Excitement builds as Stellenbosch University welcomes new Maties for the 2026 academic year
Excitement fills campus as thousands of new Maties arrive at Stellenbosch University for the start of the 2026 academic year, marked by the official welcoming ceremony and iconic Dream Walk.
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Excitement is building across campus as Stellenbosch University prepares to welcome thousands of newcomer students ahead of the start of the 2026 academic year.
From Monday, January 26, first-year students started to arrive at the university’s various campuses to take part in the official Welcoming Programme, which runs until February 8.
The two-week programme is designed to help newcomers settle into university life, connect with peers and mentors, and familiarise themselves with academic expectations and campus support services.
New students will be introduced to their faculties and campus spaces, meet mentors, make new friends and learn about the wide range of academic, sporting, cultural and support opportunities available at the institution.
The Welcoming Programme is structured around three core components: an institutional welcoming programme; academic welcoming and orientation activities within each faculty; and welcoming events hosted within student communities and residences, including organised student life, sport, societies, mentorship programmes and support services.
One of the highlights of the programme takes place today, Wednesday, 28 January, when the official welcoming ceremony will be hosted at the Danie Craven Stadium. The event will be led by Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath and attended by members of the Rectorate, deans, senior management, the Student Representative Council, other student structures and the university’s much-loved mascot, Pokkel.
Following the formal proceedings and the taking of the official 2026 group photograph, students will participate in the iconic Dream Walk down Victoria Street. During the symbolic walk, newcomers will pass a banner marking the start of their academic journey and, in keeping with tradition, attach handwritten cards expressing their hopes and dreams to the trees lining the route.
“We are delighted to welcome our newest Maties to Stellenbosch University. The Welcoming Programme is designed to help students settle in, feel supported and start building the connections that will shape their student experience,” Ramjugernath said. “One of the most meaningful moments is the Dream Walk down Victoria Street. It’s a symbolic reminder that students’ time at Stellenbosch is not only about what they will learn, but also about who they will become.”
Other highlights on the programme include the Welcoming Fair at the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday, January 30, where students can engage with various societies, Maties Sport and Facilities Management. A fun run hosted by Maties Sport from the Maties Sport Gymnasium will follow the next day.
The Welcoming Programme will conclude with the Vensters/Connect festival at the Coetzenburg sports fields on Saturday, February 7. The carnival-themed event features newcomer performances, food and craft vendors, and interactive partner activations.
Classes for newcomer students will begin on Monday, February 9, officially marking the start of the 2026 academic year.