VerifiedDid you miss a main application deadline for the 2027 academic year? UCT, Stellenbosch, UP, SMU and NWU have closed their 2027 undergraduate portals, but many South African universities still accept applications until 30 September 2026, and a handful stay open until October or November.
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This guide lists the universities still open for 2027, their closing dates, and the steps to take now to secure a space. We checked every date on the universities’ own websites on 15 September 2026.
University of Fort Hare Online Application 2027
University of the Free State Online Application 2027
University of Limpopo Online Application 2027
University of Johannesburg Online Application 2027
University of Mpumalanga Online Application 2027
Nelson Mandela University Online Application 2027
University of Pretoria Online Application 2027
Rhodes University Online Application 2027
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Online Application 2027
Sol Plaatje University Online Application 2027
Stellenbosch University Online Application 2027
Walter Sisulu University Online Application 2027
University of Venda Online Application 2027
University of the Western Cape Online Application 2027
Wits University Online Application 2027
University of Zululand Online Application 2027
Cape Peninsula University of Technology Online Application 2027
Central University of Technology Online Application 2027
Durban University of Technology Online Application 2027
Mangosuthu University of Technology Online Application 2027
Tshwane University of Technology Online Application 2027
Vaal University of Technology Online Application 2027
Universities Still Open for 2027 Applications (Updated List)
As of 15 September 2026, these public universities still accept applications for 2027. Individual programmes (such as Nursing or Education) can fill up or close earlier, so confirm your programme before you apply.
| University | Closing date for 2027 | Notes |
| University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | 30 September 2026 | Health Sciences, Architecture, Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology and Film & TV closed on 30 June 2026 |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | 30 September 2026 | Health Sciences closed on 31 May; Nursing, Social Work and Architecture on 31 July 2026 |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | 30 September 2026 | Apply through CAO; Medicine closed on 30 June 2026 |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | 30 September 2026 | Apply through CAO; Diagnostic Radiography closed on 31 August 2026 |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) | 30 September 2026 | Apply through CAO; MUT accepts late CAO applications with a late fee until 30 November |
| University of Zululand (UNIZULU) | 30 September 2026 | Apply through CAO; some selection programmes close earlier |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | 30 September 2026 | Selection programmes such as Nursing closed on 15 June 2026 |
| University of the Western Cape (UWC) | 30 September 2026 | Dentistry and Oral Health closed on 31 August 2026 |
| Rhodes University (RU) | 30 September 2026 | Final date for foreign applicants |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | 30 September 2026 | MBChB and international applicants closed on 30 July 2026; R200 fee |
| University of Venda (UNIVEN) | 30 September 2026 | Some high-demand programmes close earlier |
| Central University of Technology (CUT) | 30 September 2026 | No late or walk-in applications |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | 30 September 2026 | Health, EMC, Somatology and Education closed earlier |
| Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | 30 September 2026 | Late applications for general programmes; selection programmes closed on 30 June 2026 |
| University of South Africa (UNISA) | 9 October 2026 | Undergraduate applications opened on 17 August 2026 |
| Vaal University of Technology (VUT) | 30 October 2026 | International applicants close on 30 September 2026 |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | 31 October 2026 (12:00) | Postgraduate and non-subsidised programmes may differ |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | 31 October 2026 | International applicants close on 30 September 2026 |
| University of Fort Hare (UFH) | 31 October 2026 | PhD applications stay open until 31 March 2027 |
| Sol Plaatje University (SPU) | 31 October 2026 | Same date for undergraduate and postgraduate |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | 30 November 2026 | Postgraduate programmes close on 30 January 2027 |
Note: High-demand courses close as soon as they are full. You must apply immediately if you see a course available.
How to Apply for Late Admission
The process for late applications is slightly different from the main cycle. You do not have time to waste. Follow these direct steps to ensure your application is processed.
- Visit the Official Portal: Do not use third-party sites. Go directly to the university website (e.g., www.spu.ac.za or the CAO website for KZN institutions).
- Check Course Availability: Most portals have a “Prospectus” or “Available Courses” tab. Verify that your desired program still has space.
- Submit the Online Form: Complete the digital application. Manual or paper applications are rarely accepted during the late phase.
- Upload Certified Documents: Ensure your ID and Grade 11/12 results are clear and certified within the last three months.
- Pay any late fee: CAO charges a higher fee for applications it receives after its main closing date (MUT, for example, accepts late CAO applications until 30 November). Keep your proof of payment safe.
The “Late Enquiry” Systems (UJ and TUT)
Some universities close their portals but have offered a late enquiry process in January, after the matric results, for applicants who already have their final marks.
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
UJ does not accept standard late applications. Instead, they use the UJ Late Enquiry System (formerly Orange Carpet).
- Status: For the 2026 intake, UJ opened its late enquiry system in mid-January 2026. UJ has not announced 2027 dates, so watch uj.ac.za in January 2027.
- How it works: You log in to the system, enter your final marks, and the system will show if there is any space left in any program. This is strictly online; no physical walk-ins are allowed.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
TUT uses the Late Application Enquiry system.
- Status: For the 2026 intake, TUT opened late applications in January 2026. Expect any 2027 window in January 2027.
- How it works: You must use the specific “Late Application” link on the TUT website. Do not go to the campus gates. Admission is based strictly on available space and your Admission Point Score (APS).
Universities That Are Closed for 2027
These universities have closed their 2027 undergraduate applications and do not accept late applications, so do not spend money applying to them now.
- University of Cape Town (UCT) – closed 31 July 2026
- Stellenbosch University (SU) – closed 31 July 2026
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – closed 31 July 2026
- North-West University (NWU) – closed 31 August 2026
- University of Pretoria (UP) – closed 30 June 2026
Documents You Must Have Ready
When applying late, university systems are under high pressure. If your documents are blurry or missing, your application will be rejected immediately. Ensure you have digital copies (PDFs) of the following:
- Certified ID Copy: Both sides of the ID card.
- Grade 11 Final Report: If you are currently in Matric.
- Matric Certificate: If you have already completed Grade 12.
- Proof of Residence: An affidavit or utility bill.
- Proof of Payment: The receipt for your application fee.
What If You Cannot Find a University Space?
If you cannot secure a space at a university, consider TVET Colleges. Many TVET colleges accept applications well into January and February. They offer National Diploma courses (N-Diplomas) that are accredited and funded by NSFAS.
Do you need to check your current application status?
Visit our guide to checking your application status to see if you have already been accepted at institutions where you applied earlier in the year.