2025 University Application Dates and How to Apply

 
By now, most South African universities have opened their admissions for 2025. Students are encouraged to get a head start on their 2025 application process and take this time to gather some valuable information.

If you are planning to study at a South African public university, it is important to gain information about their various application dates as it will ensure that you apply on time and that the application process runs smoothly.

Before you start applying to university, begin by confirming the minimum admission requirement of your chosen institution (this is known as the Admission Point Score (APS)). This can be done by visiting your chosen university’s website and taking a look at their upcoming prospectus for the year. Thereafter, take a look at your entry scores and see if they align with the requirements of the institution. If they do, you can then choose a course that you qualify for.
 
Before we discuss the aspects you should consider when selecting your university and the steps to take to apply to university, let’s have a look at the application dates and how to apply!

2025 University Application Dates

(Please note that the above information is subject to change. This information is supplied to the best of our knowledge and SA Bursaries cannot be held liable for any incorrect information. To verify this information, please visit the respective university website.)
 

Selecting a University

Some aspects to consider to ensure that your chosen university is the correct one for you:

• Does the university offer your course/ degree? And, is the university a leader in your chosen field of study? It’s important to remember that you will be spending and investing a lot of time and money in this institution for the benefit of your future. Therefore, it is vital that you ensure you are getting the best value for your time and money, as some universities are renowned for specific courses.
• Ensure that you compare the costs between various universities. Just because a university’s admission is expensive does not mean that it is the best.
• What additional expenses will you have? It is important to research and plan a rough budget of the expenses you may have beyond your university fees. Should your university be far from home, you may need to pay accommodation, transport, etc. It’s important to remember that most bursaries cover accommodation and meals (or transport) if the student is living at home, but the coverage value may be capped at a certain amount (read about which expenses a bursary covers here).
• What is the culture of the university, and are there student support facilities? It’s important to note that your time at university will usually span over 3 years, as such, do some research to ensure that you will be comfortable during this span. Check your university’s website to see if it offers societies, clubs, tutoring facilities, and health and wellness centers. The level of support available will play a large part in your wellbeing.
• Take a trip to visit your shortlisted universities to see what facilities and equipment are available to the students.
• Does your chosen university have adequate accommodation? Should you want to stay at a university residence, you do not want to be on the waiting list without an alternate plan for accommodation. Some students often find themselves on this waiting list even though their academic year has already started, thus having no place to live. Therefore, always be sure to check your chosen university’s website to see if they have a list of accredited accommodation (read about your accommodation options here).
• Ensure that the university you are applying to is accredited. Any university you study at should be accredited by the Council on Higher Education.
• Network with current students at your chosen university as this is an insightful way to find out what student life is like on campus.

How to apply to University

Step 1: Check the universities opening and closing dates (as shown above).
Step 2: Go to your chosen university’s website and apply via the online application portal (we have provided the application link above for you to apply). Some universities may allow you to choose a first and second choice for a course to study.
Step 3: Pay the relevant application fee (these are listed in the table above).
Step 4: Ensure that your required certified documents are ready to be uploaded with your online application:

• Identity Document/ ID card both sides
• Final Grade 11 results, if you are currently in Matric
• Matric term 1/ term 2 report (if available), if you are currently in Matric
• Matric NSC Certificate/ Senior Certificate, if you have completed Matric
• Additional academic records for completed studies (if applicable)
• Proof that you are currently improving your NSC results (if applicable)
• An affidavit, giving a brief description of the activities you have engaged in after your Matric year (if applicable)

Step 5: Once your online application has been processed, you will then receive an acknowledgment letter that contains your personal number (this number will later become your student number). Please note that receiving a student number does NOT automatically mean that you have been accepted to the university. The admission process is completely separate to the online application, and will only be complete once your application is evaluated by the faculty.
Step 6: Ensure that you regularly check the status of your application.
Step 7: Always note that firm offers can only be confirmed once the university has received your final Matric results. Should you receive a firm offer, you will then need to register at the university once the registration process has begun (this usually happens at the beginning of the academic year).
Step 8: Should you be an international student, you must ensure that you first apply for a study permit at the South African high commission, embassy, consulate or trade mission within your home country. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) will then evaluate your qualifications before you may register, which can take up to 16 days.
 

Funding your University studies

There are various ways in which you can fund your studies, they include: Bursary, Student Loan and NSFAS.

• Bursaries are awarded either based on academic merit, financial need or both. There are bursaries available for all fields of study, at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Find all bursaries OPEN for application here.
• Student loans are offered by major banks (Standard Bank, Absa, FNB and Nedbank), as well as other financial institutions. Generally, you will need a parent or guardian to stand surety for the student loan, meaning they will pay the interest on the student loan while you are studying, and the capital of the loan will be payable after you graduate. Find out more about student loans here.
• NSFAS is funding offered by the South African government, to students from lower income households (under R350 000 per annum). Find out more about NSFAS funding here.