University Application Deadlines South Africa
University Application Deadlines South Africa
University Application Deadlines South Africa | Applying to South African universities for the 2026 academic year requires careful attention to application opening and closing dates, as they vary by institution. Here’s a comprehensive overview to assist you:
view the latest closing date here
General Application Timeline for 2026
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Opening Dates: Applications for the 2026 academic year typically open between 1 April and 1 June 2025.
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Closing Dates: Deadlines vary by university and program, generally falling between 30 June and 31 October 2025.
Specific University Application Dates for 2026
Here are the application periods for select South African universities:
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is currently accepting applications for 2026 undergraduate admissions. Prospective students can apply online through the UKZN application portal
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Opens March 1, 2025, closes September 30, 2025.
April 2025 Openings:
- University of Fort Hare (UFH): April 1 – September 30, 2025
- Rhodes University: April 1 – November 30, 2025
- University of Stellenbosch: April 1 – January 26, 2026
- University of the Free State (UFS): April 1 – September 30, 2025
- University of Johannesburg (UJ): April 1 – October 31, 2025
- University of Zululand (Unizulu): April 1 – October 31, 2025
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU): April 1 – September 30, 2025
- North-West University (NWU): April 1 – September 30, 2025 (No application fee)
- University of Venda (Univen): April 1 – October 31, 2025
- University of Pretoria (UP): April 1 – June 30, 2025
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU): April 2 – September 30, 2025
May 2025 Openings:
- University of Limpopo (UL): May 1 – September 29, 2025
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU): May 1 – October 31, 2025
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT): May 13 – September 30, 2025
- Vaal University of Technology (VUT): May 6 – September 30, 2025
June 2025 Openings:
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP): June 1 – January 30, 2026
September 2025 Openings:
- University of South Africa (UNISA): September 11 – November 30, 2025
- University of Cape Town (UCT): Applications open on 1 April 2025 and close on 31 July 2025 for undergraduate study. The last date to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) is 15 October 2025
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits): Applications open 1 March 2025 and close 30 September 2025.
- University of the Western Cape (UWC): Applications open on 1 May 2025 and close 30 September 2025.
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU): Applications open 1 April 2025 and close 30 November 2025. Late applications may be considered in January 2026, depending on availability
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Durban University of Technology (DUT), and Central University of Technology (CUT): Their 2026 application dates have not been officially
Note: These dates are subject to change. It’s essential to consult each university’s official website for the most current information.
Recommendations
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Early Application: Apply as early as possible to secure your spot and to have ample time to address any issues that may arise during the application process.
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Stay Updated: Regularly check the official websites of the universities you’re interested in for any updates or changes to application dates.
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Prepare Required Documents: Ensure all necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, identification, and proof of payment for application fees, are prepared in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
By adhering to these timelines and recommendations, you’ll be well-positioned to navigate the university application process in South Africa for the 2026 academic year.