With competition for places at South African universities growing fiercer every year, a single missed deadline can set you back 12 months. Some programmes receive tens of thousands of applications for just a few hundred seats. The students who apply on Day 1 already have an advantage over those who apply in September.
This guide gives you everything on a complete list of all universities that are open for 2027 applications, official opening and closing dates, application fees, and step-by-step tips to make your application stand out. Whether you are a current Grade 12 learner, a gap-year student, or a working adult looking to enter higher education — your opportunity starts right here.
Quick Tip: Most South African universities open their 2027 application portals between March and May 2026. Applications for competitive programmes like Medicine, Engineering, and Health Sciences often close as early as 31 May or 30 June 2026 — months before the general deadline.
Why Applying Early Matters for the 2027 Academic Year
If you are targeting a place at a South African university for the 2027 academic year, timing is everything. South Africa has 26 public universities, and together they receive well over half a million applications annually — for a fraction of that number in available spaces.
Here is why applying as early as possible is one of the smartest moves you can make:
- Rolling admissions: Many universities process applications as they come in. A provisional offer made in May is better than waiting until October.
- Programme-specific early deadlines: Degrees in Medicine (MBChB), Health Sciences, Architecture, and Engineering often close months before the general deadline. If you miss that specific deadline, you cannot apply for that programme — even if the general portal is still open.
- Residence applications: Student accommodation often follows the same or earlier deadlines as academic applications. Apply late and you may not get on-campus housing.
- Bursary and NSFAS alignment: You need an official acceptance letter to finalise most bursary applications. Applying early ensures you have your acceptance in time to meet funding deadlines.
The bottom line: do not wait until August or September. The students who apply in April and May consistently have better outcomes.
Full List: Universities Open for 2027 Applications in South Africa
Below is a comprehensive, updated table of all 21 public universities in South Africa that are accepting or will accept applications for the 2027 academic year. Use this as your master reference list.
| University | Opens | General Closing | App Fee (SA) | Official Website |
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | 1 April 2026 | 31 July 2026 | R100 | uct.ac.za |
| University of Pretoria (UP/Tuks) | 1 April 2026 | 30 June 2026 | R300 | up.ac.za |
| University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | 1 March 2026 | 30 Sept 2026* | R200 | wits.ac.za |
| University of Stellenbosch (SU) | 1 April 2026 | 31 July 2026 | R100 | sun.ac.za |
| Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | 13 April 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | FREE | mandela.ac.za |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | 1 April 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | FREE | ufs.ac.za |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | 1 April 2026 | 31 Oct 2026 | R200 | uj.ac.za |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | 1 March 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | R200 | ukzn.ac.za |
| University of Western Cape (UWC) | 1 April 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | FREE | uwc.ac.za |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | 1 April 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | R200 | ul.ac.za |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | 1 April 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | R240 | tut.ac.za |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | 1 April 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | R200 | dut.ac.za |
| Cape Peninsula Univ. of Technology (CPUT) | 1 May 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | R200 | cput.ac.za |
| University of Fort Hare (UFH) | 1 April 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | R100 | ufh.ac.za |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | 1 April 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | R100 | wsu.ac.za |
| North-West University (NWU) | 1 June 2026 | TBA | R200 | nwu.ac.za |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | 1 June 2026 | 30 Nov 2026 | R100 | ump.ac.za |
| Sol Plaatje University (SPU) | 1 April 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | FREE | spu.ac.za |
| UNISA (Distance Learning) | Aug 2026 | Oct 2026 | FREE | unisa.ac.za |
| University of Zululand (UniZulu) | 1 April 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | R150 | unizulu.ac.za |
IMPORTANT: Application dates are confirmed for most institutions as of April 2026. Always verify specific programme deadlines on the official university website before submitting. Dates for competitive programmes differ from general closing dates.
Key Universities Open for 2027: Dates and Details
Let us break down the most popular universities and what you need to know about their 2027 application processes.
Traditional (Research) Universities
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
UCT consistently ranks as Africa’s top university, making it one of the most competitive institutions to apply to. Applications for the 2027 academic year are open.
