South African Universities Accepting Applications 2026

The majority of South African institutions provide their students, alumni, and staff with an amazing combination of academic brilliance, cultural vibrancy, and a stunning environment. After graduating from any South African university, you can get ready for both the local and global job markets.

The unique academic offerings, varied campuses, and stunning landscapes of South African universities make them alluring. These are some things to think about when selecting a South African university for the 2026 academic year.

Semester System:

South African universities have two semesters, February-June and July-December. Depending on the semester you plan to apply for, make sure you send your applications to the university of your choice within the time range indicated. During the second semester, some universities renew applications while others do not. It is your obligation to know when to apply for the first and, if necessary, second semesters!

Application, Enrollment, and Registrations:

Some institutions enable CAO to receive and process applications on their behalf, while others handle applications themselves. Prospective students need to understand which universities accept direct applications and which do not.

Visas and Language:

International students seeking to study in South Africa must first get a valid study visa from the South African embassy in their home country.

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.

Application Timelines

When applying to any of the 26 universities, you must submit all application documents on or before the application deadline. To be clear, the general application season for universities in South Africa begins on March 1. However, the majority of universities open the application window on April 1 of the year preceding the year of anticipated study.