University Applications for 2026 in South Africa
Starting your university journey is a big step, and getting your application in early is really important. Many universities across South Africa have already opened their applications for the 2026 academic year. Whether you’re planning to study medicine, engineering, education, or anything else, now is the time to start preparing. In this article, I’ll guide you through which universities are accepting applications, what the application fees are, and where you can apply. It’s your future — make sure you take the first step in the right direction.
Universities Open for 2026 Applications
| University | Application Period | Application Fee | Apply Online |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | Closing 31 May 2025 (Vet Science), 30 June 2025 (Other faculties) | R 300,00 | Apply to UP |
| North-West University (NWU) | Closing 28 June 2025 (Selection courses), 30 August 2025 (Other courses) | Free (SA), R575 (international) | Apply to NWU |
| University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) | Closing 30 June 2025 (Teaching & Nursing), 30 September 2025 (Other programmes) | R100 (SA citizens), R700 (international) | Apply to WITS |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | Closing 30 July 2025 (MBChB), 29 September 2025 (Other programmes) | R200 (SA), R750 (international) | Apply to UL |
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | Closing 31 July 2025 | R100 (SADC), R300 (non-SADC) | Apply to UCT |
| Stellenbosch University (SU) | Closing 31 July 2025 | R 100,00 | Apply to SU |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) | Closing 31 July 2025 | Information not specified | Apply to SMU |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | Closing 30 September 2025 | R210 (on-time SA), R420 (late SA), R490 (international) | Apply to UKZN |
| University of the Western Cape (UWC) | Closing 30 September 2025 | Free | Apply to UWC |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | Closing 30 September 2025 | R250 (SA), R300 (international) | Apply via CAO |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) | Closing 30 September 2025 | R250 (SA), R300 (international) | Apply via CAO |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | Closing 30 September 2025 | Free | Apply to UFS |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | Closing 30 September 2025 | Information not specified | Apply to TUT |
| Sol Plaatje University (SPU) | Closing 30 September 2025 | Information not specified | Apply to SPU |
| University of Venda (UNIVEN) | Closing 30 September 2025 | Information not specified | Apply to UNIVEN |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | Closing 1 October 2025 | Free (online), R200 (manual) | Apply to UJ |
| University of Zululand (UNIZULU) | Closing 31 October 2025 | R250 (SA), R300 (international) | Apply via CAO |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | Closing 31 October 2025 | Free | Apply to WSU |
Universities Opening Soon for 2026 Applications
| Rhodes University (RU) | Opening 1 May – Closing 30 September 2025 | R 100,00 | Apply to RU |
| Vaal University of Technology (VUT) | Opening 1 May – Closing 30 September 2025 | Information not specified | Apply to VUT |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | Opening 13 May – Closing 30 September 2025 | Free (online), R200 (manual) | Apply to CPUT |
| Central University of Technology (CUT) | Opening 13 May – Closing 30 September 2025 | Information not specified | Apply to CUT |
| University of Fort Hare (UFH) | Opening 1 June – Closing 31 October 2025 | Free (online), R120 (manual SA), R500 (manual international) | Apply to UFH |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | Opening 1 June – Closing 30 September 2025 | Information not specified | Apply to UMP |
| University of South Africa (UNISA) | Opening 1 September 2025 – Closing 1 January 2026 | R 135,00 | Apply to UNISA |
| Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | Closing dates vary by programme | Free (SA), R500 (international) | Apply to NMU |
Find all Bursaries OPEN for application here
Documents needed when applying for university in South Africa
To ensure a smooth university application, you should have the following documents ready to upload to the online application portal of the relevant university. Remember, all copies should be certified to satisfy the university that they are valid and true. Documents can be certified by a police station, lawyer, or post office, and should not older than three months. International students also often need a study visa and proof of English language proficiency (like IELTS results) if English isn’t their first language.- Certified copy of your ID or passport (If you’re a South African citizen, you’ll use your ID; if you’re an international student, your passport.)
- Final Grade 11 results or latest school report (Most universities use your Grade 11 marks for provisional admission if you haven’t finished Matric yet.)
- Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent (If you’ve already finished Matric, you need your Matric certificate or statement of results.)
- Proof of application fee payment (Some universities ask you to upload the receipt if there’s an application fee.)
- Academic transcripts (for transfer students) (If you’ve studied at another university or college before.)
- Supporting documents for special applications (If you’re applying for disability support, sports bursaries, leadership scholarships, etc.)
- Passport-sized photo (Some universities request this for student cards or records.)
Tips and advise for applying for university in South Africa
- Apply Early. Don’t wait until the last minute. Some courses fill up fast, and you don’t want to miss out just because you were late. Plus, early applications sometimes get you considered for scholarships too!
- Apply to More Than One University. Even if you have a “dream university,” always have backup options. It’s smart to apply to at least 2–3 places, just in case.
- Double-Check the Requirements. Every course and university is a little different. Make sure you meet the minimum admission requirements — check the APS score (Admission Point Score), specific subjects you need, and any extra stuff like portfolios or interviews.
- Get Your Documents Ready Early. Certify your ID, get your school reports, and sort out your proof of payment now. Scrambling for documents at the last minute is stressful — trust me.
- Don’t Panic About Not Knowing Exactly What You Want to Study. It’s okay if you’re still figuring things out. Pick something you’re genuinely interested in and know you can build from later. Lots of people change their career goals once they’re already in university!
- Ask for Help If You’re Confused. If you’re stuck with online applications or don’t understand something, email the university or call them. They usually have people there just to help you.
- Keep Copies of Everything. When you apply, save copies of the application, payment proofs, and emails. If something goes wrong, you’ll have proof that you applied.
- Trust Yourself. Applying for university feels like a big deal (because it is), but you’ve got this. You’re doing something amazing for your future. Stay calm, stay organized, and believe in yourself.