Closing Dates for 2026 Undergraduate Applications – Full University List

If you're planning to study at a South African university in 2026, it’s critical to keep track of application closing dates. Missing a deadline could mean waiting an entire year to apply again. Below is a full list of closing dates for 2026 undergraduate applications at South African universities.

University Application Closing Dates for 2026

1. University of Pretoria (UP)

• Closing date: 30 June 2025 (Most programs)
• Early closing for health sciences, architecture, fine arts, and veterinary courses.

2. University of Cape Town (UCT)

• Closing date: 31 July 2025
• All undergraduate programmes. No late applications accepted.

3. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Health sciences typically close earlier – around June 2025.

4. Stellenbosch University

• Closing date: 31 July 2025
• All programs including residence applications.

5. University of Johannesburg (UJ)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Some courses may close earlier, so apply early.

6. North-West University (NWU)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Education and Nursing may close earlier.

7. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• No late applications accepted.

8. Rhodes University

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Includes all undergraduate programmes.

9. University of the Free State (UFS)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Some faculties (e.g. Health Sciences) may close earlier.

10. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Early application is recommended.

11. University of South Africa (UNISA)

• Opening: 18 August 2025
• Closing date: 10 October 2025
• For all undergraduate qualifications.

12. University of Limpopo (UL)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Applies to all undergraduate courses.

13. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)

• Closing date: 31 July 2025
• Strictly for health science-related degrees.

14. University of Venda (UNIVEN)

• Closing date: 27 September 2025
• Late applications may not be considered.

15. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

• Closing date: 31 October 2025
• Apply early to secure space.

16. Vaal University of Technology (VUT)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Varies by faculty and course.

17. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Application window opens early in May 2025.

18. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Late applications allowed for selected courses only.

19. Durban University of Technology (DUT)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Highly competitive courses may close early.

20. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Applies to all 2026 intakes.

21. Central University of Technology (CUT)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Recommended to apply before August.

22. Sol Plaatje University (SPU)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Online application system opens around May 2025.

23. University of Mpumalanga (UMP)

• Closing date: 30 September 2025
• Online applications only.

Summary Table

Final Notes

• Double-check faculty-specific dates on each university’s website or prospectus.
• Apply early – especially for high-demand courses like medicine, law, or engineering.
• Keep your documents ready: certified ID, final Grade 11 or 12 results, proof of residence, and more.