Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch has from very early been significant concerning the history of education in South Africa. As early as 1685, the Dutch Reformed Church founded its second parish in Sellenbosch
The university’s roots grew from the establishment of the Theological Seminary of the Dutch Reformed Church. This was founded in 1859. The foundation for the Stellenbosch Gymnasium was laid in 1863 and it opened its doors in 1866. The Stellenbosch Gymnasium later became the Victoria College. These institutions evolved into what is now the university by 1918.
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 became 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
