Stellenbosch University Language Centre

Stellenbosch University Language Centre Stellenbosch University Language Centre is a vibrant hub for students, staff and clients who require language and communication assistance.

Stepping into an exam room feels much better when you know exactly what to expect from the paper. The SU Language Centre...
12/06/2026

Stepping into an exam room feels much better when you know exactly what to expect from the paper.

The SU Language Centre’s IELTS EXAM PREPARATION short course is aimed at anyone who needs to prepare for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam in order to attend a postgraduate course in South Africa or abroad, anyone who needs to prove proficiency in English for studies or immigration, or international students who need the minimum IELTS score to apply for university entrance in South Africa.

The online short course focuses on the specific formats and timing strategies required for each section of the exam. You will spend time learning how to extract key points from academic texts, analyse visual data accurately, structure your essays logically and listen for precision details during the audio assessments.

The course combines interactive online classes with personalised feedback on your writing and speaking exercises to ensure you feel comfortable with the exam requirements.

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:
🗓️ Dates: 17 August – 16 September 2026
💻 Format: Online, 2 live sessions per week (2 hours each, running over 4–6 weeks)
📝 Apply by: 27 July 2026

👉 Apply here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Azv6pjwKWEKEM6Eg3_zTSKbNVXqMFe1KjmcgnG0D9FFUQkRETDlNQjJLMEtaNDlRNlZaMkRQNllFMS4u&route=shorturl

📘 For more information: languagecentre.sun.ac.za/product/international-english-language-testing-ielts-preparation-2/

📩 For enquiries, contact Michelle Pieters at [email protected] or call 021 808 2812.

There is a distinct joy in helping someone find their voice in a new language. This part-time short course supports aspi...
10/06/2026

There is a distinct joy in helping someone find their voice in a new language. This part-time short course supports aspiring teachers who want to develop practical teaching skills for international and online environments.

The SU Language Centre’s TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TEFL) short course gives you a practical foundation to get started with confidence. The course covers key areas such as lesson planning, classroom management and keeping students engaged.
It is also a useful refresher for experienced teachers who want to sharpen their approach.
No previous teaching experience is required. A bachelor’s degree supports your employment prospects abroad, although individuals without a degree are welcome to enrol too.

The TEFL short course combines online, part-time learning with in-person teaching practice. On successful completion, you will receive an internationally recognised certificate of competence to support your future job applications.

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:
📅 Course dates: Part time from 11 August to 30 October
💻 Format: Online training with in-person practical sessions
📝 Apply by 21 July 2026

👉 Apply now: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Azv6pjwKWEKEM6Eg3_zTSKbNVXqMFe1KjmcgnG0D9FFUN0sxSzlEM1VYWlY1M1lGQ0pTQkZQRjlKUC4u&route=shorturl

📘 For more information : https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/product/teaching-english-as-a-foreign-language-tefl/

🎒 Curious about how previous TEFL participants experienced the training? Read about Meryl’s TEFL training story here: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/meryls-tefl-adventure/

📩 For enquiries, contact Michelle Pieters at [email protected] or call 021 808 2812.

🔊 Run, don’t walk! Take advantage of this opportunity to learn a new language and make friends on campus if you’re a Mat...
09/06/2026

🔊 Run, don’t walk! Take advantage of this opportunity to learn a new language and make friends on campus if you’re a Matie!

Master the basics of isiXhosa or Afrikaans with our 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 interactive campus courses tailored to your world at Stellenbosch University. After one of these courses, you’ll feel even more at home on our multilingual campus, and you’ll be able to connect with friends and fellow students in more languages! 😎🔥

📆 Both the isiXhosa and Afrikaans campus courses start on 3 August and end in the week of 8 October. It’s in person and on campus.

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼:
🌟 Campus IsiXhosa: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/product/campus-isixhosa/
🌟 Campus Afrikaans: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/product/campus-afrikaans/

📌 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 - email Helga Sykstus at [email protected] by 30 June to sign up.

See you there! 👊

Do you have a poem, short story, novel idea or piece of life writing waiting to take shape?The SU Language Centre’s Crea...
09/06/2026

Do you have a poem, short story, novel idea or piece of life writing waiting to take shape?

The SU Language Centre’s Creative Writing Workshop offers a supportive in-person space where you can start writing creatively in English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa. With gentle guidance, you’ll have the opportunity to find your voice, build your confidence and begin putting your ideas on the page.

The workshop takes place over ten weeks, with sessions on two afternoons a week at the SU Language Centre in Stellenbosch.

