VerifiedAre you a prospective student in South Africa looking to further your education in 2026? If so, you’re likely eager to know when university applications will open.
With 26 public universities, each with its own dates, it is easy to miss a deadline. This article lists the 2027 application dates, checked on the universities’ own websites in September 2026.
The university application process can be challenging, especially for first-time applicants. Planning and staying informed is essential to ensure you get all the preferred institution’s application window.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the application dates for each university, including the opening and closing dates, to help you make informed decisions about your academic future.
South African universities offer various programs and courses catering to diverse interests and career goals. Whether you’re interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields or humanities and social sciences, there’s a university that suits your needs.
These universities still accept applications for the 2027 academic year (some qualifications only):
- University of Johannesburg – closes 31 October 2026
- Walter Sisulu University – closes 31 October 2026
- University of the Free State – closes 30 September 2026
- Sol Plaatje University – closes 31 October 2026
- Wits University – closes 30 September 2026
- Tshwane University of Technology – closes 30 September 2026
- University of Fort Hare – closes 31 October 2026
- University of South Africa – closes 9 October 2026
- University of Limpopo – closes 30 September 2026
- Nelson Mandela University – late applications close 30 September 2026
- University of Mpumalanga – closes 30 November 2026
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (through CAO) – closes 30 September 2026
- Durban University of Technology (through CAO) – closes 30 September 2026
- University of the Western Cape – closes 30 September 2026
- Rhodes University – closes 30 September 2026
- Vaal University of Technology – closes 30 October 2026
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology – closes 30 September 2026
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (through CAO) – closes 30 September 2026
- University of Zululand (through CAO) – closes 30 September 2026
- Central University of Technology – closes 30 September 2026
- University of Venda – closes 30 September 2026
- These universities have closed their 2027 undergraduate applications: UCT (31 July 2026), Stellenbosch (31 July 2026), Sefako Makgatho (31 July 2026), North-West University (31 August 2026) and the University of Pretoria (30 June 2026).
University Applications for 2027
Most universities opened their 2027 applications between March and June 2026, and the last closing dates fall between September and November 2026.
It’s important to note that application dates may vary depending on the institution and the program you’re applying for.
Universities Still Open For 2027 Applications
These are the dates for the universities students ask about most:
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Applications opened: 1 April 2026
Applications closed: 31 July 2026 (UCT accepts no late applications)
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Applications opened: March 2026
Applications close: 30 September 2026 (Health Sciences and several others closed on 30 June 2026)
University of Pretoria (UP)
Applications opened: 1 April 2026
Applications closed: 30 June 2026 (Veterinary Science closed 31 May 2026)
Other 2027 Application Dates
Dates for the other universities students ask about:
North-West University (NWU)
Closed on 31 August 2026 (selection courses closed 30 June 2026)
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Opened 1 April 2026 and closes 31 October 2026 at 12:00
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Closes 30 September 2026 through CAO (Medicine closed 30 June 2026)
Apply Before the Closing Date
Several universities are still open for 2027. Apply now rather than waiting for the January 2027 matric results.
University Application Dates for the 2027 Academic Year
This table lists the main 2027 application dates:
| University | Application Opens | Application Closes |
|---|---|---|
| UCT | 1 April 2026 | 31 July 2026 |
| Wits | March 2026 | 30 September 2026 |
| UP | 1 April 2026 | 30 June 2026 |
| NWU | Opened 2026 | 31 August 2026 |
| UJ | 1 April 2026 | 31 October 2026 |
| UKZN | Through CAO | 30 September 2026 |
NSFAS Bursaries and Student Loans
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds students at public universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS applications for 2027 opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026.
National Benchmark Tests NBTs
Some universities require National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) as part of the application process. NBTs are designed to assess a student’s academic readiness for university studies. Check with your preferred institution to determine if NBTs are required.