Which Universities Are Open For Applications 2028

If you are planning to further your education in 2028, now is the time to start preparing for the 2028 university application season in South Africa. Whether you are interested in a Higher Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, Honours, postgraduate diploma, Master’s degree or Doctorate, South Africa offers a wide range of study opportunities through its 26 public universities.

As universities begin opening applications for the 2028 academic year, prospective students are encouraged to prepare their documents early and familiarise themselves with the application process. Since each university has its own application dates, fees, admission requirements, APS requirements and programme options, having the right information can help you avoid missed deadlines and application errors.

In this guide, we provide the essential information you need to navigate the 2028 South African university application season, including application opening and closing dates, fees, courses, admission requirements, funding options and how to apply.

When to Apply to Universities in South Africa for 2028?

It is important to remember that each university has its own application process, admission requirements, application fees, and opening and closing dates. Some programmes may also have earlier deadlines because of limited spaces, high demand, or additional selection requirements.

For the 2028 academic year, prospective students should start preparing their university applications as early as 1 March 2027 if they are applying through the CAO application platform, while many universities that accept direct applications are expected to begin opening applications from 1 April 2027.

Starting early gives you enough time to check admission requirements, prepare the required documents, pay any applicable application fees, and submit your application before the deadline.

Documents Required to Apply to South African Universities

Before submitting your university application, you should prepare all the required supporting documents. If you are applying online, the university’s application system will usually prompt you to upload the relevant documents during the application process. For some institutions, applications may also require documents to be submitted by post or delivered in person.

It is therefore advisable to prepare your documents before starting your application. This can help you avoid delays and ensure that you can complete your application before the closing date.

Some universities may require certain documents to be certified by an authorised person, such as a police station, depending on the institution’s requirements. Always check the official application guidelines of your chosen university to confirm which documents must be certified.

Required Documents for South African Students

Depending on the university and programme, you may be required to provide:

A certified copy of your Grade 12 results or latest examination results.
A certified copy of your South African ID.
A copy of your Grade 11 results if you are currently in Grade 12 and have not yet completed matric.
A birth certificate where applicable, particularly for applicants who do not yet have an ID.
A certified copy of your marriage certificate, if applicable.
Proof of payment of the application fee, where an application fee is required.

Required Documents for International Students

International applicants may be required to provide additional documents, including:

A certified copy of your passport or passport identification page.
Certified copies of your academic results and certificates.
Proof of English language proficiency, where required by the university.
A medical report or medical examination documents, where required.
A valid study visa or relevant immigration documentation, depending on the stage of the application.
A birth certificate, where applicable.
A certified copy of your marriage certificate, if applicable.
Proof of payment of the application fee, where applicable.

Please Note: There may be additional documents depending on the institution

South African Universities and Application Fees for 2028

Application fees vary from one South African university to another. While some public universities allow students to apply free of charge, others require applicants to pay a non-refundable application fee before their application can be submitted or processed.

Application fees may also differ depending on whether you are a South African applicant, a SADC applicant, or an international student. In some cases, universities may also provide exemptions for certain applicants.

If your preferred university requires an application fee, make sure you pay it using the approved payment method and keep your proof of payment. You may be required to upload or submit the proof of payment as part of your application.

Important: Application fees and payment requirements may change from year to year. Always confirm the latest fee and payment instructions on the official university website before applying.

How Application Fees Are Paid in South Africa

Each university provides its own instructions on how applicants should pay their application fees. Depending on the institution, accepted payment methods may include online card payments, EFT, direct bank deposits, or other approved payment options.

Before making any payment, applicants should visit the official website of their chosen university and follow the payment instructions provided. Payment methods may differ for South African, SADC, and other international applicants.

How to Pay Your University Application Fee

Follow these steps when paying your application fee:

Visit the official university website and go to the admissions or application section.
Start your application and complete the required personal and academic information.
Check the application fee amount and confirm whether you qualify for an application fee exemption.
Choose the approved payment method provided by the university, such as EFT, bank deposit, or online card payment.
Make the payment using the correct university banking or payment details.
Use your application number or student number as the payment reference, if instructed by the university.
Save your proof of payment after completing the transaction.
Upload or submit the proof of payment if the university requires it as part of your application.
Complete and submit your application before the university’s closing date.
Keep a copy of your application and payment confirmation for your records.

Important: Do not pay your university application fee through an individual, agent, or third party unless the university specifically authorises that payment method. Always use the official payment details provided by the university to reduce the risk of fraud or payment errors.

Payment instructions and application fees can change, so always check the official university website for the latest information before making a payment.

Universities in South Africa accepting applications for the academic year 2028

The following universities are all open for the 2028 admissions in South Africa

Application Process for South African Universities in 2028

The application process may differ from one South African university to another. Some universities accept applications directly through their own online application portals, while others use platforms such as the CAO for selected institutions and programmes.

Before applying, it is important to check the application requirements and instructions of your preferred university. You should also read the latest prospectus or contact the university’s admissions office if you are unsure about any part of the application process.

How to Apply to a South African University

Follow these steps when applying for the 2028 academic year:

Choose your preferred university
Decide which university you would like to attend and check whether applications for 2028 are open.
Choose your programme
Select the course or field of study you want to pursue and make sure it matches your career goals.
Check the admission requirements
Review the programme’s minimum admission requirements, including the required subjects, APS or points score, and any additional requirements.
Check the application deadline
Make sure you know the correct closing date for your chosen programme. Some programmes may have earlier deadlines than others.
Prepare your supporting documents
Gather your ID or passport, academic results, certificates, proof of payment and any other documents required by the university.
Certify your documents if required
If the university requires certified copies, have the relevant documents certified by an authorised official, such as at a police station.
Complete the application
Apply through the university’s official online application portal or through the designated application platform where applicable.
Pay the application fee
If an application fee is required, pay it using the university’s approved payment method and keep your proof of payment.
Upload your documents
Upload all required supporting documents in the correct format before submitting your application.
Submit your application
Review all the information you have provided and submit your application before the closing date.
Keep your application details
Save your application number, confirmation email and other application details. You may need them when checking your application status.
Check your application status
Regularly monitor your application status through the university’s official portal and check your email or SMS for updates.

Important: Applying does not automatically guarantee admission. Universities assess applications according to their admission requirements, available spaces and programme-specific selection criteria. Always use the official university website or approved application platform when applying.