Universities Open for 2027 Applications | Late Application
This article contains information on the South African universities that are still accepting or open to applications for admission into the 2026/2027 Academic year.
Most of the universities in South Africa end their applications late into November while some end as early as August. Therefore, It is paramount as a prospective student to keep in mind all the application dates to have a wide variety of options when choosing a university in case you miss out on your favourite University.
This article has listed out a total of 26 South African Universities with details on their application dates as well as those that are still doing late entry. Prospective students are therefore advised to follow the updated date as it is stated below:
LIST OF SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR APPLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES
1. VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (VUT)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- VUT Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 30 September 2027.
- The Vaal University of Technology Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the VUT Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
VUT Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
VUT Late Application Status: OPEN (KINDLY CHECK OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR VUT LATE APPLICATION)
2. WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY (WSU)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- WSU Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 30th September 2026. If you submit your application before 30th September 2026 you will need to pay an application fee of R200.
- The Walter Sisulu University Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the WSU Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
WSU Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
WSU Late Application Status: CLOSED
3. RHODES UNIVERSITY (RU)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- RU Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 30th September 2026.
- The Rhodes University Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the RU Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
RU Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
RU Late Application Status: CLOSED
4. UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA (UP)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- Closing dates have been extended for the BSc Architecture, Health Sciences, and Veterinary Science programmes.
- The closing date for new applications for the 2026/2027 intake in the Faculty of Health Sciences has been extended to 30 June 2026.
- The closing date for new applications for the 2026 intake in the Faculty of Veterinary Science has been extended to 30 June 2026. The last date to submit the Value Added Forms is 31 August 2026.
- The closing date for new applications for the BSc Architecture programme for the 2026/2027 intake has been extended to 30 June 2026.
- Learners are encouraged to apply and submit all other relevant documentation as soon as possible. Please make effective use of these opportunities. Applications must be submitted online. Parents and learners can contact the Student Service Centre via email at ssc@up.ac.za with enquiries. You are encouraged to visit the UP website for regular updates and follow us on social media platforms. Let’s continue to support each other during this difficult time.
- The University of Pretoria Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the UP Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
UP Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
UP Late Application Status: CLOSED
5. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA)
Applicants are required to take note of the application dates below:
- UNISA Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to start by:
- Undergraduate qualifications (higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas & degrees): 1 September – 30 November 2026
- Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas: 1 September – 15 December 2025
- Master’s & doctoral qualifications: 15 September – 5 November 2026
- To start your registration, see the UNISA Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
UNISA Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
UNISA Late Application Status: OPEN (KINDLY CHECK OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR UNISA LATE APPLICATION)
6. SOL PLAATJE UNIVERSITY (SPU)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- SPU Admission closing date for all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes is 30 September 2026
- The Sol Plaatje University Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the SPU Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
SPU Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
SPU Late Application Status: CLOSED
7. SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES (SMU)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- SMU Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before the dates stated below:
- 03 October 2026 is the closing date to apply for the following courses: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB); Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (B Rad); Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS); Bachelor of Dental Therapy (BDT); Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BoH); Bachelor of Phar-macy (B Pharm); and Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (BSc Physio).
- 03 October 2026 is the closing date to apply for the following courses: Bachelor of Nursing Sciences and Art (B NSC / B Cur); Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (B SLP & A); Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B Occ Ther); Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (BSc Dietetics); Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Physics, Physiology, Psychology, Statistics.
- All other programmes are also scheduled to close on 03 October 2026.
- The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the SMU Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
SMU Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
SMU Late Application Status: CLOSED
8. UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA (UMP)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- UMP Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 30 September 2026.
- The University of Mpumalanga Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the UMP Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines.
UMP Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
UMP Late Application Status: CLOSED (KINDLY CHECK OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR UMP LATE APPLICATION)
9. MANGOSUTHU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (MUT)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- MUT Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before:
- Applications submitted after 30 September accumulate a late application fee determined by the CAO.
- The Mangosuthu University of Technology Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the MUT Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
MUT Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
MUT Late Application Status: CLOSED
10. UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO (UL)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
| Date | Programmes |
| 27 October 2026 | MBChB Programme |
| 31 October 2026 | All other undergraduate programmes |
- The closing date for applications in PGCE programmes is 31 October 2026.
- The University of Limpopo Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the UL Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
UL Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
UL Late Application Status: CLOSED (KINDLY CHECK OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR UL LATE APPLICATION)
11. UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND (UNIZULU)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- UNIZULU Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before:
- 30 October 2026 for Social Work
- 30 October 2026 for Nursing Science
- 31 October 2026 for other programmes
- The University of Zululand Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the UNIZULU Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
UNIZULU Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
UNIZULU Late Application Status: CLOSED
12. UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE (UFH)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- The application for the UFH admission is still open and registration is still ongoing.
- UFH Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 30th October 2026.
- The University Of Fort Hare Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the UFH Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
UFH Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
UFH Late Application Status: CLOSED (KINDLY CHECK OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR UFH LATE APPLICATION)
13. DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (DUT)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- Durban University of Technology Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 30 November 2026.
- The Durban University of Technology Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the Durban University of Technology Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guideline.
DUT Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
DUT Late Application Status: OPEN
14. CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CUT)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- CUT Admission Application 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 31 October 2026.
- The Central University of Technology Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the CUT Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
CUT Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
CUT Late Application Status: CLOSED
15. UNIVERSITY OF VENDA (UNIVEN)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- Venda Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 28th October 2026.
- The University of Venda Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the Venda Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
UNIVEN Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
UNIVEN Late Application Status: CLOSED
16. STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY (SU)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- SU Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before the dates stated below:
Undergraduate dates for all students, including international students in 2025:
- 1 April: Applications open for financial assistance at Stellenbosch University.