Lead facilitator Jonathan Amid will guide participants in a non-judgmental environment, with input from four visiting guest writers: Barbara Boswell (fiction), Danie Marais (poetry), Alistair Mackay (short stories) and Máire Fisher (life writing). You can write and interact in the language of your choice.

With participants’ consent, written contributions will later be compiled into a book, and each participant will receive a copy.

Places are limited, so register sooner rather than later!

📅 Course dates: 30 June to 1 September
Course format: 10 weeks | Two 2-hour sessions per week
Register by: 19 June

👉 To register, complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/ChNpWJE7UZ

More information available here: :https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/WCRE-Creative-Writing_ENG.pdf
📩 Or, if you’d like to find out more, email Michelle Pieters at [email protected].

Learning South African Sign Language (SASL) opens up more meaningful ways to connect. The SU Language Centre’s SASL ELEM...
08/06/2026

Learning South African Sign Language (SASL) opens up more meaningful ways to connect.

The SU Language Centre’s SASL ELEMENTARY LEVEL A2 short course is a practical on-campus programme designed for people who already have a basic foundation in SASL and want to build their confidence in everyday face-to-face communication.

Through weekly in-person sessions, you will expand your conversational vocabulary and practise signing in a safe and supportive learning environment. Professional interpreter guidance and dedicated online resources will help you revise and strengthen your skills between classes.

This course is a valuable next step for anyone who wants to communicate more naturally and respectfully with members of the Deaf community.

Will you join?
📝Apply by 16 July 2026

Course details:
🗓️ Dates: 6, 13, 20 & 27 August; 3, 10 & 17 September; 1, 8 & 15 October 2026
Location: On campus
⏰ Time: 14:00 - 16:00

👉 Secure your place in the class here: https://forms.office.com/r/3Q6VPcxXgU

📘 More information: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/product/south-african-sign-language-elementary-level-a2/
📩 For enquiries, contact Michelle Pieters at [email protected] or call 021 808 2812.

Clear communication saves time, reduces misunderstandings and helps teams get work done with fewer unnecessary back-and-...
05/06/2026

Clear communication saves time, reduces misunderstandings and helps teams get work done with fewer unnecessary back-and-forths.
The SU Language Centre is hosting an online Plain Language Writing Workshop for professionals who draft or review internal policies, compliance documents, HR updates, public-facing messages and other workplace communication.

This interactive, online workshop offers a practical approach to structuring information clearly, cutting unnecessary jargon and writing documents that readers can understand on the first read.

The workshop will be led by Liezl van Zyl, co-founder of Hey Plain Jane and co-creator of the . She brings extensive practical experience in transforming complex regulatory and legal content into clear, accessible and useful communication.
Join us to sharpen your writing and make your documents work better for the people who need to use them.

Choose your workshop:
30 and 31 July (apply by 9 July), or
22 and 23 October (apply by 1 Oct)
⏰ Time: 09:00 - 12:00
💻 Format: Online via MS Teams

👉 Apply here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Azv6pjwKWEKEM6Eg3_zTSKbNVXqMFe1KjmcgnG0D9FFUNDBZWjU0OU5LRlpTVkVVTkkyOUhEVFJVMi4u&route=shorturl

📘 More information:https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WPLA-Plain-Language-Writing_Eng.pdf

📩 Questions? Contact Michelle Pieters at [email protected] or call 021 808 2812.
Design Sandbox

Jade Andrews has been a writing consultant at the SU Language Centre’s Writing Lab since 2024. Jade was awarded her doct...
04/06/2026

Jade Andrews has been a writing consultant at the SU Language Centre’s Writing Lab since 2024. Jade was awarded her doctorate in March, and we caught up with her to tell us a bit more about her academic journey. 🎓

“I’ve recently completed my PhD in Agricultural Sciences, with my research exploring the feasibility of conservation agriculture in vegetable systems focusing on biophysical dynamics, farmer perspectives and financial implications. My academic journey has been shaped by a strong interest in understanding complex, socio-ecological systems, particularly in the context of adapting to climate change.

Alongside my research, working as a consultant at the Writing Lab for the past two years has been incredibly rewarding, as it has allowed me to support students in developing their own academic voice and confidence in writing.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue in academia through postdoctoral research, contributing to interdisciplinary work that supports more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.”

🌟 We’re proud of you, Jade, and wish you everything of the best!

