If you are still planning to apply to university for the 2027 academic year, you need to pay close attention to application closing dates.

Several major South African universities have now reached their undergraduate application deadlines.

While 30 September 2026 was an important closing date for several institutions, some universities closed much earlier — in May, June, July or August 2026.

This means students searching for 2027 university applications should not assume that every institution remains open simply because the academic year has not yet started.

Here are some of the major South African universities whose normal undergraduate application deadlines fell on or before 30 September 2026.

Universities That Closed Applications by 30 September 2026

University	Main 2027 Undergraduate Closing Date	Important Note
University of Pretoria (UP)	30 June 2026	Veterinary Science closed 31 May
North-West University (NWU)	31 August 2026	Selection programmes closed 30 June
University of Cape Town (UCT)	31 July 2026	No late undergraduate applications
Stellenbosch University (SU)	31 July 2026	Undergraduate application deadline
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)	31 July 2026	Postgraduate applications closed 31 August
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)	30 September 2026	Several selection programmes closed 30 June
University of the Free State (UFS)	30 September 2026	Some programmes closed earlier
University of Limpopo (UL)	30 September 2026	Medicine and international applications closed 30 July
University of Venda (UNIVEN)	30 September 2026	Main undergraduate deadline
University of the Western Cape (UWC)	30 September 2026	Dentistry and Oral Health closed 31 August
Central University of Technology (CUT)	30 September 2026	No late or walk-in applications
Rhodes University	30 September 2026	Late SA applications may be considered at Registrar’s discretion

Students should note that programme-specific and postgraduate deadlines can differ from the general undergraduate dates shown above.

1. University of Pretoria (UP)

The University of Pretoria was one of the universities with an early application deadline for the 2027 academic year.

Applications opened on 1 April 2026.

The important deadlines were:

Veterinary Science: 31 May 2026

All other undergraduate programmes: 30 June 2026

This means general undergraduate applications to UP for 2027 have been closed for several months.

Students who wanted to study at UP should not confuse postgraduate or other specialised application periods with the normal undergraduate application cycle.

2. North-West University (NWU)

North-West University also closed its undergraduate applications well before the end of September.

The university’s application period for 2027 opened on 1 June 2026.

The deadlines were:

Selection programmes: 30 June 2026

General undergraduate programmes: 31 August 2026

Residence applications: 31 August 2026

NWU has stated in its application information that selection programmes close earlier than general programmes.

Postgraduate applications have a different deadline and close on 30 November 2026.

Students should therefore distinguish between undergraduate and postgraduate applications when checking whether NWU is still accepting applications.

3. University of Cape Town (UCT)

The University of Cape Town opened its 2027 undergraduate applications on 1 April 2026.

Undergraduate applications closed on:

31 July 2026

UCT is particularly important for students searching for late applications because the university clearly states that applications received after the undergraduate deadline will not be considered.

Therefore, students who missed the 31 July deadline should not rely on a general UCT late-application period.

UCT postgraduate programmes can have different application deadlines.

4. Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake also closed during July.

For example, Stellenbosch’s official 2027 Engineering information states that undergraduate degree applications ran from:

1 April 2026 to 31 July 2026

Therefore, prospective students who planned to begin undergraduate studies at Stellenbosch in 2027 needed to apply during the official application period.

Students should check programme-specific information because postgraduate and specialised programmes may operate according to different timelines.

5. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University opened applications for the 2027 academic year on 1 April 2026.

The university announced the following deadlines:

Undergraduate programmes: 31 July 2026

Postgraduate programmes: 31 August 2026

SMU applicants were allowed to apply for two study choices.

Because SMU focuses heavily on health sciences programmes, prospective students should not wait until the end of the year hoping to submit a normal undergraduate application.

The undergraduate application deadline has already passed.

6. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

Wits University had two major undergraduate closing dates for the 2027 intake.

Several highly competitive programmes closed first.

Applications closed on 30 June 2026 for:

All programmes in the Faculty of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Bachelor of Audiology
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology
BA Film and TV

All other undergraduate programmes closed on:

30 September 2026

Residence applications also closed on 30 September 2026.

