By now, most South African universities are preparing to open their admissions for 2026. If you are planning to study at a South African public university, it is vital to know the application dates and admission requirements to ensure your application process runs smoothly and on time.
This guide provides you with everything you need to know: from opening and closing dates, admission requirements, selecting a university, and how to apply for funding.
2026 University Application Dates
The following table outlines the opening and closing dates for university applications in South Africa for the 2026 academic year. Please note these dates may be subject to change, so always verify on the respective university’s official website.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Website: www.uct.ac.za
- Opening: 2 April 2025
- Closing: 31 July 2025
- Application Fee: R100 (SADC) / R300 (non-SADC)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Website: www.uwc.ac.za
- Opening: 2 April 2025
- Closing: 30 August 2025 (Dentistry), 30 September 2025 (Other)
- Application Fee: FREE
Stellenbosch University (SU)
- Website: www.sun.ac.za
- Opening: 1 April 2025
- Closing: 31 July 2025
- Application Fee: R100
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Website: www.uj.ac.za
- Opening: 1 April 2025
- Closing: 1 October 2025
- Application Fee: FREE (online) / R200 (manual)
University of Pretoria (UP)
- Website: www.up.ac.za
- Opening: 2 April 2025
- Closing: 31 May 2025 (Vet Science), 30 June 2025 (Other faculties)
- Application Fee: R300
University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
- Website: www.wits.ac.za
- Opening: 1 March 2025
- Closing: 30 June 2025 (Specific programmes), 30 September 2025 (Other)
- Application Fee: R100 (SA citizens) / R700 (foreign citizens)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Website: www.ukzn.ac.za
- Opening: To Be Confirmed
- Closing: 30 June 2025 (Medicine), 30 September 2025 (Other programmes)
- Application Fee: R210 (On-time SA) / R420 (Late SA) / R490 (International)
Rhodes University (RU)
- Website: www.ru.ac.za
- Opening: 1 May 2025
- Closing: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: R100
University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Website: www.unisa.ac.za
- Opening: 1 September 2025
- Closing: 1 January 2026
- Application Fee: R135
North West University (NWU)
- Website: www.nwu.ac.za
- Opening: 2 April 2025
- Closing: 28 June 2025 / 30 August 2025
- Application Fee: FREE
University of the Free State (UFS)
- Website: www.ufs.ac.za
- Opening: 1 April 2025
- Closing: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: FREE
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Website: www.mandela.ac.za
- Opening: 1 April 2025
- Closing: Varies by programme
- Application Fee: FREE (SA citizens) / R500 (International)
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Website: www.dut.ac.za
- Opening: 1 April 2025
- Closing: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: R250 (SA) / R300 (International)
University of Limpopo (UL)
- Website: www.ul.ac.za
- Opening: To Be Confirmed
- Closing: To Be Confirmed
- Application Fee: R200 (SA) / R750 (International)
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- Website: www.wsu.ac.za
- Opening: 2 April 2025
- Closing: 30 September 2025 (Health), 31 October 2025 (Other)
- Application Fee: FREE
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- Website: www.ufh.ac.za
- Opening: 1 March 2025
- Closing: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: FREE (online) / R120 (manual SA) / R500 (manual International)
Please ensure to check each university's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding application dates and fees.
Admission Requirements: Start with the APS
Before applying to any university, confirm the minimum admission requirements for your chosen institution and course. This includes calculating your Admission Point Score (APS):
- Visit the university’s website to review their latest prospectus.
- Check your entry scores against the course requirements.
- If your scores align, proceed to choose a suitable course.
Tip: If your APS falls short, consider upgrading your results before applying.
Use Course Match to find courses you qualify for.
Course Match is a valuable tool for South African learners looking to find university courses they qualify for. It uses the latest prospectuses from South African universities to match your Matric or Grade 11 final results with available study programs. By generating a free personalized report, Course Match provides a comprehensive list of courses you qualify for, potential job opportunities based on your qualifications, and expert tips on preparing and submitting successful applications.
You can find more information here.
Selecting a University: Key Factors to Consider
Here are important aspects to consider when choosing the right university:
- Course Offering: Does the university offer your preferred degree? Some universities specialize in certain fields.
- Cost Comparison: Compare tuition and additional expenses like accommodation and meals.
- Support Facilities: Look for student support services, tutoring programs, and health centers.
- Culture and Campus Life: Research societies, clubs, and the overall environment.
- Accreditation: Verify that the institution is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE).
- Accommodation Options: Ensure residence availability or look for alternate accredited housing options.
- Facilities: Visit the campus to evaluate available equipment, libraries, and labs.
- Student Insights: Network with current students to get firsthand information on student life.
How to Apply to University: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Check Application Dates: Review the opening and closing dates for your preferred university.
- Visit the Application Portal: Go to the university’s website and apply online.
- Pay Application Fees: Refer to the table above for the application costs.
- Prepare Certified Documents:
- Identity Document (ID card)
- Final Grade 11 results (current Matrics)
- Matric report (Term 1 or Term 2, if applicable)
- Matric NSC Certificate (if Matric is completed)
- Additional academic records (if applicable)
- Affidavit describing post-Matric activities (if applicable)
- Submit Your Application: Upload documents and complete the form.
- Track Application Status: Regularly check your application progress online.
- Await Firm Offer: Universities issue firm offers after receiving final Matric results.
- International Students: Apply for a study permit and ensure SAQA evaluates your qualifications.
Funding Your University Studies
Here are popular funding options available to students:
- Bursaries: Awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or both. Find bursaries open for application here.
- Student Loans: Offered by major banks like Standard Bank, Absa, FNB, Capitec Bank and Nedbank. Typically, interest is paid during your studies, and the capital is repaid post-graduation.
- NSFAS: Government funding for students from households earning less than R350,000 annually. Learn more about NSFAS here.
Final Thoughts
Applying to university is an exciting step toward your future. Stay organized, meet deadlines, and ensure your application is error-free. With careful planning, the process will be seamless, bringing you closer to your academic and career goals.
Good luck with your 2026 university applications!
FAQs: University Applications in South Africa
When should I start applying for 2026 university admissions?
- Applications generally open in March/April 2025 and close between June and November 2025, depending on the university.
What documents are required for a university application?
- You need your ID, Grade 11/12 results, Matric certificate, and additional records where applicable.
How much are university application fees in South Africa?
- Fees range between R100 and R700, while some universities offer free online applications.
How do I calculate my APS score?
- Your APS is calculated based on your final Matric results. Visit the university website for specific scoring guidelines.
What if I miss the application deadline?
- Some universities allow late applications, but this is not guaranteed. Always apply as early as possible.