Applying to Universities in South Africa for 2026

Applying to Universities in South Africa for 2026, How to Apply to Universities in South Africa for the 2026 Intake: Dates, Documents, and Requirements

If you’re planning to apply to universities in South Africa for the 2026 academic year, then get prepared, as most of them are open and accepting applications from all qualified and interested domestic and international students

What you need to apply to a university

Application Fee: The cost of applying to universities varies. Make sure you pay when you are supposed to

Fully completed application form: You will need to fill out an application for 2026 either in person or online. The application forms are available on the university’s official websites.

Application Documents: You will need to supply a certified copy of your ID, academic results, and any other documents asked by the university

SA Universities 2026 (Opening and Closing Date)

Opening Dates: The 2026 application period will normally begin in March 2025, albeit each has a different start date.
Closing Dates: Most universities’ deadlines fall between September 30 and November 30, 2025. You must comply with the deadline by completing the application form before the deadline.

Universities Application Outcome

The university where you applied will send you an email with your reference number to confirm receipt of your application.

Important date for 2026 Applications

Here’s a breakdown of application dates for some of South Africa’s top universities for the 2026 intake

March 1, 2025

1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
2. University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)

April 1, 2025

1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
2. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
3. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
4. Rhodes University
5. Stellenbosch University
6. University of the Free State (UFS)
7. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
8. University of Zululand (Unizulu)
9. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
10. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
11. University of Venda (Univen)
12. North-West University (NWU)
13. University of Pretoria (UP)
14. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
15. Central University of Technology (CUT)
16. Sol Plaatje University
17. Durban University of Technology
18. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)

MAY 13 2025

1. University of Limpopo (UL)
2. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
3. Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
4. University of the Western Cape (UWC)

June 1, 2025

• University of Mpumalanga (UMP)

September 11, 2025

• University of South Africa (UNISA)

Read Also:

• Universities in South Africa Open for 2025-2026 Applications
• South African Universities Now Open for Applications 2025-2026
• Applications Open and How to Apply for 2025-2026/SA