Planning your higher education journey in South Africa for 2026? It's crucial to understand the university application process and deadlines. Securing a spot at your desired university and for your chosen course requires early action.
Applying early significantly increases your chances of acceptance. Popular courses and universities often have limited spaces, and early applications demonstrate your commitment.
When Universities Will Open 2026 Applications
Here's a breakdown of confirmed 2026 application dates:
Universities Currently Open
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Teaching and Bachelor of Nursing: Closes 30 June
- All other programs: Closes 30 September
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Closes 30 September
- University of Zululand (Unizulu)
- Closes 31 October
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- Closes 30 September
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Closes 30 September
Universities Opening On 1 April
- University of the Western Cape (UWC): 1 April - 30 September
- Stellenbosch University: 1 April - 31 July
- University of Pretoria (UP): 1 April
- North-West University (NWU): 1 April
- Nelson Mandela University: 1 April
- MBChB, BPharm, BRad: Closes 30 June
- Early Applications (Excluding MBChB, BPharm, BRad): Closes 1 August
- Late Applications (Excluding MBChB, BPharm, BRad): Closes 30 September
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU): 1 April - 31 October
- University of Limpopo (UL): 1 April
- MBChB: Closes 30 July
- All other programs: Closes 29 September
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU): 1 April - 31 July
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT): 1 April - 30 September
- University of the Free State (UFS): 1 April - 30 September
- University of Cape Town: 1 April until 31 July
- Rhodes University: April 2025
- University of Johannesburg: 1 April until 31 October
University Opening In May & June
- University of Fort Hare: 1 June - 31 October
- Central University of Technology: 13 May - 30 September
NSFAS Bursaries and Student Loans
Worried about university fees? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers valuable support.
- NSFAS Bursaries: Available for students from households with an annual income of R350,000 or less.
- NSFAS Student Loans: Students from households with an income between R350,000 and R600,000 may qualify for a loan.
NSFAS applications typically open in the final quarter of the year. Stay tuned for official announcements.
