Universities Open for 2027 Applications in South Africa (Full List + Dates)
If you’re planning to study in 2027, now is the time to apply. Many universities across South Africa have already opened their applications, with most opening between March and 1 April 2026. Applying early gives you a better chance of securing space, especially for competitive courses.
The Central Applications Office (CAO) opened applications in March, while many universities opened on 1 April 2026. This means prospective students can now apply for their preferred courses.
Below is a full list of universities, including their opening and typical closing dates, official websites, and application fees (or if they are free).
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Application Fee: R100 (SA students)
Website: https://www.uct.ac.za
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Applications Open: 1 March 2026
Closing Date: 30 June / 30 September 2026 (varies by course)
Application Fee: R100 (free for online applications in some cases)
Website: https://www.wits.ac.za
University of Pretoria (UP)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 June 2026
Application Fee: No application fee
Website: https://www.up.ac.za
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: No application fee
Website: https://www.uj.ac.za
Stellenbosch University (SU)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Application Fee: R100
Website: https://www.sun.ac.za
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Applications Open: March / April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R200
Website: https://www.ukzn.ac.za
North-West University (NWU)
Applications Open: 1 March 2026
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Application Fee: No application fee
Website: https://www.nwu.ac.za
University of the Free State (UFS)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: No application fee
Website: https://www.ufs.ac.za
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Applications Open: March / April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R240
Website: https://www.tut.ac.za
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 3 August 2026
Application Fee: No application fee
Website: https://www.mandela.ac.za
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: No application fee
Website: https://www.uwc.ac.za
Rhodes University (RU)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R100
Website: https://www.ru.ac.za
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Applications Open: 1 September 2026
Closing Date: Varies (later in the year)
Application Fee: R140
Website: https://www.unisa.ac.za
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Applications Open: May 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R100
Website: https://www.cput.ac.za
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R250
Website: https://www.dut.ac.za
Central University of Technology (CUT)
Applications Open: April / May 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: No application fee
Website: https://www.cut.ac.za
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R100
Website: https://www.vut.ac.za
University of Limpopo (UL)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R200
Website: https://www.ul.ac.za
University of Venda (UNIVEN)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R100
Website: https://www.univen.ac.za
University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R220
Website: https://www.unizulu.ac.za
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R120
Website: https://www.wsu.ac.za
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R120
Website: https://www.ufh.ac.za
University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: R150
Website: https://www.ump.ac.za
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Application Fee: R300
Website: https://www.smu.ac.za
Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: No application fee
Website: https://www.spu.ac.za
Important Before You Apply
Before applying, make sure you qualify for the course you are applying for. Some universities accept lower APS scores, but others—especially for courses like medicine, law, and engineering—are very competitive.
Ungamoshi imali yakho ufaka izicelo ongafaneleki kuzo.
Always Check the Prospectus
Before applying, open and read the prospectus of each university. This helps you:
- Understand APS and subject requirements
- Avoid applying for the wrong course
- Know deadlines and selection criteria
Avoid Wasting Money
Application fees can be expensive if you apply everywhere without checking requirements. Be smart:
- Apply only where you qualify
- Double-check documents
- Apply early
Final Advice
Applying early increases your chances of acceptance. Many courses fill up quickly, especially at top universities.
Let’s avoid regret letters and unnecessary gap years. Apply smart, prepare properly, and secure your future for 2027.