APPLY: UCT Online Application 2027
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 31 July 2026 (most undergraduate programmes)
- Application Fee: R100 (South African students)
- Note: UCT does NOT accept late applications. NBT (National Benchmark Tests) are required for most programmes, with the final sitting on 3 October 2026.
- Website: www.uct.ac.za
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Wits is one of Africa’s leading research universities and consistently among the most oversubscribed. It was one of the first to open its 2027 application portal.
- Opens: 1 March 2026
- Closes: 30 June 2026 — Health Sciences, Architecture (BAS), Audiology, Film & TV
- Closes: 30 September 2026 — All other undergraduate programmes
- Application Fee: R100
- How to Apply: Via the Wits Student Self-Service Portal at self-service.wits.ac.za
- Website: www.wits.ac.za
3. Stellenbosch University (SU)
One of South Africa’s oldest and most respected universities, Stellenbosch is particularly well-regarded for its Agriculture, Medicine, Engineering, and Business programmes.
APPLY: Stellenbosch University Online Application 2027
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 31 July 2026 (Medicine and Health Sciences close earlier)
- Application Fee: R100 (SA students) / R400 (international students)
- Website: www.sun.ac.za
4. University of Pretoria (UP)
UP is one of South Africa’s largest contact universities and is known for its broad range of programmes and high graduate employability rates.
- Opens: March 2026
- Closes: 30 September 2026 (programme-specific dates vary)
- Application Fee: R300
- Website: www.up.ac.za
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
UKZN applies through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for most programmes. It has campuses in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville.
- Opens: 1 March 2026
- Closes: 30 June 2026 — MBChB (Medicine) only
- Closes: 30 September 2026 — All other programmes and residence
- Application Fee: R200 (via CAO at www.cao.ac.za)
- Website: www.ukzn.ac.za
6. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
UJ is one of the most popular universities of choice among South African youth due to its diverse programmes, four Gauteng campuses, and strong industry partnerships.
APPLY: UJ Online Application 2027
- Opens: March 2026
- Closes: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: R200
- Website: www.uj.ac.za
7. University of the Free State (UFS)
UFS offers free applications for South African students, making it a highly accessible option. It has campuses in Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa, and South Campus.
APPLY: UFS Online Application 2027
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 31 May 2026 — Health Sciences (MBChB, OT, and others)
- Closes: 31 July 2026 — Architecture, Nursing, Social Work
- Closes: 30 September 2026 — All other programmes and residence
- Application Fee: Free (maximum 2 programme choices)
- Website: www.ufs.ac.za
8. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
UWC is known for its social justice mission and offers no application fee for South African students, making it one of the most accessible universities to apply to.
APPLY: UWC Online Application 2027
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 30 September 2026 (Dentistry expected to close 31 August)
- Application Fee: Free (maximum 2 programme choices)
- Website: www.uwc.ac.za
9. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
NMU is based in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape and is known for its excellence in Environmental Sciences, Engineering, and Education. It has seven campuses and students from over 34 countries.
APPLY: NMU Online Application 2027
- Opens: 13 April 2026
- Closes: 30 June 2026, 3 August 2026, and 30 September 2026 (varies by programme)
- Application Fee: Free for South African students / R500 for international students
- Website: www.mandela.ac.za
10. North-West University (NWU)
NWU has three campuses across the North West and Free State provinces. It offers free applications for South African citizens.
- Opens: 1 June 2026
- Closes: 30 June 2026 — Selection programmes (Nursing, Engineering, etc.)
- Closes: 13 July 2026 — Music programmes
- Closes: 31 August 2026 — All other programmes and residence
- Application Fee: Free for SA citizens / R600 for international students
- Website: www.nwu.ac.za
11. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
SMU in Pretoria is the only public university in South Africa that focuses exclusively on health sciences. It is a highly competitive institution ideal for students pursuing Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and allied health professions.
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 31 July 2026 (undergraduate) / 31 August 2026 (postgraduate)
- Application Fee: R300
- Website: www.smu.ac.za
12. Rhodes University
Rhodes University is a prestigious institution in Makhanda (Grahamstown), Eastern Cape, known for producing high-calibre graduates, particularly in the Humanities, Journalism, Law, and Sciences.
