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When To Start Applying For University In 2026

Early application for South Africa’s 26 universities for the academic intake 2026 is important due to competition and available space. The page provides the opening and closing dates for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in all the public universities in South Africa for the academic year 2026.

University Application 2026

Students must gather academic certificates and non-academic documents at least 6 months in advance to apply quickly when their chosen university opens the application portal.

Guidance On How to Secure Admission to Your Preferred University.

Begin preparing at least 6 months in advance to research universities, gather admission requirements, and improve academic performance.

Universities have unique admission requirements, including academic performance and required documents. Applicants are advised to review and provide all necessary information online or offline during the application process.

2026 University Applications Opening Dates

The 2026 university application details and dates are now available, with most South African universities’ general application opening on March 1, 2025, and closing on November 30, 2025.

2026 University Applications Closing Dates

The university application dates for the 2026 academic year, including the closing dates, have been published below.

South African universities for the 2026 academic year require applicants to submit National Senior Certificate or Grade 11 exam results and ID documents for admission consideration within application timelines.

University Admissions Calendar 2026

The 2026 university application dates, including opening and closing, are provided for all South African universities below:

University of the Western Cape:

11 May (Dentistry), 30 September (other programs)

Mpumalanga University:

June 1, 2025 – 30 January 2026

Stellenbosch University:

1 April to 30 September 2025

University of Cape Town:

2 April – 31 July, 2025

University of Pretoria:

Veterinary: 1 April – 31 May 2025
Other programs: April 1 – 30 June, 2025

University of the Witwatersrand:

March 1 – July 31 (Teaching & Nursing)
March 1 – 30 September (Others)

University of KwaZulu-Natal:

1 April – 30 September 2025

North-West University-

2 April 2025 – 28 June 2025 (BEd & PGCE)
2 April – 30 August – All Other Courses

Nelson Mandela University-

April 1 – 30 June 2025 (MBChB, BPharm & BRad)
April 1 – 30 September (All other Courses)

Sol Plaatje University –

April 1 2025 to September 30, 2025

Tshwane University of Technology-

March 1 – 30 September 2025 (All Courses)

University of the Free State:

April 1 -30 September, 2025

Vaal University of Technology:

South African applicants: April 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025.
International applicants: January 26, 2026.

University of Venda-

01 April 2025 to 30 September 2025

University of Fort Hare-

June 1st to November 30th, 2025

University of Johannesburg-

April 1 – October 31, 2025

Rhodes University–

April 1, 2025 – November 30, 2025 at 12 noon

Sefako Makgatho University–

April 2024- July 2024

University of South Africa (Unisa)

August 19 to 22 November 2025

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

May 13 – September 30, 2025

University of Zululand

University of Limpopo

September 28th, 2025 (MBBS)
October 30th, 2025 (All undergraduate programs

Durban University of Technology

April 01 to 30 November 2025

Mangosuthu University of Technology

Engineering applications are due by September 30th.
Second-semester applications by May 31st.
Natural Sciences applications by September 30th.
Analytical Chemistry applications by May 31st.
Management Sciences applications by September 30th.

Central University of Technology

May 13 to 30 September 2025

NSFAS Bursaries and Student Loans

All public universities and universities of Technology qualify for NSFAS funding, offering full bursaries for students with annual incomes below R350,000, and student loans for those with incomes above R350,000 but below R600,000 per annum.

NSFAS applications are only available late in the year, so it’s crucial to apply for your desired university or college course before they open, as waiting until approved may be too late.

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