This means the normal Wits undergraduate application cycle for the 2027 academic year has now ended.

7. University of the Free State (UFS)

The University of the Free State opened 2027 applications on 1 April 2026.

For many undergraduate programmes, the final closing date was:

30 September 2026

However, students need to understand that some selection programmes had earlier deadlines.

This means applicants should always check the deadline attached to the exact qualification they want to study rather than relying only on the university’s general deadline.

The normal application period for many UFS undergraduate programmes has now reached its closing date.

8. University of Limpopo (UL)

The University of Limpopo also used 30 September 2026 as the closing date for most qualifications.

However, some categories closed earlier.

The official UL deadlines included:

MBChB – Medicine: 30 July 2026

International students: 30 July 2026

Master’s in Clinical Psychology: 30 September 2026

All other qualifications: 30 September 2026

Therefore, the normal application period for most University of Limpopo qualifications has now ended.

Students should monitor UL’s official announcements rather than assuming late applications will automatically become available.

9. University of Venda (UNIVEN)

University of Venda undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 May 2026.

The application period closed on:

30 September 2026

UNIVEN’s official 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus confirms this application period.

The university’s online application process is also free.

Students who missed the deadline should monitor official UNIVEN announcements rather than paying individuals who claim they can submit an unofficial or “internal” late application.

10. University of the Western Cape (UWC)

The University of the Western Cape’s general undergraduate application deadline for the 2027 academic year was:

30 September 2026

However, two important areas closed earlier.

Dentistry and Oral Health applications closed on 31 August 2026.

Therefore, students interested in those programmes could not wait until the general September deadline.

UWC also does not charge an application fee.

The university warns applicants that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer because admission is subject to merit and available space.

11. Central University of Technology (CUT)

Central University of Technology applications for the 2027 academic year opened in April 2026 and closed on:

30 September 2026

The deadline covered:

Undergraduate programmes
Advanced Diplomas
Postgraduate Diplomas
Honours programmes
Structured Master’s programmes

CUT is particularly important for students searching for late applications because the university explicitly states:

There are no late applications or walk-in applications.

Research Master’s and Doctoral applications are different and close on 30 March 2027.

Students who missed the normal undergraduate deadline should therefore not travel to CUT expecting to submit a walk-in application.

12. Rhodes University

The normal undergraduate application closing date at Rhodes University is:

30 September

Rhodes’ undergraduate application information lists its online application period as running from 1 April to 30 September.

There is, however, an important distinction at Rhodes.

The university’s admission rules state that late applications from South African applicants may be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.

That does not mean late admission is guaranteed.

International applicants should pay particular attention to the deadline because Rhodes states that late international applications cannot be considered.

Therefore, students who missed the normal Rhodes deadline should check directly with the university instead of assuming that a late application will automatically be accepted.

Which Universities Closed Before 30 September?

A number of universities had already closed their normal undergraduate application periods before the September deadline.

Some of the most important dates were:

31 May 2026

University of Pretoria – Veterinary Science

30 June 2026

University of Pretoria – most undergraduate programmes

North-West University – selection programmes

Wits University – Health Sciences and several other selection programmes

31 July 2026

University of Cape Town – undergraduate applications

Stellenbosch University – undergraduate applications

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University – undergraduate applications

30 July 2026

University of Limpopo – MBChB and international applicants

31 August 2026

North-West University – general undergraduate applications

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University – postgraduate applications

University of the Western Cape – Dentistry and Oral Health

30 September 2026

Several universities reached their main undergraduate deadline, including:

Wits University
University of the Free State
University of Limpopo
University of Venda
University of the Western Cape
Central University of Technology
Rhodes University

Does This Mean All South African University Applications Are Closed?

No.

This is very important.

Not every South African university closed applications by 30 September.

Some institutions have later general deadlines.

For example, Walter Sisulu University (WSU) lists 31 October 2026 as the general closing date for South African applicants, while international applications close on 30 September.

Other universities may have application periods extending into October or November depending on the qualification.