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: R100
- Website: www.ru.ac.za
Universities of Technology (UoTs) Open for 2027
13. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
TUT is one of the largest universities of technology in South Africa, with nine campuses. It is an excellent choice for students seeking diplomas and applied degrees in technical fields.
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 30 June 2026 (most programmes including selected Engineering and Health)
- Application Fee: R240 (non-refundable)
- Website: www.tut.ac.za
14. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
CPUT is one of the top universities of technology in the Western Cape, with a strong focus on Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences.
- Opens: 1 May 2026
- Closes: 30 June 2026 — Selected Health programmes
- Closes: 31 August 2026 — General undergraduate
- Application Fee: R100
- Website: www.cput.ac.za
15. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
DUT is known for its strong industry focus and high graduate employment rates. It applies through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: R250 via CAO (www.cao.ac.za)
- Website: www.dut.ac.za
16. Central University of Technology (CUT)
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: Free
- Website: www.cut.ac.za
Other Public Universities Open for 2027
17. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: Free
- Website: www.wsu.ac.za
18. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: Free
- Website: www.ufh.ac.za
19. University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- Opens: 1 April 2026
- Closes: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: Free
- Website: www.ump.ac.za
20. UNISA (University of South Africa)
UNISA is the largest distance-learning institution in Africa and accepts applications later than contact universities. It has rolling admissions and is ideal for working adults and students who prefer flexible learning.
- Opens: 1 September 2026
- Closes: No fixed closing date — rolling admissions (apply early for popular modules)
- Website: www.unisa.ac.za
How to Apply to Universities Open for 2027: Step-by-Step
The application process may feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into clear steps makes it manageable. Here is how to approach your 2027 university applications:
- Research Your Options: Decide which university and programme you want. Check the minimum APS score and subject requirements. Do not apply blindly — make sure you meet the entry requirements.
- Calculate Your APS Score: Your Admission Points Score (APS) is based on your Grade 12 results. Each university uses its own APS scale, so check the specific requirements for your chosen programme.
- Prepare Your Documents: You will typically need: a certified copy of your ID (not older than 3 months), your Grade 11 final results (for current matric learners) or your matric certificate, proof of residence, and proof of payment for your application fee.
- Apply Online: Most universities use an online application portal. Some — like UKZN, DUT, and MUT — use the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ac.za. For others, apply directly on the university website.
- Pay the Application Fee: If a fee is required, pay it promptly and upload proof of payment. A missing proof of payment is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed.
- Track Your Application: Log in regularly to check your application status. Some universities provide a self-service portal where you can see whether your documents have been received and processed.
- Apply for Funding: Do not wait for an acceptance letter before applying for NSFAS or bursaries. Start your NSFAS application as soon as it opens (typically September–October 2026). NSFAS and university applications are completely separate processes.
Pro Tip: Apply to at least 2-3 universities to maximise your chances of acceptance. Choose one ‘dream’ university, one ‘realistic’ option, and one ‘safe’ option based on your APS score.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
Before you open any application portal, make sure you have the following documents ready in digital format (PDF is preferred):
- Certified copy of your South African ID card or passport
- Grade 11 final results — stamped or signed by your school (for current Grade 12 learners)
- Matric certificate or Grade 12 results (for students who have already completed matric)
- Proof of residence (required for student housing applications)
- Application fee proof of payment — use the correct reference number provided by the university
- Motivational letter or portfolio (required for certain creative and professional programmes)
Important: Documents must be clear and legible. Blurry scans or photos taken at an angle are often rejected by document verification systems. Use a scanner app on your smartphone if you do not have access to a photocopier.
Programmes With the Earliest Closing Dates for 2027
If you are applying for any of the following high-demand programmes, take note: their closing dates are significantly earlier than the general university deadline. Missing these internal deadlines means you cannot apply for that specific qualification — even if the general portal is still open.
| Programme | Typical Closing Date |
| Medicine (MBChB) | 31 May – 30 June 2026 |
| Health Sciences (Allied) | 31 May – 31 July 2026 |
| Architecture (BAS) | 30 June 2026 |
| Veterinary Science | 30 June 2026 |
| Dentistry / Physiotherapy | 31 July 2026 |
| Engineering (competitive) | 30 June – 31 July 2026 |
| Law (selected institutions) | 31 July 2026 |
| Film, TV, Music programmes | 30 June – 13 July 2026 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
After helping students navigate university applications, these are the most costly mistakes we see year after year:
- Waiting for your June matric results: You do not need your June results to apply. Universities accept Grade 11 final results for initial consideration. Do not wait.