- 30 June: Applications close for all undergraduate programmes.
- 30 June: Residence applications close.
- 1 August: Applications open for NSFAS bursaries.
- 31 August: Applications close for Stellenbosch University financial assistance.
- 30 November: Applications close for NSFAS bursaries.
- 15 December: Applications close for Diploma in Public Accountability (Telematic Education).
Postgraduate closing dates for all students:
- Visit the Prospective Postgraduate Student website (www.sun.ac.za/pg studies) for a list of the closing dates of all the postgraduate programmes offered for the 2026/2027 intake year.
- The Universiteit Stellenbosch Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the SUN Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
Stellenbosch University Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
Stellenbosch University Late Application Status: CLOSED (KINDLY CHECK OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR STELLENBOSCH LATE APPLICATION)
17. UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG (UJ)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- UJ Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 30th October 2026.
- The University of Johannesburg Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the UJ Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
UJ Application Closing/Opening Status: Open
UJ Late Application Status: OPEN (KINDLY CHECK OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR UJ LATE APPLICATION)
18. UNIVERSITY OF WITWATERSRAND (WITS)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- WITS Admission Registration2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 30th October 2026.
- The closing date for 2026/2027 undergraduate applications for all Health Sciences programmes, Architecture, Audiology, Film and Television and Speech-Language Pathology is on 30 June 2026.
- The University of Witwatersrand Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the WITS Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
WITS Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
WITS Late Application Status: CLOSED
19. TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (TUT)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- TUT application is open and admission registration is still ongoing.
- TUT Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 30th October 2026.
- The Tshwane University of Technology Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the TUT Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
TUT Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
TUT Late Application Status: CLOSED (KINDLY CHECK OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR TUT LATE APPLICATION)
20. NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY (NMU)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- NMU Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 14th October 2026. In addition, places on some qualifications are limited, and it is therefore in your best interest to submit your application form and ALL supporting documentation by the same date.
- The Nelson Mandela University Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the NMU Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
NMU Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
NMU Late Application Status: CLOSED (KINDLY CHECK OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR NMU LATE APPLICATION)
21. CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CPUT)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- CPUT Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 30 September 2026 except for:
- Nursing programmes, which is 30 JUNE 2026.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which is 30 JUNE 2026.
- Fashion Design, Visual Communication Design, Jewellery Design & Manufacture, Product Design, Interior Design, Architectural Technology, which is 31 JULY 2026.
- International applications, which is 31 AUGUST 2026.
- The Cape Peninsula University of Technology Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the CPUT Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
CPUT Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
CPUT Late Application Status: CLOSED (KINDLY CHECK OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR CPUT LATE APPLICATION)
22. UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- UFS application is open and admission registration is still ongoing.
- UFS Applications to study non-selection programmes in 2026/2027, close on 30 October 2026.
- The University of the Free State Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the UFS Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
| Date | Selection and non-selection programme/s for which applications close |
| 31 May 2025 |
|
| 30 September 2026 |
|
| 30 September 2026 |
|
| 30 September 2026 |
|
| 30 September 2026 |
|
| 30 September 2026 |
|
IMPORTANT NOTICE: If your application is received after the following closing dates, it will not be considered.
UFS Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
UFS Late Application Status: CLOSED
23. UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL (UKZN)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- All other programmes: 30 October 2026. UKZN Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before
- Medicine: 31 October 2026: No late applications are accepted.
- The University of KwaZulu-Natal Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the UKZN Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
UKZN Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
UKZN Late Application Status: CLOSED (KINDLY CHECK OUT HOW TO APPLY FOR UKZN LATE APPLICATION)
24. UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE (UWC)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- UWC Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before 30th October 2026. Applications for Bachelors of Dental Surgery closes on 31st October 2026.
- Applications for BA Honours Biokinetics & BSC Honours Biokinetics close on 31 October 2026.
- The University of the Western Cape Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the UWC 2026/2027 Admission Forms – Instructions & Guidelines
UWC Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
UWC Late Application Status: CLOSED
25. NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (NWU)
Applicants are required to take note of the application deadline below:
- NWU Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before the following dates stated below:
- Non-selection courses: 30 October 2026
- Music: 31 October 2026 – Also apply for an audition before the closing date
- Graphic Design: 31 October 2026
- Engineering: 30 October 2026
- Urban and Regional planning: 30 October 2026
- Phar-macy: 31 October 2026
- All other selection courses: 30 June 2025
- The North-West University Application Portal is expected to shut down on the same date at 11:59 PM.
- To start your registration, see the NWU Admission Forms 2026/2027 – Instructions & Guidelines
NWU Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
NWU Late Application Status: CLOSED
26. UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN (UCT)
UCT Admission Registration 2026/2027 is scheduled to close on or before the following dates:
30 October 2026
- Closing date for undergraduate programme changes: 30 October 2026.
You do so by sending a request to admissions-ug@uct.ac.za or submitting a written request to the Admissions Office.
30 October 2026
- Final date to submit the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) portfolio.
31 October 2026
- For applicants finishing secondary school in 2023, all grade 12 interim results or predicted scores in the case of non-NSC candidates, are due.
- Interim and past transcripts for transferring applicants are due.
30 November 2026
- The last date to apply for the National Student Funding Assistance Scheme (NSFAS) funding. You must apply online.
31 December 2025
- All final transcripts and non-NSC school-leaving results (except CIE, ZIMSEC and NSSC) must be submitted as certified paper documents.
UCT Application Closing/Opening Status: OPEN
UCT Late Application Status: CLOSED
Related:
- When Do Universities Reopen in 2026
- Universities and TVET Colleges Academic Calendar 2026
- Student Portals Open for Registration
- List of TVET Colleges Open for 2026 Application
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