South African University Registration Fees 2026
If you are accepted into university you must be wondering how much you are supposed to pay in registrations. Registration fees are initial costs you pay to officially enrol at an institution for a particular academic year. After paying the registration fee you will be able to register, make a student card, have access to the campus and in some cases attend classes.
What Are University Registration Fees?
A registration fee is a fixed payment required by universities to secure your place in a course for the academic year. Think of it as a way for the university to confirm that you are officially a student.
Once you pay your registration fee, you are allowed to register for modules, access learning platforms, receive your student card, and sometimes even book residence or parking spaces.
These fees are payable at the beginning of the academic year or semester. Most universities in South Africa require the payment before the student can officially register for their courses. Some universities allow you to pay in instalments, while others may require full payment upfront.
South African University Registration Fees
Registration fees vary from one university to another. Public universities in South Africa have fees ranging from R1,500 to R12,000 per year for undergraduate students.
| University | Estimated Registration Fees For 2026 |
|---|---|
| University of Pretoria (UP) | R10 000 - R12 500 |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | R5 560 |
| University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | R9 340 |
| University of KwaZulu‑Natal (UKZN) | R11 150 |
| University of the Western Cape (UWC) | R4 840 |
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | R10 00 |
| North‑West University (NWU) | R11 810 |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | R10 000 |
| UNISA (University of South Africa) | R2 500 |
| Stellenbosch University (SU) | R9 600 |
| Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | R8 760 |
| Rhodes University (RU) | R11 000 |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | R1 500 |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | R2 500 |
| Central University of Technology (CUT) | R7 650 |
| University of Venda (UNIVEN) | R10 000 |
| Vaal University of Technology (VUT) | R2 500 |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | R 5000 |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | R6 000 |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | R4 230 |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) | R6 700 |
| University of Zululand (UNIZULU) | R5 200 |
NB: It’s important to note that these figures cover only registration. Your tuition fees, which pay for your courses, lecturers, and access to learning resources, are separate and usually the largest part of your university costs.
These figures above are just estimates. The real figures will be known once you are given a go ahead from an institution to register.
When and How to Pay Registration Fees
Universities set a deadline for registration fee payment, often before the academic year starts. Paying on time is crucial because late payments can result in loss of your place, late registration penalties, or restrictions on accessing university services.
Methods to pay the registration fee:
- Bank deposit or EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
- Online payment platforms (offered by the university)
- In-person payments (only few universities allow them)
NOTE: Always keep your payment confirmation or proof of payment, as you may need it during registration.
Here Is Why Registration Fees Are Important
- By paying the registration fee secures your place in the university
- Once your registration fee is paid, you can access university services such as libraries, online learning platforms, laboratories, and sometimes health services.
- Universities will only allow students who have paid registration fees to register for modules or courses.
Additional Costs to Consider
While registration fees are important, they are just one part of the total cost of studying at a university. Other costs include:
- Tuition fees
- Residence or housing fees
- Books and study materials
- Transport
- Other administrative fees
Understanding South African university registration fees is an essential part of preparing for higher education. These fees are a small but critical step in confirming your enrolment and accessing university services. While they may vary between universities, most undergraduate students can expect to pay between R1,500 and R12,000.
Always check your university’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Pay your fees on time to avoid penalties, and explore financial aid options if needed. Proper planning ensures that you can focus on what really matters: your studies and making the most of your university experience.