- Applying to only one university: Diversify your applications. Apply to at least two or three institutions.
- Using incorrect document formats: Some portals reject files that are too large or not in PDF format. Resize and convert documents before uploading.
- Forgetting the application fee reference number: If you pay without the correct student or application number as reference, the payment cannot be matched to your account.
- Ignoring programme-specific deadlines: The general closing date does not apply to all programmes. Always check the specific closing date for your chosen qualification.
- Confusing NSFAS with university applications: These are completely separate. Submitting a NSFAS application does not mean you have applied for admission.
- Applying during server peak times: University systems often crash in the final week before the deadline. High-traffic periods, especially the last week of September, can cause serious technical delays. Aim to submit all applications by May 2026.
NSFAS and Bursary Funding: Apply Alongside Your University Application
Securing funding is just as important as securing a place. Here is what you need to know about aligning your NSFAS and bursary applications with your university application timeline:
- NSFAS applications for the 2027 academic year are expected to open in September or October 2026. Do not wait for a university acceptance letter before applying — you can indicate which university you plan to attend.
- Corporate bursaries (e.g., Sasol, Eskom, Transnet, and others) often open alongside or shortly after university application windows. Most corporate bursaries require a conditional or confirmed acceptance letter.
- University-specific bursaries are available at most institutions for students who qualify financially. These are often automatically considered when you apply to the university.
- SETA bursaries are available for students entering specific sectors. Check with your relevant SETA based on your chosen field of study.
Frequently Asked Questions: Universities Open for 2027
Q: When do universities open their 2027 application portals?
Most South African universities open their 2027 application portals between March and May 2026. Wits and UKZN are among the earliest, opening in March, while institutions like CPUT open in May and NWU in June.
Q: Can I apply to university without my matric results?
Yes. Current Grade 12 learners apply using their Grade 11 final results or their latest Grade 12 interim marks. Universities issue a provisional acceptance based on these results, which becomes a firm offer once your final matric results are released in January.
Q: How much does it cost to apply to a South African university?
Application fees range from free (UWC, UFS, NMU, CUT, and others) to R300 at UP. Some institutions that apply through the CAO charge R250. Always check the specific fee on the university website before applying.
Q: How many universities can I apply to?
There is no official limit. However, some universities cap you at 2 or 3 programme choices per application (e.g., Wits allows a maximum of three programmes). Applying through the CAO gives you access to multiple KwaZulu-Natal institutions with a single application.
Q: What is a good APS score to get into university?
APS requirements vary widely by institution and programme. General degree programmes may require an APS of 24–28, while competitive programmes like Medicine can require 38 or above. Use the official APS calculator on each university’s website to confirm your eligibility.
Q: Is UNISA open for 2027 applications?
Yes. UNISA, South Africa’s largest distance-learning university, is expected to open its 2027 application portal in September 2026. It uses a rolling admissions model and is ideal for students who prefer flexible, self-paced learning.
Final Word: Your 2027 University Journey Starts Now
The opportunity to study at a South African university in 2027 is real and within reach — but only for those who take action now. Every week that passes is a week closer to an early programme deadline. The students who are applying today are the ones who will receive acceptance letters before the year is out.
Here is your simple action plan:
- Decide on your top 2–3 university and programme choices.
- Check your APS score against the minimum requirements.
- Prepare your documents today — before you need them.
- Apply as soon as each university portal opens. Do not wait.
- Fund your studies by applying for NSFAS and bursaries in parallel.
Your future does not start in January 2027. It starts the moment you submit your first application. Good luck — you have got this.
DISCLAIMER
All application dates and fees published in this article are based on information available as of April 2026. University application dates are subject to change without notice. Always verify the latest information on the official website of each institution before submitting your application. StudentDaily.co.za is not affiliated with any South African university and does not process applications on behalf of applicants.
