Top universities with no application fee in South Africa for 2025
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. Here are the top universities with no application fee in South Africa for 2025.
Source: Facebook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Universities with free online applications in South Africa
- Additional information
- Is the Stellenbosch University application fee free?
- Are universities in South Africa open for applications?
- Is the University of Johannesburg online application process easy?
- Which university is still open for 2025 applications in South Africa?
Some students are unaware there are universities with free online applications in South Africa. These institutions will save you money and time.
Universities with free online applications in South Africa
Most national universities ask for non-refundable application fees. Which universities have no application fee in South Africa? Below is a look at national universities without application fees, with a potential exception to postgraduate programmes:
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 application process is free. 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 application fee 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 free application universities available in South Africa, and the university accepts online applications that will not cost you a single rand. You can utilise their simple online application portal for future applications.
Additional information
Now that you know which national tertiary institutions offer free applications, what other universities are low-cost? Here is essential information regarding other cost-effective South African universities.
Is the application fee free at UJ?
UJ does not have an online application fee. However, there is a non-refundable R200.00 application fee for hardcopy applications, which is why the university is not featured on the above list.
Is the Stellenbosch University application fee free?
Applying at 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 foOnline applications for South African universities for 2025 are open until later this year for various institutions. You are advised to check your preferred institution's website to confirm if applications are open.
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 regarding 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 university is still open for 2025 applications in South Africa?
Various universities nationwide are still accepting late 2025 applications, as the academic year has yet to begin at the time of publishing. This includes the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and Durban University of Technology (DUT), but it is best to confirm directly with your chosen institution to confirm the application deadline for your specific qualification.
There are several universities with free online applications in South Africa which provide quality education, without breaking the bank. Those hoping to study at the above-mentioned universities in 2025 may still be able to apply for late admission, so it is best to confirm with your chosen university.
READ ALSO: Top 20 schools and universities that offer fashion design in South Africa
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.
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 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
