2027 Application Opening & Closing Dates for South African Universities

Knowing the application opening and closing dates for South African universities is one of the most important steps in the admissions process. Every year, thousands of prospective students miss out simply because they apply too late or overlook key deadlines. If you are planning to apply to any of the top universities in South Africa, it is essential to stay informed about the correct application dates.

South African universities usually open applications in the year preceding the academic year. This means the 2027 application season is scheduled to take place in 2026. Understanding when applications open, when they close, and which supporting documents are required can significantly improve your chances of acceptance.

In this guide, we provide a comprehensive list of universities and their 2027 application opening and closing dates. Whether you are a local matriculant or an international applicant, this article will help you stay organized and ahead of important deadlines.

South African University 2027 Application Dates

Applications are officially open at most public universities for the 2027 academic intake. The 2027 application window will remain open until 31 October 2026, depending on the university and the programme you wish to apply for. It is your responsibility to ensure that your completed application form, supporting documents, and, where applicable, the application fee are submitted to your chosen university before the stated deadline, which is typically at midnight.

List of Universities Open for 2027 Applications and Closing Dates

The universities listed below are currently accepting new applicants for the 2027 academic intake. To apply to any of these universities, click on the respective link to be redirected to their application portal, where you can begin your 2027 online application.

Eastern Cape

Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Apply Here
Rhodes University (RU)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Apply Now
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Apply Today
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- Application Opening: May 2026
- Application Deadline: October 2026
- Application Link: Enroll Now

Free State

University of the Free State (UFS)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Register Today
Central University of Technology (CUT)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Take Action Now

Gauteng

University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Application Opening: September 2026
- Application Deadline: November 2026
- Application Link: Apply for Enrollment
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: October 2026
- Application Link: Apply for Admission
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Application Opening: March 2026
- Application Deadline: July 2026
- Application Link: Get Your Application in
University of Pretoria (UP)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: August 2026
- Application Link: Begin Your Application
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Be Part of It, Apply Now
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Don’t Wait, Apply Now
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: October 2026
- Application Link: Submit Your Form

KwaZulu-Natal

Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Secure Your Spot
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- Application Opening: June 2026
- Application Deadline: October 2026
- Application Link: Take the First Step
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Join Us Today
University of Zululand (UniZulu)
- Application Opening: May 2026
- Application Deadline: October 2026
- Application Link: Apply for Your Future

Limpopo

University of Limpopo (UL)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Take the Leap, Apply Now
University of Venda (Univen)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Begin Your Enrollment

Mpumalanga

University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- Application Opening: May 2026
- Application Deadline: October 2026
- Application Link: Register Now

Northern Cape

Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Reserve Your Spot Now

North West

North-West University (NWU)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: October 2026
- Application Link: Take the Next Step

Western Cape

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Application Opening: May 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Apply Here
Stellenbosch University (SU)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Register Now
University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Application Opening: May 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Reserve Your Spot Now
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Application Opening: April 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Application Link: Apply Today