Universities that will open in March for 2026 applications
March marks the beginning of the application season for the 2026 academic year in South Africa, where several top universities will officially open their doors for the 2026 intake. In this article we will explore universities that will open in March for 2026 applications. Knowing which universities will open in March will help you stay prepared.
Universities that will open in March for 2026 applications
Key benefits of Knowing when universities will open:
Better Chances of Acceptance: Popular courses like Medicine, Teaching, Engineering, and Law often fill up quickly. Submitting your application as soon as portals open can increase your chances.
Time to Gather Documents: Knowing when universities will open will allow you enough time to gather required documents and to save up for application fees.
Funding Opportunities: You will have enough time to research bursaries that are open for the 2026 academic year.
Here are universities that will open in March for the 2026 academic year:
University of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN)
University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
University of Witwatersrand (WITS)
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
Opening Dates and Application Fees of Universities that will open in March for 2026
University of the Witwatersrand
WITS is known for its research excellence and vibrant Johannesburg campus. Wits will open 2026 applications on the 1st of March 2025. WITS application fees for South African students is R100 and R700 for international students.
Apply Online at WITS for 2026 Applications
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology and University of Zululand (CAO)
ukzn, dut, unizulu and mut applications are completed through the Central Application Office (CAO). If you want to apply to these 4 institutions you will pay an application fee of R250 if you are a South African applicant and R300 if you are an international student. Applications for these 4 institutions will open on the 1st of March 2025.
Apply Online at UKZN for 2026 Applications
Apply Online at DUT for 2026 Applications
Apply Online at MUT for 2026 Applications
Apply Online at UNIZULU for 2026 Applications
Tips to Prepare for 2026 Applications
With applications opening in March, preparation is key. Here’s how to get ready:
Research Admission Requirements
Each university and course has specific entry requirements, often based on your Admission Point Score (APS) derived from your Matric results. Download the 2026 University prospectuses to check minimum requirements for your desired course and institution.
Gather Required Documents
Most universities will ask for:
- Certified copy of your ID or passport (for international students).
- Grade 11 results or latest Grade 12 report if you are still in school.
- Proof of application fee payment.
- Additional documents like a motivation letter for competitive programs.
Ensure all documents are certified and scanned in PDF format, as most applications are submitted online.
Plan Your Finances
Application fees range from R100 to R700, depending on the institution and your citizenship. Some universities, like the University of Johannesburg, offer free online applications, so check ahead. Also, start researching funding options like NSFAS or merit-based bursaries.
Apply Early
Once online applications open in March, submit your application as soon as possible. Early submission not only demonstrates eagerness but also gives you time to address any issues like missing documents before deadlines.
Final Thoughts: Secure a space in South African Universities for 2026
The road to university begins with a single step—submitting your application. Now that you know when universities will open in March, it it time to prepare documents, application fees, check requirements and seek for assistance. By staying prepared, you will be ready to apply when universities open their online application platforms.
Stay ahead of the curve by bookmarking university websites and following their social media for updates. Share this guide with friends or family who might also be planning for 2026. It’s never too early to start! Ready to take on higher education? March 2025 is your time to shine.
Related Articles
University of Kwazulu Natal 2026 Online Applications
University of Zululand 2026 Online Applications
Mangosuthu University of Technology 2026 Online Applications
Durban University of Technology 2026 Online Applications
Tshwane University of Technology 2026 Online Applications
Vaal University of Technology 2026 Online Applications
University of Johannesburg 2026 Online Applications
University of Pretoria 2026 Online Applications
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2026 Online Applications
University of Mpumalanga 2026 Online Applications
University of Cape Town 2026 Online Applications
University of Fort Hare 2026 Online Applications
Stellenbosch University 2026 Online Applications
University of the Witwatersrand 2026 Online Applications
Nelson Mandela University 2026 Online Applications
University of Venda 2026 Online Applications
Sol Plaatje University 2026 Online Applications
