University opening and closing dates for 2026 applications
The university application period is fast approaching. In a blink of an eye, universities will be accepting applications for the 2026 academic year. 2024 matriculants and individuals who couldn't find space during late applications can now start preparing to submit their applications for the 2026 academic year in South African universities.
University opening and closing dates for 2026 applications
You may be wondering when to apply for university admissions for the 2026 academic year in South Africa, well prospective students can begin submitting their 2026 university applications from 1 March 2025. However, the university opening and closing dates for 2026 applications differ from university to university.
To help you know exactly when to apply for your desired institution, we have compiled a comprehensive guide with all the university opening and closing dates for 2026 applications to help you stay informed and to prepare in advance.
University Opening and Closing Dates for 2026 applications in South Africa
GAUTENG
| UNIVERSITIES | OPENING DATE | CLOSING DATE |
| University of Pretoria | 01 April 2025 | 31 May 2025: Veterinary Science 30 June 2025: All other faculties |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | 01 April 2025 | 31 July 2025 |
| University of the Witwatersrand | 01 March 2025 | 30 June 2025: Faculty of Health Sciences (all programmes); Bachelor of Architectural Studies; Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology; BA Film & TV 30 September 2025: All other University programmes 30 September 2025: Residence applications |
| University of Johannesburg | 01 April 2025 | 31 October 2025 |
| Tshwane University of Technology | 01 March 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
| Vaal University of Technology | May 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
| The University of South Africa* | 14 October 2025 | 15 November 2025 |
WESTERN CAPE
| UNIVERSITIES | OPENING DATE | CLOSING DATE |
| University of Cape Town | 02 April 2025 | 28 July 2025: Teaching courses and Bachelor of Nursing 28 September 2025: All other programmes |
| University of Stellenbosch | 01 April 2025 | 31 July 2025 |
| University of the Western Cape | 02 April 2025 | 30 September 2025: All programmes |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology | 12 May 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
KWAZULU NATAL
| UNIVERSITIES | OPENING DATE | CLOSING DATE |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | 01 March 2025 | 30 November 2025 |
| University of Zululand | 01 March 2025 | 30 November 2025 |
| Durban University of Technology. | 01 March 2025 | 30 November 2025 |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology. | 01 March 2025 | 30 November 2025 |
LIMPOPO
| UNIVERSITIES | OPENING DATE | CLOSING DATE |
| University of Limpopo | 01 April 2025 | 31 July 2025 (MBChB) 30 September 2025 (all the other programmes) |
| University of Venda | 08 May 2025 | 26 September 2025 |
EASTERN CAPE
| UNIVERSITIES | OPENING DATE | CLOSING DATE |
| University of Fort Hare | 01 June 2025 | 30 October 2025 |
| Rhodes University | 19 April 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
| Nelson Mandela University | 04 April 2025 |
|
| Walter Sisulu University | 01 June 2025 | 31 October 2025 |
FREE STATE
| UNIVERSITIES | OPENING DATE | CLOSING DATE |
| University of the Free State | 01 April 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
| Central University of Technology | 13 May 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
NORTH WEST UNIVERSITY
| UNIVERSITIES | OPENING DATE | CLOSING DATE |
| North-West University | 01 April 2025 | 31 August 2025 |
MPUMALANGA
| UNIVERSITIES | OPENING DATE | CLOSING DATE |
| University of Mpumalanga** | 01 June 2025 | 30 November 2025 |
NORTHERN CAPE
| UNIVERSITIES | OPENING DATE | CLOSING DATE |
| Sol Plaatje University | 20 April 2025 | 31 October 2025 |
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Now that you are aware of the university 2026 opening and closing dates. It's time to gather all the University prospectuses to check minimum requirements for admission to your desired study programme. Please note that universities will not accept your application if you do not qualify. It is your full responsibility to download the 2026 prospectuses of different universities in South Africa for the 2026 academic year. Click HERE to download the 2026 prospectuses.
After checking the minimum requirements ensure that you gather all the required documents. Universities require certified copies that are not older than 3 months. All the documents should be scanned and in a PDF format.
Here's a list of university required documents:
- Your certified ID copy
- Your certified matric certificate/statement
- If currently in matric, your grade 11 final report
- If currently in matric, your Grade 12 June Report (Majority of universities do not require June report)
- Certified ID copies of your next of kin or parents
- Application fee slip
- Declaration Form
- Undertaking Form
NOTE: The required documents differ from university to university. Check with your desired university which documents are required.
Remember, the early bird catches them fattest worm. Check requirements, gather required documents and save up for application fees. Make this year productive by securing your space for the 2026 academic year. Know someone who might this post useful? If so, share it to them.
Related Articles
Tshwane University of Technology 2026 Online Applications
University of Kwazulu Natal 2026 Online Applications
University of Johannesburg 2026 Online Applications
North West University 2026 Online Applications
University of Zululand 2026 Online Applications
University of Pretoria 2026 Online Applications
University of Limpopo 2026 Online Applications
Mangosuthu University of Technology 2026 Online Applications
University of Cape Town 2026 Online Applications
University of the Witwatersrand 2026 Online Applications
Durban University of Technology 2026 Online Applications
University of Free State 2026 Online Applications
