Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch has played an important role in the history of education in South Africa from an early stage. As far back as 1685, the Dutch Reformed Church established its second parish in Stellenbosch, laying early foundations for organised learning in the region.
The roots of Stellenbosch University can be traced to the founding of the Dutch Reformed Church’s Theological Seminary in 1859. This was followed by the laying of the foundation stone for the Stellenbosch Gymnasium in 1863, with the school officially opening in 1866. Although it began as a secondary school, the Gymnasium gradually expanded its academic offerings and was already awarding university-level qualifications by the 1870s.
In 1887, the institution was renamed Victoria College, marking a key step in its development toward full university status. With growing staff numbers, improved facilities, and an expanding student body, Victoria College established itself as a leading centre of higher education in the Cape Colony.
In 1918, after meeting the required fundraising targets — including a significant bequest from the farmer Jannie Marais — Victoria College was granted full university status and became Stellenbosch University.
Victoria College thus represents the crucial transitional phase between a local secondary school and a recognised university, laying much of the academic and administrative foundation for the institution as it exists today.
The Arts Department was established in 1874 with 120 students. At the time professors were teaching Maths, Natural Science, and English Literature.
By 1886, more space was required, and a proper college was built to accommodate the classes. The new building was inaugurated on 6 November 1886 and renamed Victoria College in 1887. When the University Act was adopted in 1916, it paved the way for the establishment of a university.
A £100 000 donation by a local benefactor, Mr Jan Marais of Coetzenburg, in April 1918,  enabled Victoria College to become Stellenbosch University. Today, his statue can be seen on the Red Square on mid-campus,
Administration Building, Victoria Street, Stellenbosch ​​
18° 51′ 47.536″ East 33° 56′ 1.327″ South​​
