2027 University Applications: Dates, Requirements, and How to Apply

As the 2026 academic year applications have passed, most South African universities will  start preparing to open their admissions for 2027. If you're planning to study at a public university, knowing the application dates, admission requirements, and funding options is essential to ensure a smooth and timely process.

This guide covers everything you need, from university deadlines to APS requirements, choosing the right institution, and applying for financial aid.

2027 University Application Dates

Below are the opening and closing dates for South African universities for the 2027 academic year. Always confirm the latest information on each university’s official website as dates may change.

University of Cape Town (UCT)

• Website: www.uct.ac.za
• Opening: 2 April 2026
• Closing: 31 July 2026
• Application Fee: R100 (SADC) / R300 (non-SADC)
   

University of the Western Cape (UWC)

• Website: www.uwc.ac.za
• Opening: 2 April 2026
• Closing: Dentistry: 30 August 2026
• Other courses: 30 September 2026
• Application Fee: FREE

Stellenbosch University (SU)

• Website: www.sun.ac.za
• Opening: 1 April 2026
• Closing: 31 July 2026
• Application Fee: R100

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

• Website: www.uj.ac.za
• Opening: 1 April 2026
• Closing: 1 October 2026
• Application Fee: FREE online / R200 manual

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

• Website: www.cput.ac.za
• Opening: 13 May 2026
• Closing: 30 September 2026
• Application Fee: FREE online / R200 manual
• More info: link in original content

University of Pretoria (UP)

• Website: www.up.ac.za
• Opening: 2 April 2026

Closing:

• Veterinary Science: 31 May 2026
• Other faculties: 30 June 2026
• Application Fee: R300

University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)

• Website: www.wits.ac.za
• Opening: 1 March 2026

Closing:

• Specific courses: 30 June 2026
• Others: 30 September 2026
• Application Fee: R100 (SA) / R700 (International)

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

• Website: www.ukzn.ac.za
• Opening: To Be Confirmed

Closing:

• Medicine: 30 June 2026
• Other: 30 September 2026
• Application Fee: R210 (on-time) / R420 (late) / R490 (International)

Rhodes University (RU)

• Website: www.ru.ac.za
• Opening: 1 May 2026
• Closing: 30 September 2026
• Application Fee: R100

University of South Africa (UNISA)

• Website: www.unisa.ac.za
• Opening: 1 September 2026
• Closing: 1 January 2027
• Application Fee: R135

North-West University (NWU)

• Website: www.nwu.ac.za
• Opening: 2 April 2026
• Closing: 28 June 2026 / 30 August 2026
• Application Fee: FREE

University of the Free State (UFS)

• Website: www.ufs.ac.za
• Opening: 1 April 2026
• Closing: 30 September 2026
• Application Fee: FREE

Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

• Website: www.mandela.ac.za
• Opening: 1 April 2026
• Closing: Varies by course
• Application Fee: FREE (SA) / R500 (International)

Durban University of Technology (DUT)

• Website: www.dut.ac.za
• Opening: 1 April 2026
• Closing: 30 September 2026
• Application Fee: R250 (SA) / R300 (International)

University of Limpopo (UL)

• Website: www.ul.ac.za
• Opening: To Be Confirmed
• Closing: To Be Confirmed
• Application Fee: R200 (SA) / R750 (International)

Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

• Website: www.wsu.ac.za
• Opening: 2 April 2026

Closing:

• Health Sciences: 30 September 2026
• Other courses: 31 October 2026
• Application Fee: FREE

University of Fort Hare (UFH)

• Website: www.ufh.ac.za
• Opening: 1 March 2026
• Closing: 30 September 2026
• Application Fee: FREE online / R120 manual (SA) / R500 manual (International)

Admission Requirements: Start with the APS

Before applying, check the minimum entry requirements for your course. Most universities use the Admission Point Score (APS).

How to get your APS:

• Check the latest university prospectus.
• Compare your scores with the specific course requirements.
• If you do not meet the requirements, consider upgrading your subjects.

Selecting a University: What to Look At

Use these factors when comparing institutions:

• Course availability
• Tuition and living costs
• Student support services
• Campus life and culture
• Accommodation options
• Accreditation (CHE)
• Learning facilities
• Reviews from current students

How to Apply to University: Step-by-Step

1. Check opening and closing dates.

2. Visit the university’s online application portal.

3. Pay the required application fee.

4. Prepare certified documents:

• ID
• Grade 11 or Matric results
• NSC certificate (if completed)
• Additional academic records
• Affidavit (if needed)
• Submit your application online.

5. Track your application status regularly.

6. Await firm offers after final Matric results.

7. International applicants: Apply for study permits and SAQA evaluations.
 

When to Apply for 2027 Admissions

Most universities open from March to April 2026. Deadlines range from June to October 2026, depending on the course and university.

Early Openings (March–April 2026)

Wits, Fort Hare, UCT, UJ, SU, UFS.

Mid-Year Deadlines (June–July 2026)

UP Vet Science, UCT Medicine, Wits Law, etc.

Extended Deadlines (August–October 2026)

UWC, UKZN, Rhodes, UJ, DUT.

Last-Minute Options (Nov 2026–Jan 2027)

UNISA remains open the longest.

Course-Specific Deadlines

Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science: often June–July.

Arts/Performing Arts: may require early auditions or portfolios.

 

Tips for staying on track:

• Apply early.
• Set deadline reminders.
• Prepare documents in advance.
• International students should apply 3–4 months earlier.

Funding Your University Studies

Here are the most common funding routes:

1. Bursaries

Available based on performance or financial need. Many scholarships open throughout the year.

2. Student Loans

Available from banks such as Standard Bank, Absa, FNB, Capitec, and Nedbank.

3. NSFAS

Government funding for households earning below R350,000 per year.

Final Thoughts

Applying for university is an exciting milestone. Stay organised, submit your applications early, and ensure all documents are complete. With proper planning, you’ll be well on your way to starting your academic journey in 2027.

Good luck with your applications!

FAQs: University Applications in South Africa

When should I start applying?

Most institutions open between March and April 2026.

Which documents are required?

ID, Grade 11/12 results, Matric certificate, and other relevant academic records.

How much are application fees?

Between R100 and R700 depending on the university; some are free.

How do I calculate APS?

Use your final Matric results and compare them with the university scoring system.

Can I apply late?

Some universities allow late applications, but spaces are limited so apply early.