University Applications For 2026 In South Africa
University Applications For 2026 In South Africa, When to Apply for University 2026 in South Africa?
South African universities are now open, accepting and processing applications from all local and international students for the 2026 academic year. To be considered for admission, applicants must complete and upload all supporting documents before the closing date due to space availability. The application form should be completed promptly and materials should be prepared and uploaded as PDF documents.
Documents Needed to Apply to Universities For 2026
To apply to a university, you must submit all documents and meet the admission requirements of your chosen program. The application form should be completed fully and documents must be uploaded online as PDF file via the application portal.
- Official copy of your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification
- Academic transcripts.
- Copy of your South African ID or passport for international students.
- Completed online or downloaded and submitted physically.
- Proof of the application fee.
Meeting University and Program Requirements
Each university and program has specific entry requirements regarding grades in specific subjects, minimum points achieved, and sometimes additional tests or interviews. Make sure you research the exact requirements for your chosen program well in advance.
How to Apply Online to Universities in South Africa for 2026
Follow the steps below to apply to a university in South Africa for the 2026 January intake
- Determine what course (qualification) you want to pursue and what is required to pursue that course (admission requirements)
- Learn about housing and funding for your studies.
- Use online tools such as the prospectus and quick guides to assist you in making your decision.
- Apply online for admission to the university of your choice.
- Apply for housing at the college or university for 2025.
- Request funding
- Check your admission status
- Check the status of your residence admission.
- Alter your course of study
- Change your contact information
- Confirm any admission offer you may have received so that we can reserve a spot for you.
- Pay any applicable fees that may be owed.
- Participate in orientation programs to learn how and where to do things on campus
- Find out when you can enrol in your course.
- Enrol in your desired subjects by completing the registration process (modules)
- Find out when the lectures begin.
Application Form For 2026 (Hard -Copy)
South Africa’s university application process is primarily online, with some institutions requiring hard copies. Submit a complete application with required documents to your preferred university, ensuring materials are certified by the right person. If an application fee is required, pay and add proof.
University Applications For 2025-2026 In South Africa
Prospectuses For 2026 Of Universities
South African universities provide diverse courses and programs for students of all backgrounds. Prospectuses, available online, in print, or both, detail the academic year 2025-2026, admission requirements, fees, facilities, and student services. These prospectuses also provide information about the university’s facilities and services.
Application Cycle For 2026
The 2026 academic year application cycle is open from March 1 to October 30, 2025, for qualified students interested in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at South Africa’s 26 public universities. Apply now to secure your admission spot.
South Africa Online Application Form Dates for 2026
The application for the January 2026 semester in South Africa opens on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and the deadline for both online and manual applications is Friday, October 31st, 2025 in almost all the universities in South Africa.
Financial Aid for Students at South African Universities in 2026
Universities in South Africa offer financial assistance to students who are unable to complete their tertiary education due to financial constraints. Students can visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.ac.za, which is one of the bursary avenues for South African students. You will be funded to complete your diploma or degree courses at the university if you meet the NSFAS requirements.
Application Fees for South African Universities in 2026
University application fees in South Africa range from R100 to R575, depending on the institution and program. There may also be extra charges for international applicants and those applying late.
South African Universities Online Applications Status check for 2026
Universities have launched online portals where applicants can track their application status for the 2025–2026 academic year. Use your university’s online system and application login details to check the status.
To check your application status,
To track and check the status of your 2025-2026 application in South Africa, follow the process below:
- Go to the application status portal of the university where you applied.
- Enter your ID, passport number, or student number, as well as your password or PIN.
- Click the submit button to submit the forms.
- You can track and check your status by clicking the log-in button.
- Print the acceptance or admission letter once you have been accepted.
- You have 48 hours to accept or reject the offer.
Late Application In South Africa, 2026
Most South African universities’ application deadline for the 2026 academic year is November 30, 2025, with some accepting late applications, but review will occur later, and the final deadline is February 28, 2026.
Which universities will be accepting applications for 2026?
The following South African universities are currently accepting applications for the January intake year and the academic year 2026.
Traditional Universities
- University of Cape Town Admission 2025/2026
- University of Fort Hare Online Admission 2025/2026
- University of the Free State Online Admission 2025–2026
- University of KwaZulu-Natal Online Admission 2025–2026
- University of Limpopo Online Admission 2025–2026
- North-West University Online Admission 2025–2026
- University of Pretoria Online Admission 2025–2026
- Rhodes University Online Admission 2025–2026
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Online Admission 2025–2026
- University of Stellenbosch Online Admission 2025–2026
- University of the Western Cape Online Admission 2025–2026
- University of the Witwatersrand Online Admission 2025–2026
- Comprehensive universities
- University of Johannesburg Online Admission 2025–2026
- Nelson Mandela University Online Admission 2025–2026
- University of South Africa Online Admission 2025–2026
- University of Venda Online Admission 2025–2026
- Walter Sisulu University Online Admission 2025–2026
- University of Zululand Online Admission 2025–2026
- Universities of technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology Online Admission 2025–2026
- Central University of Technology Online Admission 2025–2026
- Durban University of Technology Online Admission 2025–2026
- Mangosuthu University of Technology Online Admission 2025–2026
- University of Mpumalanga Online Application 2025–2026
- Sol Plaatje University Online Application 2025–2026
- Tshwane University of Technology Online Application 2025–2026
- Vaal University of Technology Online Application 2025–2026
LIST OF SOME PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN SA
See the List Below for some Private Universities
- Maritime Business Institute (Pty) Ltd
- Management And Leadership Academy
- Gateway City College
- Damelin (Pty) Ltd
- Cleverland Technical And Business College
- Berea Technical College (Pty) Ltd
- White River Technical College
LIST OF TVETS IN SOUTH AFRICA
The following are some of the TVETS available in South Africa:
- Buffalo City TVET College
- Ikhala TVET College (G)
- Ingwe FET TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College (H)
- King Sabata Dalindyebo Tvet College (E)