Good news for students who missed university application deadlines! Some South African universities are still accepting applications for the 2027 academic year. Here is where you can still apply online.
If you have not yet applied to study at a university in 2027, there is still hope. Although many universities in South Africa have already closed their applications, a few opportunities remain available for prospective students.
The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) is still accepting undergraduate applications until 30 November 2026, giving matric learners and other prospective students another opportunity to apply for admission.
Meanwhile, the University of South Africa (Unisa) is accepting applications for selected master’s and doctoral qualifications until 20 November 2026.
Students who missed the application deadlines at other universities should also keep an eye on possible late application opportunities in early 2027.
Here is everything you need to know about universities still open for 2027 applications, closing dates, application requirements and how to apply online.
List of Universities Still Open for 2027 Applications
The following application periods have been confirmed through official university admission pages.
| University | Qualifications | Closing date |
|---|---|---|
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | Undergraduate programmes | 30 November 2026 |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | Advanced diplomas | 30 November 2026 |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | Honours and postgraduate diplomas | 30 January 2027 |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | Master’s and doctoral degrees | 30 January 2027 |
| University of South Africa (Unisa) | Master’s and doctoral degrees | 20 November 2026 |
Some programmes may have different deadlines or fill available places before the general closing date. Online Applications+1
1. University of Mpumalanga (UMP) – Applications Still Open
The University of Mpumalanga is one of the remaining public universities where prospective undergraduate students can still apply for the 2027 academic year.
Applications opened on 1 June 2026, and the university has confirmed that undergraduate and advanced diploma applications will close on 30 November 2026.
UMP 2027 application details:
- Undergraduate closing date: 30 November 2026
- Honours and postgraduate closing date: 30 January 2027
- Application method: Online
- Official website: www.ump.ac.za
Prospective students must prepare certified copies of their identity documents, academic results and other supporting documents required for their chosen qualifications.
UMP’s official application page currently lists a R200 application fee for South African applicants. Applicants should check the latest payment instructions before paying. Online Applications
Apply online: University of Mpumalanga 2027 Applications
2. University of South Africa (Unisa) – Selected Applications Still Open
Unisa is another university where some 2027 applications remain open. However, prospective students must understand that the university’s main undergraduate application period has already closed.
Unisa is currently accepting applications for master’s and doctoral qualifications.
Unisa 2027 application details:
- Qualifications: Master’s and doctoral degrees
- Opening date: 1 September 2026
- Closing date: 20 November 2026
- Application method: Online
Unisa advises prospective postgraduate students to apply early because some qualifications may be removed from the application system once available spaces have been filled.
Students applying for undergraduate degrees, diplomas and higher certificates must wait for an officially announced reopening or another application opportunity. University of South Africa
Apply online: Unisa 2027 Postgraduate Applications
Universities That Have Already Closed Applications for 2027
Several popular South African universities have closed their main undergraduate application periods for the 2027 academic year.
These include:
| University | Application status |
|---|---|
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | Closed |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | Closed |
| University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | Closed |
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | Closed |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | Closed |
| University of Venda (Univen) | Closed |
| North-West University (NWU) | Closed |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | Closed |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | Closed |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | Closed |
| Central University of Technology (CUT) | Closed |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | Closed |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | Closed |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | Closed |
| University of Fort Hare (UFH) | Closed |
The statuses refer to the main undergraduate application periods. Separate postgraduate or programme-specific applications may follow different schedules. Scenda+1
Will Universities Open Late Applications for 2027?
Students who missed the normal application deadlines should not give up on their plans to study in 2027.
Some universities may offer late application opportunities in January 2027 if spaces remain available after the initial admission and registration processes.
Universities worth monitoring include:
- University of Johannesburg (UJ): Students can monitor announcements about the university’s late enquiry process, which is different from submitting a new late application.
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT): Check whether the university announces space-available programmes.
- Other public universities: Vacancies may arise when accepted applicants do not register, but additional application opportunities are not guaranteed.
Importantly, students should not assume that a university is accepting late applications unless an official announcement has been made.
How to Apply Online for 2027 University Admission
For students planning to apply at the University of Mpumalanga or another university with an open application period, the process generally involves the following steps.
- Visit the university’s official website and open its online application portal.
- Create an applicant account or sign in if you already have one.
- Choose the qualification you want to study and confirm that applications are still open.
- Enter your personal details, contact information and academic history.
- Upload the supporting documents requested by the university.
- Pay the application fee if required, using the official payment instructions.
- Review your details and submit the application.
- Save your application or student reference number so you can check your application status.
Submitting an application does not guarantee admission. Applicants must still meet the qualification requirements and be selected for available places.
Documents Needed When Applying to University
Before starting an online application, prepare the documents relevant to your circumstances.
- A certified copy of your South African ID or passport.
- Grade 11 final results if you are currently in Grade 12, where accepted.
- Your latest Grade 12 results, if required.
- A National Senior Certificate if you have already completed matric.
- Previous academic records if you are applying for postgraduate studies.
- Any additional documents requested for your chosen qualification.
Check each university’s application page for its exact document and certification requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2027 University Applications
Which university is still open for 2027 undergraduate applications?
The University of Mpumalanga is still accepting undergraduate applications until 30 November 2026, according to its official admissions page.
Is UJ still open for 2027 applications?
No. The University of Johannesburg’s main undergraduate applications closed on 31 October 2026. Students should monitor the university’s official channels for any late enquiry arrangements.
Is Unisa still open for 2027 applications?
Yes, but only for certain qualification categories. Master’s and doctoral applications are open until 20 November 2026, subject to programme-specific exceptions. The main undergraduate application period has closed.
Can I apply for university in January 2027?
Possibly. Some institutions may announce late applications or space-available opportunities in January, but this depends on the institution and the qualifications with remaining places.
Can I still apply if I failed to meet the requirements?
You can explore alternative qualifications for which you meet the admission requirements, including higher certificates, diplomas and eligible TVET college programmes. Completing an alternative qualification does not automatically guarantee admission into a degree.
Can I apply for NSFAS funding if I have not been accepted at university?
Students may apply for NSFAS funding during the official application period even if their university admission is still pending. Funding remains subject to NSFAS eligibility requirements and verification.
Visit www.nsfas.org.za for the latest funding application information.
Final Reminder: Do Not Miss the Remaining 2027 Application Deadlines
With most South African universities having closed their undergraduate applications, prospective students should act quickly while opportunities remain.
The University of Mpumalanga’s 30 November 2026 closing date is especially important for matric learners and other applicants who are still looking for undergraduate admission in 2027.
Students planning to pursue postgraduate qualifications should also take note of Unisa’s 20 November 2026 master’s and doctoral application deadline.
If your preferred university has already closed, continue monitoring its official website for any confirmed late application or late enquiry announcements.
Remember: Apply only through official university websites, check admission requirements carefully and keep your application reference number safe.