Applying to South African universities for the 2026 academic year is an exciting yet crucial step for prospective students. With various deadlines and application fees to consider, it’s important to stay organized and prepared. In this guide, we’ll break down the application dates, requirements, and steps to apply to some of South Africa’s leading institutions. Make sure to double-check each university’s official website for any changes or updates to these details.
University Application Dates for 2026
Here is a detailed breakdown of the application periods and fees for major South African universities:
| University | Website | Opening Date | Closing Date | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | www.uct.ac.za | 2 April 2025 | 31 July 2025 | R100 (SADC) / R300 (non-SADC) |
| University of the Western Cape (UWC) | www.uwc.ac.za | 2 April 2025 | 30 August 2025 (Dentistry) | FREE |
| 30 September 2025 (Other) | ||||
| Stellenbosch University (SU) | www.sun.ac.za | 1 April 2025 | 31 July 2025 | R100 |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | www.uj.ac.za | 1 April 2025 | 1 October 2025 | FREE (online) / R200 (manual) |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | www.cput.ac.za | 13 May 2025 | 30 September 2025 | FREE (online) / R200 (manual) |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | www.up.ac.za | 2 April 2025 | 31 May 2025 (Vet Science) | R300 |
| 30 June 2025 (Other faculties) | ||||
| University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) | www.wits.ac.za | 1 March 2025 | 30 June 2025 (Specific programmes) | R100 (SA citizens) / R700 (foreign citizens) |
| 30 September 2025 (Other) | ||||
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | www.ukzn.ac.za | To Be Confirmed | 30 June 2025 (Medicine) | R210 (On-time SA) / R420 (Late SA) / R490 (International) |
| 30 September 2025 (Other) | ||||
| Rhodes University (RU) | www.ru.ac.za | 1 May 2025 | 30 September 2025 | R100 |
| University of South Africa (UNISA) | www.unisa.ac.za | 1 September 2025 | 1 January 2026 | R135 |
| North-West University (NWU) | www.nwu.ac.za | 2 April 2025 | 28 June 2025 / 30 August 2025 | FREE |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | www.ufs.ac.za | 1 April 2025 | 30 September 2025 | FREE |
| Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | www.mandela.ac.za | 1 April 2025 | Varies by programme | FREE (SA citizens) / R500 (International) |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | www.dut.ac.za | 1 April 2025 | 30 September 2025 | R250 (SA) / R300 (International) |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | www.ul.ac.za | To Be Confirmed | To Be Confirmed | R200 (SA) / R750 (International) |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | www.wsu.ac.za | 2 April 2025 | 30 September 2025 (Health) | FREE |
| 31 October 2025 (Other) | ||||
| University of Fort Hare (UFH) | www.ufh.ac.za | 1 March 2025 | 30 September 2025 | FREE (online) / R120 (manual SA) / R500 (manual International) |
Requirements to Apply for South African Universities
While each university may have slightly different application requirements, there are common criteria for applying to most South African universities:
1. Academic Records:
- Official transcripts or certificates from your high school or previous university.
- Proof of qualifications (e.g., Grade 12 certificate, A-levels, or equivalent).
2. Application Form:
- Complete the application form available on each university’s website.
- Some universities require online applications, while others may still accept manual submissions.
3. Identification:
- A certified copy of your identification document (ID, passport, etc.).
- South African applicants will need a valid ID, while international students must submit their passports.
4. Proof of Payment:
- Pay the required application fee before submitting your application. Some universities offer free online applications, but manual applications often come with a fee.
5. Program-Specific Requirements:
- Some courses (such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science) may require additional documents like a motivation letter, medical records, or an entrance test.
6. Language Proficiency:
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable) might be required for international students whose first language is not English.
How to Apply for University in South Africa
Step 1: Visit the University Website
- Go to the official website of the university you are applying to and locate the admissions or application page.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
- Fill out the online application form with the required personal, academic, and contact information.
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Upload all required documents (transcripts, identification, proof of payment, etc.).
Step 4: Submit the Application
- Review your application, ensuring that all fields are correct. Once you’re satisfied, submit the form before the deadline.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
- If required, make sure to pay the application fee. This can usually be done online or via bank transfer.
Step 6: Wait for Confirmation
- After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment email with further instructions or updates on your application status.
Tips for a Successful University Application
- Apply Early: Start your application process as soon as the application window opens to ensure that you meet all deadlines.
- Check the Specific Requirements: Different programs may have additional requirements or different deadlines, so it’s crucial to read the instructions for each program.
- Prepare Your Documents: Make sure that your academic transcripts, ID, and other necessary documents are in order before applying.
Final Thoughts
Applying to South African universities for the 2026 academic year requires careful attention to detail and preparation. By following the steps outlined above and adhering to each university’s specific deadlines and requirements, you can ensure a smooth application process. Good luck with your studies, and remember to check each university’s official website for any changes or updates regarding the application process!