Universities in South Africa Offering Free Applications For 2027

Are you looking for universities in South Africa that are accepting free applications for the 2027 academic year? We have compiled a list of institutions where prospective students can apply at no cost, whether through paper-based or online applications. Both South African and international applicants can take advantage of these opportunities, as the universities listed do not require an application fee.

The absence of an application fee does not reflect the standard of education offered. These institutions maintain high academic quality and are comparable to other universities that charge application fees. They are well-known for delivering excellent training and producing competent graduates. With no processing fee required, you can submit your application without incurring any additional costs.

2027 University Application Date

Several top universities in South Africa offer free online applications, allowing prospective students to apply without paying costly application fees. As long as you meet the admission requirements, your application will be considered. There’s no need to worry about application costs; simply ensure that you submit your application before the deadline.

Applications for the 2027 academic year open in April 2026. Prepare all the necessary supporting documents in advance, as you won’t need to pay any fee to complete either the online or manual application process.

Full List of South African Universities That Do Not Charge Application Fees for the 2027 Academic Year

Below is a detailed compilation of South African universities that allow prospective students to submit their applications without paying any application fees. These institutions offer free application opportunities for the 2027 academic year.

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

The application season for the 2027 academic year runs from 1 April to 31 October 2026. Online applications are free of charge. However, applicants who choose manual submission must attach proof of payment for a non-refundable R200 application fee.

Rhodes University (RU)

Applying to Rhodes University for the 2027 academic year is free of charge. The application window will be open from 1 April to 30 September 2026. Applicants must ensure they meet the specific entry requirements for their chosen programme and submit all supporting documents well before the deadline.

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University will accept applications from 1 April to 31 July 2026. South African applicants are required to apply online and pay a non-refundable application fee of R100. However, applicants to the Business School and international applicants are exempt from paying the application fee. South African applicants may also request a fee waiver by completing the relevant online form.

University of Pretoria:

Applicants with a household income of R150 000 or less per year are exempt from paying the application fee at the University of Pretoria. Those whose household income exceeds R150 000 must pay a non-refundable application fee of R300 (approximately 30 USD) for the 2027 academic year.

All applications to study at the University of Pretoria are submitted online. The application portal for the 2027 cycle opens on 1 April 2026.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology:

Application deadlines at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) vary depending on the programme you are applying for. The general closing date for the 2027 academic year is 15 March 2027, although certain programmes may have earlier deadlines.

The 2027 application window officially opens on 13 May 2026.

Online applications to CPUT are free of charge. However, applicants who choose to submit a paper-based application must pay a non-refundable application fee of R100.

North-West University

Applications for selection programmes open on 1 April 2026 and close on 30 June 2026. Non-selection programmes do not have a specific closing date, but applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

South African citizens are not required to pay an application fee. However, international applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of R575 at the time of submitting their application.

Nelson Mandela University (NMU):

Application deadlines at Nelson Mandela University vary depending on the programme you are applying for. However, the general application period for the 2027 academic year runs from 1 April to 30 September 2026.

South African applicants are not required to pay an application fee. International applicants, however, must pay a non-refundable application fee of R500 at the time of submission

University of the Free State (UFS)

The University of the Free State is one of the leading universities in South Africa offering free online applications, which results in a high volume of applicants each year. For the 2027 academic year, most programmes will open for applications on 1 April 2026 and close on 30 September 2026.

Walter Sisulu University

There are no application fees at Walter Sisulu University. The university offers a free online application process, making it more accessible to prospective students.

For the 2027 academic year, the application window runs from 1 April to 31 October 2026.

University of the Western Cape (UWC)

There is no application fee to apply to the University of the Western Cape (UWC). All applicants can access and submit the application form free of charge.

Applications to study at UWC are completed entirely online. The 2027 application cycle opens on 1 April 2026.

Although the application is free, spaces are limited. Submitting your application early improves your chances of securing admission; free access does not mean unlimited availability.

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