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South African University Applications 2026

Prospective students can now apply for admission to South African universities for the 2026 academic year. To apply, applicants must have completed Grade 12 or matric exams and meet additional academic requirements. International applicants need to provide a SAQA report or equivalent qualification.

Applications for undergraduate and postgraduate courses will open on April 1, 2025, and will be available online. The application period runs from April 1, 2025, to March 15, 2026, with varying deadlines depending on the university, course, and applicant’s country of origin. Applicants must have a smart device to complete their online applications.

When to Apply For 2026

Prospective students must submit their applications, along with all supporting documents and fees, by the specified closing date for their chosen university and course. It’s important to submit applications early, as most universities will not accept late applications. If applicants were not accepted in previous years, they can reapply for the 2026 intake.

Application Fees for South African Universities 2026

When applying to South African universities, approximately eight institutions do not charge an application fee. These include the University of Free State (UFS), University of Pretoria (UP), Rhodes University (RU), University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of the Western Cape (UWC), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), and Stellenbosch University (SU). Other universities charge application fees ranging from R100 to R575. For specific fee details, applicants should visit the official website of their chosen university.

How to Apply for University online application 2026

Students who are ready to apply to any of the universities for the academic year 2026 must do so through the university’s online application portal.

In your browser, type in the URL of your preferred university. For example, www.unisa.ac.za
You will need an ID or passport number to begin.
To access the online forms or to download the documents, go to the APPLY tab.
Of course, choose at least two options.
Enter your information to obtain your school number.
You will be sent an email to verify your email address before receiving your student number.
Upload all supporting documents for the online university application for 2026.
To submit your online application form for 2026, click the submit button.

CAO Online Applications for 2026

UKZN, MUT, UNIZULU, and DUT are among the universities that accept applications through the Central Application Office, or CAO.

STEP 1: Consult the CAO handbook that provides listings of qualifications available at the different institutions.
STEP 2: Have a look through the various courses offered and choose a programme that interests you and for which you may qualify. Pay attention to closing dates for qualifications.
STEP 3: Find the programme code that is linked to the qualification that you have chosen. This code needs to be entered on the application form.
STEP 4: Use this programme code when completing the CAO form, which is available from the CAO, the CAO website, the University’s Application and Information Office at Howard College, or the Student Academic Administration Offices at Edgewood, Howard College, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville campuses.
STEP 5: Apply online by completing the online application form on the website: www.cao.ac.za.

South African Universities Online Application Requirements

To apply online or in hard copy, you need to have the documents below:

Undergraduate Requirements

Identity Document
Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
Original Proof of payment of application fee
Grade 11 Final Results and Term 1 Grade 12 Results (If you are currently doing matric)
Matric Certificate
SAQA clearance certificate (all undergrad nursing students)
Academic Record, including proof that the Certificate of Conduct (Transfer students)

Postgraduate Requirements

A certified copy of your ID/passport is required.
Authenticated copy of your National Senior/Matric Certificate, O/A Levels, or other relevant school leaving qualification/certificate.
If you are an international applicant, you must provide proof from universities in South Africa (previously known as HESA) that you are eligible for admission to degree studies at South African universities. Refer to the undergraduate prospectus for more information.
If you attended other universities, please provide certified copies of your degree certificate(s), academic record, and certificate of conduct.
International applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide proof of English proficiency.
If the previous qualification(s) was/were obtained at a foreign university, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluates it (outside South Africa).
If you are applying for a Masters or PhD, submit a research proposal/proposed title for your dissertation/thesis.

South Africa university admission requirements

Undergraduate Diploma Study

The minimum requirement for admission to undergraduate diploma study is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in 4 recognised NSC 20-credit subjects.

Bachelor’s Degree Study

To be eligible for admission to degree study, applicants need to meet the minimum requirements for eligibility:

Applicants holding a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) need to pass a minimum of 4 subjects at a rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better in any four 20-credit NSC subjects.
Applicants holding a South African Senior Certificate need matriculation endorsement.
Applicants holding non-South African school- leaving certificates must qualify for a matriculation exemption certificate.