UFH 2026 Late Applications: What Prospective Students Need to Know

The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has officially closed applications for the 2026 academic year for most study levels. This has left many prospective students wondering whether late applications are still possible and what alternatives exist.

Below is a clear breakdown of what is closed, what remains open, and the next steps you should consider.

UFH Applications Closed for 2026

According to an announcement from the Office of the University Registrar, the following applications are now closed for the 2026 intake:

• All undergraduate qualifications
• All honours programmes

This affects:

• First-time university applicants
• Current students planning to register for honours (fourth-year study)
• Applicants across all UFH faculties

At this stage, UFH is not accepting late applications for undergraduate or honours studies.

UFH Applications Still Open for 2026

Despite the closures, UFH is still accepting applications for the following postgraduate qualifications:

• Master’s degrees by research
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes
• Apply here: https://www.ufh.ac.za/apply

Applicants who already meet the postgraduate admission requirements can still apply and begin the academic year at one of South Africa’s oldest universities.

Why UFH Closed Applications Early

Universities usually close applications once:

• Available spaces are filled, or
• The institution begins final processing for admissions, funding, and registrations

Given the high demand for UFH programmes, the early January 2026 closure suggests strong competition, particularly for undergraduate and honours studies.

What to Do If You Missed the UFH 2026 Deadline

If you were planning to apply to UFH for 2026 and missed the deadline, here are practical alternatives to consider:

1. Contact UFH Directly

Although unlikely, it’s worth confirming whether any exceptions or programme-specific late enquiries are allowed. Reach out to Student Administration or the Deputy Registrar’s Office.

2. Apply to Other Universities

Several South African universities and TVET colleges may still have:

• Late application windows
• Available spaces in selected programmes

Always check official institutional websites before applying.

3. Consider a Gap Year

A gap year can be used productively to:

• Gain work or volunteer experience
• Improve academic results
• Prepare a stronger application for 2027

4. Explore Postgraduate Study

If you already hold an honours degree, you may still qualify for UFH’s Master’s or PhD programmes, which remain open.

University of Fort Hare Contact Details

For official queries, you can contact UFH at:

Alice Campus
Private Bag X1314
King William’s Town Road
Alice, 5700

East London Campus
Private Bag X9083
50 Church Street
East London, 5201

For application-related matters, contact Student Administration or the Office of the Deputy Registrar.

Planning Ahead: UFH Applications for 2027

If you intend to apply for UFH in 2027, early preparation is essential. Make sure to:

• Track application opening dates
• Prepare certified documents in advance
• Apply as soon as applications open
• Monitor faculty-specific requirements

UFH, founded in 1916, has produced some of South Africa’s most influential leaders, including Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo. Due to its legacy and academic reputation, competition for spaces remains high.

Final Note

Missing the 2026 UFH application deadline can be disappointing, but it doesn’t mean your academic journey is over. Use this time to explore alternatives, strengthen your profile, and prepare early for future intakes.