SA Universities: Application Dates & Requirements for 2026

South African universities are currently accepting applications for the 2026 academic year. Both South African and international students can enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs at these universities. Before starting the application process, candidates are urged to understand the application procedure to avoid errors. We encourage all prospective students to meet every requirement, as spots are limited and the courses are competitive. This thorough guide provides the application dates, required documents, fees to be paid, and the requirements to be satisfied for both new and returning students.

All those planning to apply online at one of the universities in South Africa for Admission to study undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the 2026 have great opportunity to apply now. We’ve got you covered as we have outlined the step-by-step online application process. In case you don’t understand anything concerning the online submission of your application, please, visit the official website of the institution you are applying for more information.

South African Universities Application Dates 2026

Applications for the 2026 academic year will typically open between April and July 2025, with most universities closing on October 31, 2025. However, there are courses with earlier closing dates so you need to pay attention to the dates on the respective websites.

Early application submission can help prevent last-minute stress and errors, but it does not ensure acceptance. Several universities can only admit a limited number of students owing to capacity, thus we advise all applicants to apply early and also satisfy the course requirements.

Mode of Applications

Before applying to your selected university, you should check the manner of application, as some universities accept applications via email, mail, online, in-person or fax.

Select the appropriate application method of your university and learn about the steps you’ll take to complete the process. You’ll find the instructions about submitting academic records and any other required documents, as well as information about tracking the status of your application after you’ve applied.

Financial Aid Scheme for South African Universities 2025-2026

The financial aid scheme provides financial aid to eligible students at TVET colleges and public universities. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the legitimate financial aid schemes currently helping students. The NSFAS supports access to, and success in, higher education and training for students from poor and working-class families who would otherwise not be able to afford to study. In order to apply for NSFAS Funding 2025, visit www.nsfas.org.za.

It is important to note that different universities might have different application processes and some universities also use common application system for application submission which allows students to apply to multiple universities using a single application.

If you have any specific questions about a university’s application process, I recommend reaching out to the university’s admissions office for more information.

Required Documents for Applications

To apply, you’ll need the following documents:

Completed Application Form
National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Equivalent
Copy of Your ID or Passport
Proof of Payment for Application Fee (if applicable)
Transcripts and Certificates (for postgraduate applicants)
Statement of Purpose or Research Proposal (if applicable)

For International Students:

Valid Passport
Proof of English Proficiency
Student Visa (after acceptance)

A PDF, JPEG, GIF, or PNG scan of every document is necessary

Application Fees and Payment

Some universities may charge for applications, while others provide them for free. You have to figure out whether the university of your choice charges an application fee. As soon as the intake for 2026 starts, the management will disclose the amount and manner of payment

Before the closing date, prepare to upload or produce proof of payment, as well as any necessary supporting documentation

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate Courses

To be considered for admission, you must meet the academic requirements for your preferred program. Undergraduate programs require the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent credential, as well as a good APS score. Your top six Matric subjects serve as the foundation for calculating your Admission Points Score (APS

For postgraduate programs, you will need to submit your undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates. Certain programs may also require additional documents, such as a research proposal or portfolio.

How to Apply to a University in South Africa

Follow the general application steps below to complete the form of your university for 2026

Verify the application date for 2026.
To find out more about the courses, download the prospectus.
Make sure you fulfil the prerequisites for the course you have selected.
If you do not satisfy the criteria, think about improving your credentials.
Collect all required paperwork.
Certify them if required.
Get all the documents scanned into soft copies.
Visit the official website of the university.
Select and click “Apply Now” or “Online Applications” depending on the university.
Fill out the application.
In the “UPLOAD DOCUMENTS” area, upload any necessary documents.
If there is an application fee, pay it.
Click “Submit” or “Finish,” depending on the university, to submit the application.
Check your email/SMS for a confirmation of successful submissions

Universities in South Africa Currently Accepting 2026 Applications

The following universities are currently open and accepting applications for the 2026 academic year in South Africa

This article was first written by https://richadmissions.com/