About the University of Stellenbosch

The University of Stellenbosch is working on an experiment to become a truly diverse campus community — teaching and learning across languages and cultures. The university is seeking to extend their "world of thought and ideas." A diversity of ideas is important for the kind of university Stellenbosch would like to be, as it stimulates innovative thought.

This ideal is more easily attained in the context of a university community that reflects all manifestations of diversity in modern society: color, gender, religion, class, origin, disabilities, sexual orientation, health and illness, affluence and poverty.

The University's Vision Statement of 2003 also makes it clear why the development of diversity and an international perspective are so important to Stellenbosch:

• The University could hardly be a positive role player in the building of a new society in South Africa if our demographic profile remains a reflection of our apartheid past.
  
  
• Our task is to prepare students for the multicultural society within which they must live and work — a goal that will be difficult to achieve if our staff and student profile does not also reflect multiculturalism and diversity.
  
  
• Our striving for excellence will be hampered if we do not harness the potential of all sections of South African society.