Documents You Need to Apply at a South African University (2026 Checklist)

Planning to study at a South African university in 2026? This checklist outlines all the documents you'll need to submit, helping you avoid delays, ensure completeness, and improve your chances of being admitted—and receiving financial aid.

Documents You Need to Apply at a South African University — 2026 Application Checklist

When to Apply

University application portals typically open between April and June 2025, and deadlines fall between July and October 2025, depending on the institution and programme.
If you're applying to CAO-participant universities (e.g., UKZN, DUT, Unizulu), the general deadline is October 31, 2025, with early deadlines (e.g., Medicine programmes closing as early as June 30, 2025).

Standard Required Documents for All Applicants

1. Certified Copy of Identity Document

• South African citizens: a certified copy of your ID.
• International applicants: a certified copy of your passport and/or birth certificate.

2. Academic Records

• If you're in Matric: your final Grade 11 official report.
• If completed Grade 12: a certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent results.
• Transfer or postgraduate applicants: include academic transcripts from prior tertiary institutions.

3. Proof of Application Fee Payment

• Submit a receipt or proof of payment if the institution charges a fee. Some universities (e.g. UWC, WSU, CUT) offer free applications to South African applicants.

4. Proof of Residence

• A recent utility bill, bank statement, or signed affidavit confirming your residential address.

5. Passport-Sized Photo(s)

• Some institutions require passport photos for ID cards or records (typically 2–4 photos).

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

6. National Benchmark Test (NBT) Results

• Required by many programmes to assess academic readiness. Tests include AQL and MAT and are offered through designated centres. Notification often requested by end of September 2025.

7. Motivation Letter or Personal Statement

• Competitive, selective, or postgraduate programmes (e.g. Medicine, Journalism, Education) may require a letter explaining why you chose the programme and your future goals.

8. Portfolio or Audition Materials

• Required for creative arts, architecture, fashion, or performing arts programmes. Submit a digital or physical portfolio or media files as specified by the institution.

9. Letters of Recommendation

• Typically requested for postgraduate applications or selective fields. While not always mandatory, it strengthens your application.

10. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Needed occasionally for postgraduate or professional programmes to detail your qualifications and work experience.

11. Proof of English Proficiency (International Students)

• Submit IELTS or TOEFL scores if English isn’t your first language, or an official school letter confirming English was the medium of instruction, if required by the university.

12. SAQA Evaluation Certificate (International Applicants)

• If your qualification was earned outside South Africa, you must submit a SAQA evaluation confirming equivalence to the NSC or other credentials.

13. Medical Fitness Certificate

• Required for health-related and certain professional programmes such as Nursing, Medicine, or Education.

14. Parental/Guardian Documents

• If under 18 or applying for financial aid, universities may request certified ID copies and proof of income (e.g., payslips or affidavits).

15. Proof of Bank Details (For NSFAS)

• Provided when registering for financial aid—such as bank statement or official letter from the bank, especially if using a guardian's account.

Documents for NSFAS or Other Bursary Applications

If applying for NSFAS or university bursary/funding, include:

• Proof of income or household affidavit showing earnings below thresholds (e.g. gross household income under R350,000 annually for NSFAS).
• A completed bursary form, sometimes including a motivations or additional essays.

Document Certification & Best Practices

• All documents must be certified in South Africa—by a police officer, attorney, post office, or commissioners of oaths—and dated within the last three months.
• Keep both digital (scanned) and physical certified copies of all documents.

Complete 2026 Checklist Table

Tips to Prepare Efficiently

1. Start early—applications open in April–June 2025, and some programmes (like medicine or fine arts) close as early as June 2025.
2. Certify documents no older than three months before application or bursary submission.
3. Scan everything before certification—certifiers typically sign physically on printed copies.
4. Double-check faculty- or programme-specific requirements—universities may request additional forms, registration, or health checks.
5. Submit your NSFAS application early (usually opens Sept–Nov 2025) to avoid delays in registration.
6. Confirm whether your university charges an application fee—many institutions offer free applications for SA citizens but fees may apply to international or late applicants.

Conclusion

A successful university application for 2026 means having your documentation fully certified, accurate, and tailored to your applicant type (South African or international, undergraduate or postgraduate). By preparing your documents and understanding deadlines in advance, you’ll be well-positioned for admission and financial aid.