Students who missed the universities listed in this article should therefore not give up on studying in 2027.

Instead, look specifically for universities that are still accepting applications.

What About UNISA?

UNISA should not automatically be added to the “closed by 30 September” list.

Its 2027 application calendar is different from many traditional universities.

Students should check UNISA’s current application period separately rather than assuming that the 30 September deadline applies.

This distinction is important because university closing dates are not standardised across South Africa.

What About UJ, TUT and VUT?

Students should also check the current deadlines for the:

University of Johannesburg
Tshwane University of Technology
Vaal University of Technology

These institutions should not automatically be classified as having closed all general 2027 undergraduate applications by 30 September without checking their applicable programme deadlines.

Some universities have later closing dates, while others close programmes individually once capacity has been reached.

What About the University of Mpumalanga?

The University of Mpumalanga should also not be included among universities whose general undergraduate applications closed by 30 September.

UMP’s published 2027 application information gives:

Undergraduate programmes: 30 November 2026

Advanced Diplomas: 30 November 2026

Honours, Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s and Doctoral programmes: 30 January 2027

Students who missed universities with September deadlines may therefore still have other options.

Can You Still Apply After a University Closing Date?

It depends entirely on the university.

There is no single late-application policy that applies to every South African university.

For example:

UCT says it does not consider undergraduate applications received after its deadline.

CUT explicitly says there are no late applications or walk-in applications.

Rhodes University says late applications from South African applicants may be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.

Other universities may reopen only selected programmes if spaces remain.

Therefore, never assume that “late applications are open” simply because a university accepted late applications in a previous year.

Wait for an official announcement for the 2027 academic year.

Beware of Fake Late Application Offers

The period after university application deadlines is also when prospective students should be especially careful about scams.

Do not pay someone who claims they can:

Submit a secret late application
Guarantee university admission
Change an unsuccessful application to accepted
Secure a place through a university employee
Sell you an admission letter
Secure residence accommodation
Reopen a closed programme

Use official university websites and application portals.

A legitimate university application should follow the institution’s published admissions process.

Missed the Deadline? What You Should Do Next

Missing a university deadline does not necessarily mean you have lost every opportunity to study in 2027.

First, check universities whose normal application periods are still open.

Second, monitor official university websites for legitimate late-application announcements.

Third, check whether institutions reopen specific programmes with available spaces rather than general applications.

Finally, consider the Central Applications Clearing House or other official placement processes if applicable when they become available.

Do not wait until January before investigating alternatives.

Universities Closed for 2027 Applications: Key Takeaway

By the end of 30 September 2026, a significant number of South African universities had reached their normal undergraduate application deadlines.

Some closed much earlier.

The University of Pretoria’s general undergraduate deadline was 30 June, while UCT, Stellenbosch and SMU undergraduate applications closed in July.

NWU’s general undergraduate applications closed on 31 August.

Wits, UFS, UL, UNIVEN, UWC, CUT and Rhodes reached their general or main undergraduate deadline on 30 September 2026, although some programmes at these institutions had earlier deadlines.

However, this does not mean every South African university is closed for 2027 applications.

Some institutions continue accepting applications into October or November, depending on the university, applicant category and programme.

If you missed a deadline, check which universities are still open immediately rather than relying on an unconfirmed late-application period.

Important: Application dates can differ between undergraduate, postgraduate, international, residence and selection programmes. Always verify the deadline for your exact qualification through the university’s official admissions information.

Information checked against official university sources for the 2027 application cycle. Application periods and programme availability can change, so prospective students should verify the latest information directly with the relevant university.

Key dates in the article are supported by official university information: UP closed most undergraduate applications on 30 June; UCT on 31 July and says late undergraduate applications are not considered; NWU closed general undergraduate applications on 31 August; Wits, UL, UWC, CUT and UNIVEN list 30 September as their main/general deadline. University of Pretoria

Official application information: Wits 2027 applications · UCT applications · UP application dates · NWU application information · UL 2027 applications · UWC applications · CUT applications · UNIVEN 2027 prospectus.