfill core area requirements at DU.
Application

Students must first complete the online application above, which requires you to ask two faculty to complete recommendation surveys on your behalf. All applications are reviewed by the program director and the Office for Global Learning. Once approved to apply, students then complete another application with AIFS. We recommend that all applicants complete their applications early. This is especially important for those who'd like assistance obtaining their study permit (visa) or need special accommodations.

Cost and Financial Aid
Estimated Costs
  • Semester programs cost the same as Dominican University tuition and fees, plus a $1000 Study Abroad fee and a minimum $3,100 housing in a university residence hall
  • Includes 15 credits, cultural and social activities, and international medical insurance
  • Students are also responsible for the following out-of-pocket costs
    • Non-refundable application fee: $95
    • Text books: $175
    • Study permit/visa fees: Approximately $120
    • Personal expenses: $300
    • Additional money for meals: $2,000/semester
    • Vacation travel outside group excursions additional
    • Round trip flight: $800–$2500

Due to fluctuation of exchange rates, the costs are subject to change.

Scholarships and Financial Aid
  • 100% of your state aid, federal aid, and Dominican scholarships and grants are applicable to a semester abroad, however, the Resident Student Grant does not apply to a semester abroad. Students who received 3rd party external scholarships should consult financial aid on whether or not they apply to a semester abroad.
  • Additional loans or the Parent Plus Loan are available to students through the Office of Financial Aid.
  • All students should apply to scholarships they are eligible for. If the combined value of Dominican aid and external scholarships exceed the cost of attendance, DU aid will be adjusted.
  • All students should apply to Dominican University's Excellence in Experiential Learning Awards (ExcEL) to earn up to $2000 off the cost of the program
  • Pell Grant recipients should apply for the Gilman Scholarship 
  • All students should apply for Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships
  • AIFS scholarships for qualified students
Requirements and Eligibility
  • Open only to currently enrolled Dominican University students. 
  • 2.7 Dominican University GPA
  • Junior or senior standing
  • Students must attend at least one information session and one orientation session
Excursions, Housing and Transportation
Excursions
  • Garden Route tour (six days)
  • Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, and Boulders Beach Penguins day trips
  • Optional three-day visit  to Cedarberg Mountains ($375)
  • Optional five-day safari to ADDO Elephant Park and Breede River ($695)
  • Volunteer work in a township community
  • Extra-curricular university activities, such as sports, chorus, theater and dance
Housing
  • Minimum $3,100 housing in a university residence hall
  • Single room in Student Residence, with kitchenettes, en-suite bathrooms, and access to laundry facilities
Transportation
  • Students can purchase their own flights with any airline or travel provider. Students also have the option of purchasing a flight through AIFS.

Learn more about Study Abroad