Applications Open and How to Apply for 2025-2026/SA
Applications Open and How to Apply for 2025-2026/SA Universities
As another academic year starts, prospective students from all over South Africa and beyond are focusing on the fascinating realm of higher education. But amid all of the excitement about potential careers and campus visits, one important query remains unanswered: When and how should I apply to universities in South Africa?
With a focus on the eagerly awaited 2025 intake, this extensive guide will address all of your urgent queries regarding the South African university application period.
We will provide a list of all South African universities, along with their application dates. You must meet the requirements, which include a minimum grade point average for the program you want to pursue, and submit your application on time to be considered for admission.
Are applications for 2025 open yet?
Applications for most South African universities for the 2025–2026 intake are not yet open. The general application window for the 2025–2026 academic year opens and commences in April 2024, with deadlines extending into November 2024. Nonetheless, a few universities, such as TUT and WITS, will open in March 2024.
So, when should you apply for 2025–2026?
Here’s a list of the 26 public universities in South Africa and their 2025–2026 application periods:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
Application period: opens on April 3, 2024, and closes on August 4, 2024.
Application fee: R100
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Application period: Opens on April 1, 2024 and closes on September 30, 2024
(Semester 2 (August) 2024) (30 April 2024)
Application Fee: On-time applications: R210
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
Application period: opens on April 1, 2024, and closes on September 30, 2024.
Application Fee: The application fee of R100
- Rhodes University
Application period: opens on April 1, 2024, and closes on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Application Fee: R100
- University of Stellenbosch (Stellenbosch University)
Application period: Applications for the 2025 intake will open on April 1, 2024, and close on January 26, 2025.
Application Fee: R100 is required upon application
- University of the Free State (UFS)
Application period: 2025-2026 Applications will open on 1 April 2024 and close on 30 September 2024
Application Fee: There is no application fee
- University of Limpopo (UL)
Application period: The application opens on May 1, 2024, and closes on September 29, 2024.
Application Fee: R200.00 (South African students) and R750.00 (for international students).
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Application period: The application opens on 01 April 2024 and closes on 31 October 2024.
Application Fee: R200.00
- University of Zululand (Unizulu)
Application period: Application Opens on Monday, 01 April 2024 and closes on Thursday, 31October 2024.
Application Fee: R220 (South African) and R275 (international students)
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Application period: Generally, applications at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) will open on April 01 2024 and close on 31 October 2024.
Application Fee: No Application fee payment required
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Application period: Application Opens on Friday, 01 March 2024 and closes on Monday, 30 September 2024.
Application fee: R240 non-refundable
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Application period: The application period begins on May 16, 2024, a Thursday, and ends on September 30, 2024, a Monday.
Application fee: R100 (Manual Applications)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Application period for the 2025-2026 academic year: 1 April 2024 – 30 September 2024.
Application Fee: An application fee of R500. 00 (Non-refundable)
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
Application period: Opens on June 01 2024 and closes on 30 January 2025.
Application fee: RSA/SADC Applicants R150, other African Countries R350 and countries outside Africa R500
- Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
Application period: Admissions applications for the 2025–2026 academic year will open on Monday, May 6, 2024, and close on September 30, 2024.
Application fee: R100, non-refundable and non-transferable
- University of Venda (Univen)
Application period: Opens on 01 April 2024 and closes on 30 October 2024.
Application Fee: R100 application fee
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
Application period: On Monday, September 2, 2024, applications for admission to the academic year 2025–2026 will be accepted; they must be submitted by November 30, 2024.
- North-West University (NWU)
Application period: Applications for 2025-2026 are now open from April 01 to 30 September 2024.
Application Fee: Applications are FREE
- University of the Free State (UFS)
Application period: 2025 Applications will open on 1 April 2024 and close on 30 September 2024
Application Fee: It costs nothing to apply to study at the UFS.
- University of Pretoria (UP)
Application period: Applications for 2025 open on 1 April 2024. The closing date for all selection programmes is 30 June 2024
Application Fee: Application fee of R300 (30 US Dollars) for 2025
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Application period: Applications for 2025 open on Monday, 13 May 2024 and close on Monday, 30 September 2024.
Application Fee: There is no need for an application fee.
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
Application period: All program applications for the 2025 academic year are available starting on April 3, 2024, and must be submitted by Monday, September 30, 2024.
Application Fee: Application fee: R300; non-refundable
South African Universities Application Step Guide 2025-2026
Applying to South African universities involves several steps, and the process may vary slightly depending on the institution and the level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate, etc.). Here is a general guide on how to apply to South African universities:
Research Universities and Programs:
- Identify the universities and programs that match your academic and career goals.
- Check admission requirements for each program.
Choose a Qualification:
- South African universities offer various qualifications, including certificates, diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate studies. Choose the level of study that suits your needs.
Meet Admission Requirements:
- Ensure that you meet the minimum admission requirements for the chosen program.
- Requirements may include academic qualifications, language proficiency (English or Afrikaans), and specific subject prerequisites.
Complete the Application Form:
- Obtain the application form from the university’s official website or the relevant admissions office.
- Fill out the application form accurately and completely.
Submit all Required supporting Documents:
Gather all required supporting documents, which may include:
- A fully Completed Application Form
- Matriculation Certificate or equivalent
- A certified copy of your South African identity document.
- Proof of Application Fee Payment
- An email address and a contact phone number
- English Language Proficiency
- A certified copy of your passport.
- Study Visa
Pay the Non-refundable Application Fee:
- Pay the application fee, if applicable. The fee amount varies among universities.
Submit a fully completed Application Form:
- Submit your completed application form and all required documents by the specified deadline.
- Some universities may allow online submission, while others may require physical submission.
Track and Check Application Status:
- Monitor the status of your application through the university’s online portal or by contacting the admissions office.
Accept the Offer before Registration:
- If accepted, follow the instructions for registration.
- Pay registration fees and provide any additional documentation requested.
Always refer to the specific university’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Admission procedures and requirements can change, so it’s essential to stay informed and follow the instructions provided by the university.
Read Also: