Which Universities Have No Application Fee in South Africa 2025?

Which Universities Have No Application Fee in South Africa 2025, Universities with FREE Applications in South Africa 2025

In South Africa, applying to universities can be costly, particularly if there is an additional application fee. Fortunately, many universities fully waive this fee, making applications free for prospective international and South African students. For the 2025–2026 academic year, many South African universities are currently accepting free applications.

No application fee doesn’t mean less opportunity. These universities offer exceptional education, vibrant communities, and a chance to pursue your academic aspirations without financial constraints. So, take a deep breath, explore your options, and conquer the world of higher education, one fee-free application at a time!

Ready to apply?

Visit the corresponding university’s website and complete the online application process. Remember, deadlines are important, so plan and submit your applications on time.

Freeing yourself from application fees is just the first step. Seize these amazing chances, follow your academic interests, and start your life-changing university journey in South Africa!

The gateway to exciting futures, but often with a hefty price tag attached. Fear not, South Africa boasts several prestigious universities that proudly offer free online applications, removing a significant financial barrier for aspiring students. So, ditch the application fee worries and dive into this guide to unlocking your academic potential at some of the best institutions in the country.

If you’re looking for information on which South African universities don’t require an application fee as well as when to apply, this one is for you.

A Comprehensive List of South African Universities with No Application Fees

The complete list of South African universities where prospective students can apply without having to worry about paying application fees is provided below. Universities with FREE Applications in South Africa 2025

University of Cape Town (UCT):

The application window for the 2025–2026 academic year will open on April 1, 2024, and close on July 31, 2024. On the day of application, every prospective applicant is required to pay a non-refundable application fee of R100. For online submission, applicants have to upload proof of payment via the application portal

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits):

Applications for the Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Health Sciences, and Bachelor of Film and Television programs open on March 1 and close on June 30, 2024. Additionally, submissions for all other programs begin on March 1, 2024, and end on September 30, 2024. For applicants from South Africa, the application fee is R100; for those from other countries, it is R700.

Stellenbosch University:

Stellenbosch University will accept applications from April 1 through July 31, 2024. All prospective South African candidates are required to submit an online application and pay an application fee of R100, which is non-refundable. However, students who attend the Business School or apply from outside of South Africa (international students) do not need to pay an application fee. South African applicants can request a waiver of the application fee by completing an online form.

University of Pretoria:

Applications for all programs offered by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will be accepted beginning on April 1, 2024, and closing on May 30, 2024. By June 30, 2024, all other programs will close. An R300 non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology:

Depending on the course you are applying for, different dates apply for CPUT. Although some programs have an earlier application deadline, the official deadline for applications is March 15, 2025, for the academic year 2025–2026. On May 16, 2024, Cape Peninsula University will formally open the 2025–2026 application window.

Online CPUT applications are free of charge, but paper applications require a non-refundable R100 application fee.

North-West University

Applications for the selection courses close on June 30, 2024, and open on April 1, 2024. Non-selection programs, however, don’t have a closing date.

South African citizens do not need to pay an application fee; however, foreign applicants must pay a fee of R575 on the day of application.

Nelson Mandela University (NMU):

Depending on the course you are applying for, Nelson Mandela University has different application dates. Nonetheless, the general application window is open from April 1 through September 30, 2024.

South African applicants are not required to pay an application fee for this university, but international applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of R500 at the time of application.

University of the Free State (UFS):

There is no application fee for the University of the Free State. Removing application fees is a strategic move to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder students from applying and pursuing their academic goals. Applications for most of the programs open on April 1 and close on September 30, 2024

Walter Sisulu University

The good news is that WSU does not charge an application fee! This makes it an excellent option for students who are looking for quality education without the financial burden of an application fee.

Applications for the 2025 academic year are currently open and will close on October 31, 2024.

Important Notes:

We recommend applying as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
Make sure you have all of the required documents before starting your application.
You can track the status of your application online.

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