Top universities with no application fee in South Africa for 2026
Knowing the universities with no application fee in South Africa for 2026 for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes might come in handy. However, there are very few universities with no application fees that are open for the 2026 academic year. Applicants should confirm with their chosen university's website for official dates.
Source: Facebook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Universities with free online applications in South Africa
- Are there universities that are still open for 2026 with no application fee?
- Is the Stellenbosch University application fee free?
- Are universities in South Africa open for applications?
- Which is the cheapest university in South Africa?
- Is the University of Johannesburg online application process easy?
- Which universities are open for late application in 2026 for undergraduate programmes?
- Are there TVET colleges that are open for 2026 with no application fee in South Africa?
Key takeaways
- There are very few open universities with no application fee for the 2026 academic year.
- Some of them include: University of the Free State (UFS), University of the Western Cape (UWC), and Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
- Most international students are still required to pay some fees ranging from R500 to R600.
Universities with free online applications in South Africa
Most universities are closed for the 2026 academic year, so prospective students should consider applying for 2027. Below is a look at national universities with no application fee in South Africa for the 2027 application period.
North-West University (NWU)
Source: Getty Images
- Year founded: 2004
- Type: Public
- Location: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark
The North-West University is a public research university located on three campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. The NWU is among the best universities with no application fee in South Africa. However, international students are required to pay a fee of R600.00. You can apply to the North-West University here with a simple application process.
Central University of Technology (CUT)
Source: Facebook
- Year founded: 1981
- Type: Public
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
The Central University of Technology is a public technology university that was established in 1981 as Technikon Free State. Application to the CUT is free.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Year founded: 2005
- Type: Public
- Location: Summerstrand, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Formerly known as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, NMU comprises the former University of Port Elizabeth, the Port Elizabeth Technikon, and Vista University's Port Elizabeth campus. Nelson Mandela University has no application fee for South African students, but there is a R500.00 charge for international students. You can apply here.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Source: UGC
- Year founded: 2005
- Type: Public
- Location: Mthatha, East London, Butterworth and Komani in the Eastern Cape
The esteemed Walter Sisulu University is a university without an application fee, which also only accepts online applications. The institution was established on July 1, 2005, following a merger between Border Technikon, Eastern Cape Technikon, and the University of Transkei. You can apply here.
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Source: Getty Images
- Year founded: 1959
- Type: Public
- Location: Bellville, Cape Town, Western Cape
Did you know the University of the Western Cape was established in 1959 by the South African government as a university for a certain racial group? Now a widely inclusive institution, there is no application fee to apply to UWC, and a quick click here helps you secure your spot.
University of the Free State (UFS)
Source: Getty Images
- Year founded: 1904
- Type: Public
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
The University of the Free State was first established as an institution of higher learning in 1904 as a tertiary section of Grey College. UFS is one of the public universities with no application fee in South Africa for 2026. You can utilise their simple online application portal for future applications.
Are there universities that are still open for 2026 with no application fee?
There are very few open universities with no application fee for the 2026 academic year. Prospective applicants are advised to consider applying for the 2027 academic year.
Is the Stellenbosch University application fee free?
Applying to the university fondly known as 'Stellies' is not free. The application fee for Stellenbosch University's undergraduate and postgraduate international applicants is R400.00. The fee for South African citizens and permanent residents is R100.00.
Are universities in South Africa open for applications?
Online applications for South African universities for 2026 are mostly closed, with very few institutions accepting late applications. Prospective students are advised to consider applying for the 2027 academic year.
Which is the cheapest university in South Africa?
The most affordable universities in South Africa include Cape Peninsula University of Technology, North-West University, and the University of Johannesburg. They charge relatively fair amounts for school fees and accommodation.
Is the University of Johannesburg online application process easy?
The application procedure at UJ is considered simple. The online application is free at UJ. The hardcopy applications have a non-refundable application fee of R200.
Which universities are open for late application in 2026 for undergraduate programmes?
Universities such as the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the University of Fort Hare (UFH) may be accepting late applications. Be sure to check the universities' websites for official confirmation.
Are there TVET colleges that are open for 2026 with no application fee in South Africa?
Most public TVET colleges do not charge application fees, though it is advised to check individual college websites. Here are some of the public TVET colleges with no application fee:
- Tshwane South TVET College
- Esayidi TVET College
- South Cape TVET College
So if you were wondering, which are the universities with no application fee in South Africa? Then this might be a useful list to read. There are several universities with free online applications in South Africa that provide quality education without breaking the bank. Those hoping to study at the above-mentioned universities in 2026 may still be able to apply for late admission, so it is best to confirm with your chosen university.
Source: Original
The fashion and clothing sector in South Africa continues to expand each year, with growing interest in studying design to take advantage of this ever-growing industry. Briefly.co.za wrote an article for university hopefuls looking to study at reputable tertiary institutions.
What are the top choices nationally? Read on for our top 20 list of schools and universities that offer fashion design in South Africa.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
Peter Kinuthia Peter Kinuthia is a 2018 graduate of Kenyatta University with a Bachelor's degree in Health Services Management. With over five years of copy-writing experience about media, lifestyle, and health affairs, Peter has cemented a solid career in copy-writing/journalism. He previously worked with Ace My Homework before joining the Briefly team in 2017. With over 5 years of experience in Briefly, Peter has become a remarkable wordsmith. (Email: petekinuthia9@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
