Registration and welcoming

Researched by the VarsityStart team from official university sources. Last checked 10 October 2026. How we check

The 2027 almanac gives these dates for newcomer first-years (some faculties differ, so check yours):

Thursday 21 January: e-registration begins. First-generation (SOAR) pre-welcoming runs 22 to 25 January.
Tuesday 26 January: you arrive at residences and the welcoming programme begins. Joint welcoming at Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday 27 January (17:30), faculty welcoming and Cluster Day on 28 January, and the Welcoming Fair on Friday 29 January. Welcoming ends on Saturday 6 February.
On-campus registration: Tygerberg 29 to 30 January (newcomer first-year undergraduates); Stellenbosch 1 to 2 February.
Registration closes on Thursday 4 February for all students except master's and doctoral candidates. Classes start Monday 8 February.
Returning Health Sciences (FMHS) students e-register 4 January to 5 February (to be confirmed).
Some programmes close once their target is reached, so registration is first-come, first-served. If you miss the welcoming, your community will still welcome you, and orientation material is on My.SUN.