University application dates for 2026 academic year: Get the full list
In South Africa, most university applications in 2026 were in early 2025. As of the time of this writing, many institutions are not accepting applications, but a few are still open for late applicants. So, you may be asking, which university is open for 2026 applications for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in South Africa? Read through this list to find out.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- University application dates for the 2026 academic year
- 1. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- 2. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- 3. North-West University (NWU)
- 4. University of the Free State (UFS)
- 5. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- 6. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- 7. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- 8. University of Cape Town (UCT)
- 9. University of Pretoria
- 10. University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
- 11. Stellenbosch University
- 12. Sefako Makgatho University
- 13. Rhodes University
- 14. Sol Plaatje University
- When can you start applying for university in 2026?
- What time do university applications close?
- Which colleges are still open for 2026?
Key takeaways
- The public university application dates for the 2026 academic year for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in South Africa have already lapsed for most institutions.
- However, a few universities may be accepting late applications.
- The application timeline varies from one university to another.
- Applying early increases your chances of admission, but only if you meet the entry criteria.
University application dates for the 2026 academic year
The closing dates for university applications for 2026 for most programmes were in mid-to-late 2025. Prospective students are advised to consider applying for 2027. However, there may be a few universities open for late applications for 2026. Go through this list to find out which ones.
1. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
The Nelson Mandela University online applications for the 2027 intake for undergraduate and postgraduate courses open in April 2026.
Students are advised to apply online and ensure that they submit all their supporting documents online before the deadlines. The NMU application closing dates are explored in the table below.
Dates | Category |
April 2026 | Official application opening date |
30 June 2026 | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), & Bachelor of Radiography (BRad) |
03 August 2026 | Early applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad) |
30 September 2026 | Late applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad) |
30 September 2026 | International student applications |
30 September 2026 | All student housing applications |
2. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
Applications for the University of Fort Hare typically open in April and close in September. However, the university is still receiving late applications for 2026.
3. North-West University (NWU)
The North-West University application process is closed for the 2026 academic year. Intake usually opens in April. The university does not charge any application fees.
Applicants seeking admission at NWU can begin to process their applications for enrollment in various fields of study such as Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Theology.
The application closing date for selection courses has been 30 June during previous intakes. Applications for all non-selection courses and residence applications usually fall on 31 August.
4. University of the Free State (UFS)
University applications for 2027 for undergraduate studies at the University of the Free State (UFS) open on 1 April 2026. The university is not receiving any late applications for 2026
Each student must complete the online application. Once your online application has been submitted and processed, you will receive a student number (Reference number).
5. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a sought-after institution. UJ online applications in 2026 open on 1 April 2026 for undergraduate students and are projected to close on 31 October 2026, according to StudentRoom. The university does not accept any late applications.
All applicants are urged not to send cash via mail or entrust documents and cash to unauthorised individuals. Note that the closing dates may vary by course.
6. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
The 2026 application period at UWC will open on 1 April 2026 and is projected to end on 30 September 2026. Applicants must have a valid email address in order to apply online. No application fee is required.
7. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Those who wish to enrol in UKZN's undergraduate courses should take note of the following dates. New UKZN applications for the 2027 academic period are expected to open in April 2026 and close on 30 September 2026 for all programmes.
Note that late applications are usually accepted after the closing date, but you will have to pay a late application fee.
8. University of Cape Town (UCT)
The UCT closing date for applications for the 2026 Academic year closed on 31st August 2025 for undergraduate courses and 30 September for postgraduate courses. For the University of Cape Town, application opening dates and closing dates for various programmes are as follows:
Date | Details |
1 April 2026 | Applications for admission to all programmes |
25 April 2026 | UCT Open Day |
31 July 2026 | All undergraduate applications close. Late applications will not be accepted Housing applications close for undergraduates |
31 August 2026 | Closing date for undergraduate programme changes |
30 September 2026 | Proof of English language proficiency is due Postgraduate applications close. |
3 October 2026 | The final date to write the NBTs for admission to UCT |
31 October 2026 | For applicants finishing secondary school in 2026, all grade 12 interim results, or predicted scores in the case of non-NSC candidates, are due. Interim and past transcripts for transferring applicants are due. |
15 November 2026 | Deadline for international applicants to attract an offer of admission |
31 December 2026 | Final transcripts and academic records are due. |
Students are advised to take advantage of this period to apply online to increase their chances of securing admission in the institution.
9. University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria's online applications for 2026 will open on 1 April 2026 and are set to close on 30 June 2026. Note that applications for veterinary science will close on 31 May 2026.
10. University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
Wits' application dates for 2027 for undergraduate programmes are open. The official Wits closing dates for 2027 applications will be as follows.
Date | Category |
30 June 2026 | Faculty of Health Sciences (all programmes); Bachelor of Architectural Studies; Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology; BA Film and TV |
30 September 2026 | All other university programmes |
30 September 2026 | Residence applications |
11. Stellenbosch University
Online application for the 2027 intake for undergraduate studies at Stellenbosch University opens on 18 April 2026 and closes on 31 July 2026.
12. Sefako Makgatho University
The SMU application process for 2026 are expected to open on 1 April 2026 and close on 31 July for undergraduate and 29th August for Undergraduate, according to StudentRoom.
13. Rhodes University
Rhodes University applications for the 2026 academic year generally opened on 1 May 2025 and closed on 30 September 2025. Applications for 2027 are expected to follow a similar timeline, opening in April 2026 and closing on 30 September 2026.
14. Sol Plaatje University
Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is committed to providing quality education and professional development opportunities that cater to the unique needs, competence, and characteristics of its community. Sol Plaatje University online applications typically open in April and close on 30 November.
When can you start applying for university in 2026?
You can start applying for university in 2026 around April, as most universities will have opened their application portal.
What time do university applications close?
The application deadline for many universities will be in the second half of 2026. It is always a good idea to check application deadlines well in advance and plan accordingly.
Which colleges are still open for 2026?
Universities such as University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and University of Fort Hare (UFH) may be accepting late applications. Be sure to check the universities' websites for official confirmation.
By now, you must have seen the pattern in the important dates for most of the institutions in South Africa. The above-detailed list of university application dates for 2026 academic year will help you make your application on time.
Briefly.co.za recently published a list of the top universities with no application fee in South Africa. Applying for higher education is a big step in life, and sending in university applications can be a daunting experience for many young people who have limited financial resources.
Most national universities ask for non-refundable application fees. Even so, some institutions do not charge any application fees.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
Ruth Gitonga (Lifestyle writer) Ruth Gitonga has a background experience in Mass Communication for over six years. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014. In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has worked for Briefly.co.za for seven years now. She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports. Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the Writer of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