The Writing Lab supports academic writers at SU to reach their full potential. Book a free writing consultation here: https://apex.sun.ac.za/apex/apex5/f?p=210

Have you always wanted to write creatively, but never knew how or where to start? A poem, a short story, a novel… or per...
03/06/2026

Have you always wanted to write creatively, but never knew how or where to start? A poem, a short story, a novel… or perhaps some life writing?

Now you can do exactly that in English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa, with gentle in-person guidance to find your voice and gain the confidence to let it be heard.

The SU Language Centre’s brand-new Creative Writing Workshop will support you to start writing creatively in English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa. Step into a creative writing space with us for two afternoons a week for ten weeks.

Join lead facilitator Jonathan Amid in this non-judgmental environment to explore what you have to say, start expressing yourself and learn from four visiting guest writers: Barbara Boswell (fiction), Danie Marais (poetry), Alistair Mackay (short stories) and Máire Fisher (life writing). Write and interact in the language of your choice.

With participants’ consent, written contributions will eventually be compiled into a book, and each participant will receive a copy.

The workshop will be offered in person at the SU Language Centre in Stellenbosch. Places are limited, so register sooner than later!
📅 Course dates: 30 June to 1 September
Course format: 10 weeks | Two 2-hour sessions per week

Register by: 19 June
👉 To register, complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/ChNpWJE7UZ

More information available here:https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/WCRE-Creative-Writing_ENG.pdf
📩 Or, if you’d like to find out more, email Michelle Pieters at [email protected].

We’re looking back on the past semester, and we must say, the Intercultural Communication 113 module that the Language C...
02/06/2026

We’re looking back on the past semester, and we must say, the Intercultural Communication 113 module that the Language Centre’s Academic and Professional Literacies focus area offered in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering to first-year engineering students was a run-away success. Congrats to all first-year engineering students who completed the module!

In the first semester of the 2026 academic year, all first-year engineering students worked in groups to investigate a local example of a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) using engineering graduate attributes to frame their investigation. They compiled a group report during term 1, and in term 2, pitched their project with posters to prospective “investors” on a few “investor days”.

Investigating real-world challenges was the perfect opportunity for students to put what they’ve learnt in the Intercultural Communication module into practice, which encompassed communicating engineering concepts and activities effectively with their peers and society at large. Working in diverse groups, they had to navigate linguistic, cultural and learning differences to successfully communicate and negotiate ideas with each other and, eventually, with external stakeholders.

On investor day, we visited the many groups and their posters and listened to their pitches (some very compelling!) as prospective investors. It was clear that the first-year engineering students really applied inclusive and clear communication as foundation for their projects, thereby ensuring successful and impactful projects. The conversations were passionate and convincing, and we’re proud of them for keeping open minds and embracing their differences to work towards the same shared goal.

Well done also to the team behind this module: Module leads Angela Govender and Karin Wolff; facilitators Marisca Coetzee, Taneha Hans, Lauren Van Breda, Asambese Mkumatela, Wade Cafun, Cyle Wilson, Ian Mararo and Kudakwashe Pasipamire; and Faculty of Engineering demis (student assistants) Consolata Nsanzubuhoro, Yanik van Alphen and Eddie Mutizwa.

👀 Keep an eye out for our blog post to read more about the Language Centre’s approach to modules like these, and to find out more about the students’ poster presentations and ICC 113!

Curious about academic and professional literacies? Read more here: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/academic-and-professional-literacies/

How successful you are in an academic environment often depends on how well you communicate. This workshop helps you fin...
01/06/2026

How successful you are in an academic environment often depends on how well you communicate. This workshop helps you find your footing in a flexible setting and sets you up for success in the classroom.

The SU Language Centre’s online English for Academic Purposes Workshop is designed to help you take part in academic discussions with confidence. This course focuses on practical, day-to-day academic tasks presented in a workshop format. You will focus on breaking down complex texts, structuring your writing logically and presenting your research ideas to fellow students.

The sessions also cover the basic principles that keep your work organised, including structured note-taking, accurate referencing and leading group discussions.

As the workshop takes place in an interactive online format, you have the unique opportunity to apply these techniques directly in your current research or coursework between sessions.

Workshop details:
📅 Dates: 28 & 30 July; 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 & 27 August; 1, 3, 8, 10, 15 & 17 September 2026
💻 Format: Online, 8 weeks (32 hours total)
⏱ Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 - 12:00

Apply by 7 July 2026!
👉 Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/SSDU92P2HP

📩 For more questions, contact Michelle Pieters at [email protected] or call 021 808 2812.

Address

44 Banghoek Road
Stellenbosch
7600

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27218082167

Website

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