With the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results about to be released, thousands of learners are anxiously waiting to find out when universities will issue admission offers. Universities South Africa (USAf) has now confirmed a revised national timeline for the release of university application outcomes.
This update is critical for matriculants, parents, and guardians planning registration, accommodation, and travel.
Why University Admission Offers Are Delayed in 2026
According to USAf, public universities will release admission decisions only after the official release of the 2025 NSC results to learners and schools.
This change comes after the Department of Basic Education (DBE) decided to grant USAf access to the matric results only 24 hours before public release, instead of the usual 72 hours.
The decision was taken to reduce the risk of result leaks, following challenges experienced during the 2024 results cycle.
What This Means for Matriculants
USAf has strongly advised that:
- Students must wait for official admission outcomes from universities
- Learners should not travel to campuses without an offer
- Universities will not respond to walk-in queries before outcomes are released
- Registration and accommodation can only proceed after confirmation of placement
This approach is intended to protect students and ensure a fair, orderly admissions process.
When Will Universities Release Admission Offers?
Based on confirmations received by USAf, universities will release application outcomes on the following dates and times:
University Admission Offer Release Schedule (January 2026)
Traditional Universities
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU) – 13 January from 00:00
- University of Venda (UNIVEN) – 13 January from 06:00
- North-West University (NWU) – 13 January from 09:00
- University of Pretoria (UP) – 13 January from 12:00
- University of Johannesburg (UJ) – From 16:00 on 13 January to 14 January
- Rhodes University (RU) – From 08:00 on 13 January to 16 January
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU) – 13 January from 08:00
- University of the Free State (UFS) – 14 January from 08:00
- University of Fort Hare (UFH) – 14 January from 08:00
- University of Cape Town (UCT) – 14 January from 16:00
- Stellenbosch University (SU) – 14 January from 16:00
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – 14 January from 10:00
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – 14 January from 09:00
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – 14 January from 12:00
- University of Limpopo (UL) – 15 January from 18:00
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP) – 15 January from 09:00
- University of the Western Cape (UWC) – 15 January from 12:00
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU) – From 09:00 on 13 January to 23 January
- University of South Africa (UNISA) – 19 January from 07:30
Universities of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – 15 January from 08:00
- Central University of Technology (CUT) – From afternoon 13 January to 16 January
- Durban University of Technology (DUT) – 16 January from 08:00
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) – 13 January from 12:00
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – 15 January from 16:00
- Vaal University of Technology (VUT) – 15 January from 12:00
Important Advice From USAf
USAf urges students to:
- Monitor official university portals and emails
- Accept offers as soon as a decision is made
- Prepare registration fees and documents early
- Wait for confirmation of accommodation before travelling
This cooperation will help universities manage the compressed admissions window efficiently.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 matric results cycle marks a significant change in how university admissions are handled in South Africa. While the revised timeline may cause anxiety, it is designed to protect learners and preserve the integrity of the system.
If you are a matriculant, patience is key. Admission offers are coming — and knowing when your chosen university will release decisions helps you plan calmly and confidently.