South African Universities Accepting 2027 Admissions

Are you planning to begin your studies in 2027? South African universities are now preparing to open their admission cycles for the 2027 academic year, giving prospective students the opportunity to secure a place at some of the country’s leading institutions. Whether you are a South African citizen or an international applicant, understanding when applications open, which universities are accepting students, and what requirements you must meet is essential for a successful application.

Many top institutions, including the University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University, and the University of the Western Cape, typically open their 2027 admission applications between April and mid-year 2026. Early preparation is highly recommended, as programmes often fill up quickly due to limited space and high competition.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about South African universities accepting 2027 admissions—including application opening dates, deadlines, admission requirements, and helpful tips to ensure your application stands out. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate studies, diploma programmes, or postgraduate qualifications, starting early will increase your chances of success.

Language of Instruction

Most universities use English, but some former Afrikaner institutions primarily use Afrikaans. Confirm the teaching language beforehand. Fluency in Afrikaans, English, or one of South Africa’s 11 official languages is required for admission to the university of your choosing, even though formal language tests are optional.

2027 Application Opening Dates

Most South African universities open their 2027 application cycle between April and May 2026. Institutions such as the University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, North-West University, and Nelson Mandela University typically begin accepting applications from 1 April 2026.

Some universities may open slightly later in May, but it is always advisable to check each institution’s official website for confirmed dates.

Application Deadlines for 2027

Closing dates vary depending on the university and programme. However, general undergraduate applications usually close between

31 July 2026 (for highly competitive programmes like Medicine, Law, and Health Sciences)
30 September 2026 (for most undergraduate programmes)
31 October 2026 (for selected institutions and extended deadlines)

Universities such as Rhodes University and the University of the Free State often close applications by 30 September, while others may allow later submissions depending on space availability.

Late applications are rarely accepted, so submitting early greatly improves your chances of securing admission.

Admission Requirements for 2027

Admission requirements differ by university and programme, but most institutions require:

1. National Senior Certificate (NSC)

Applicants must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification with the required Admission Point Score (APS).

2. Minimum Subject Requirements

Certain programmes require specific subjects and achievement levels. For example:

Medicine and Health Sciences require strong results in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
Commerce programmes often require Mathematics.
Education programmes may require specific language proficiency levels.

3. APS (Admission Point Score)

Each university calculates an APS based on your Grade 12 results. Competitive programmes require higher APS scores.

4. English Language Proficiency

International students or applicants from non-English schooling systems may need proof of English proficiency.

5. Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit:

Certified copy of ID or passport
Latest academic results
Proof of payment (if applicable)
Additional documents for specific programmes (portfolio, audition, or NBT results where required)

South African Universities Accepting Applications 2027

Click on the corresponding universities below to find out more about studying in South Africa.