Universities Open for 2026 Late Applications : What You Should Know

By Thabo · Dec 2, 2025
Universities Open for 2026 Late Applications : What You Should Know picture

The 2026 academic year is fast approaching, if you haven't applied to any University and TVET College yet don't worry as some institutions still accept late applications. Late applications often open for a limited number of courses or when there are unexpected openings. In this post, I’ll walk you through which universities are still open for late applications, what to watch out for, and how you can increase your chances of getting accepted.

 

Why Institutions Open for 2026 Late Applications Matter

  • Second chance: Some students only realize their results or preferences late, or need extra time to gather documents. Late application windows offer a second shot.
  • Spare spots: Sometimes spaces remain unfilled in certain courses or faculties, especially in less-demanded courses making late applications viable.
  • Flexibility: For working students or those planning to switch streams, late applications offer flexibility beyond the standard schedule.

Note: Expectations must be realistic. Courses may fill up quickly, and residence or bursary spots may already be gone.

 

Universities Still Accepting 2026 Late Applications

Here are a number of institutions in South Africa that at the time of writing indicate they will remain open for 2026 late applications. Always double-check the university’s website for latest updates.

University of the Free State (UFS)

 

Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

 

Durban University of Technology (DUT)

 

University of Limpopo (UL)

  • Website: www.ul.ac.za
  • Application Fee: R200 (SA) / R750 (International)

 

Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

 

University of Fort Hare (UFH)

  • Website: www.ufh.ac.za
  • Application Fee: FREE online / R120 manual (SA) / R500 manual (International)

 

University of Cape Town (UCT)

 

University of the Western Cape (UWC)

 

Stellenbosch University (SU)

 

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

 

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

 

University of Pretoria (UP)

 

University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)

 

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

  • Website: www.ukzn.ac.za
  • Application Fee: R210 (on-time) / R420 (late) / R490 (International)

 

Rhodes University (RU)

 

University of South Africa (UNISA)

 

North-West University (NWU)

 

How to Apply (and Improve Your Chances) to Universities Still Accepting 2026 Late Applications

  1. Check official university websites or portals: late-application windows and available courses change quickly.
  2. Prepare all required documentation (ID, matric results, application fee, etc.) before applying — late windows tend to process faster once everything is complete.
  3. Be flexible with course selection: if your first-choice course is full, consider alternative but related courses.
  4. Apply early once you see an open window: late-application spaces can vanish fast.

Monitor email/portal alerts regularly — some universities only notify via email or their internal portal when a late space becomes available.

 

Conclusion

2026 Late applications give students a second chance to secure a place at a university for the 2026 academic year. Even though options may be limited, acting quickly, double-checking requirements, and staying flexible can make all the difference. Remember to monitor official university websites regularly, as spaces can open or close without notice. If your preferred institution isn’t accepting late applications, consider alternative routes like higher certificates, TVET colleges, or private institutions. Your academic journey doesn’t end here, there are always opportunities available if you stay proactive and informed. Good luck with your application!

 

Share on
Back to all items
Click here to contact us on WhatsApp