Universities in South Africa Open For 2026 Applications

Universities in South Africa Open For 2026 Applications

Do you wish to earn an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree in South Africa in 2026? The opportunity is now, as the application window has opened. Before you submit your application, you must first comprehend the South Africa University Online Application Process. It is not surprising that South Africa continues to attract many students from all over the world, considering its top-tier educational institutions, varied choice of study options, and annual acceptance rate. You could be one of them! By following this detailed guide, you will learn the steps required to effectively complete the application process for the 2026 intake.

Key Application Dates and Deadlines 2026:

Prospective applicants ready and wishing to make online applications to study in South Africa for the academic year 2026 must meet the admission requirements, which include the online application deadlines. Take note of the following key dates:

• Most universities accept applications between March 1 and October 31, 2025. Nonetheless, application deadlines differ amongst universities. Ensure you adhere to the timeline.
• August 30 to November 30, 2025 are the general closing dates. Early applications are encouraged!

University Application Method

There are several ways to apply to a South African university. The notable ones are as follows:

Central Application Office (CAO):

Applications are managed by this single platform for several South African public universities. Students can apply to roughly six universities through the Central Application Office with just one application fee. The Central Application Office receives and processes applications on behalf of the Durban University of Technology (DUT), the University of Zululand, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and the University of KwaZulu-Nata

University-specific online portals and manual submissions:

Several universities have online application websites. To learn more, visit the websites of the relevant universities. While some universities only accept online applications, others accept manual or paper-based applications. To apply during the 2026 academic year application cycle, prospective applicants must be aware of the application process.

Required Documents For Applications

The following documents must be certified and scanned by prospective applicants who are prepared to apply and study in South Africa during the academic year 2026.

• Academic transcripts: certified copies of your high school and/or university results.
• Proof of English proficiency: Required for non-native English speakers, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
• South African Identification Documents: This could be an ID card, birth certificate or passport

University Entry Admission Requirements

Entry requirements for South African universities can vary depending on the specific university, program, and previous qualifications. However, here’s a general overview of what you can expect:

General Requirements:

National Senior Certificate (NSC): This is the standard high school qualification in South Africa. You’ll typically need to pass at least 4 subjects at a rating of 4 (50–59%) or better. Meeting their requirements does not guarantee admission but increases it

The minimum average point score (APS) required for a bachelor’s degree course in a South African University is 23

Beyond the application:

Securing admission is just the first step. Familiarize yourself with visa requirements, student accommodation options, and financial aid opportunities in South Africa. Additionally, explore the scholarships and bursaries offered by universities and government agencies.

Pay close attention to the application closing dates, and submit your application well before the deadline.

Admissions processes and requirements can change slightly year-on-year. Regularly check university websites and official South African higher education resources for the latest updates and announcements.

Universities in South Africa Are Taking Applications For 2026

1. University of Johannesburg
2. Nelson Mandela University
3. University of South Africa
4. University of Venda
5. Walter Sisulu University
6. University of Zululand
7. Cape Peninsula University of Technology
8. Central University of Technology
9. Durban University of Technology
10. Mangosuthu University of Technology
11. University of Mpumalanga
12. Sol Plaatje University
13. Tshwane University of Technology
14. Vaal University of Technology
15. University of Cape Town
16. University of Fort Hare
17. University of the Free State
18. University of KwaZulu-Natal
19. University of Limpopo
20. North-West University
21. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
22. University of Stellenbosch
23. University of the Western Cape
24. University of the Witwatersrand