With the 2025 academic year fast approaching, South African universities have confirmed the timeline for releasing admission offers. According to Universities South Africa (USAf), outcome letters will be issued on 14 January 2025, following the release of matric results.
The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, will announce the 2024 matric results on 13 January 2025, which will be shared with students the next day.
2025 University Admission Offers
Once you receive an admission offer, prompt action is essential. Failing to accept the offer within the designated timeframe could cost you your place.
For students not intending to register at a particular university, declining the offer is equally critical. Many universities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning unclaimed offers delay opportunities for other deserving students eager to begin their studies in 2025.
When the 2025 Academic Year Begins
USAf has also provided a breakdown of the 2025 academic year start dates for South Africa’s 26 public universities. While some universities will begin as early as January, others are set to commence in February.
Here’s an overview of start dates for both first-time entering and returning students:
University |
Returning Students |
First-Time Students |
Central University of Technology (CUT) |
28 January 2025 |
22 January 2025 |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
27 January 2025 |
10 February 2025 |
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
10 February 2025 |
10 February 2025 |
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) |
31 January 2025 |
27 January 2025 |
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) |
7 February 2025 |
1 February 2025 |
North-West University (NWU) |
3 February 2025 |
30 January 2025 |
Rhodes University (RU) |
6 February 2025 |
1 February 2025 |
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
6 January 2025 |
22 January 2025 |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
8 January 2025 |
8 January 2025 |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
1 February 2025 |
1 February 2025 |
University of the Free State (UFS) |
12 January 2025 |
27 January 2025 |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
13 January 2025 |
17 January 2025 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
31 January 2025 |
31 January 2025 |
University of Limpopo (UL) |
13 January 2025 |
23 January 2025 |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
7 February 2025 |
1 February 2025 |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
8 February 2025 |
25 January 2025 |
University of Venda (UNIVEN) |
6 January 2025 |
20 January 2025 |
University of Zululand (UNIZULU) |
3 February 2025 |
27 January 2025 |
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) |
21 January 2025 |
14 January 2025 |
University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) |
7 February 2025 |
27 February 2025 |
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) |
7 February 2025 |
7 February 2025 |
Adhering to these dates ensures access to crucial resources like academic materials, financial aid, and accommodation.
Important Note for NSFAS Applicants
Students applying for NSFAS funding should register for their chosen programme promptly, as funding is conditional upon timely registration. Late registration could lead to delays in securing bursary support.
Need Funding? Consider Feenix
If you're searching for additional funding, platforms like Feenix may provide assistance.
For further questions regarding admission, registration, or academic programmes, contact the relevant university directly.