2027 University Applications in South Africa – All Details
2027 University Applications in South Africa – All Details / 2027 South African University Applications: Dates, Fees & Requirements
We are about to enter a new university application season, and it is important to understand what to do as various universities prepare to open their 2027 application forms. Do not despair, we have you covered with information on application opening and closing dates, application fees, available courses, and entry requirements for each South African university you plan to apply to.
“No one goes to battle without preparation.” This article serves as a comprehensive guide for prospective students intending to apply to South African universities for the 2027 academic year. It provides detailed insights into university application timelines, Admission Point Score (APS) requirements, available funding options, and step-by-step application procedures, equipping applicants with the knowledge required to submit competitive and well-informed applications.
When Do 2027 University Applications Open and Close?
A detailed overview of application periods (Opening & Closing dates) for top South African universities is provided below to help prospective students plan ahead and apply on time for the 2027 academic year:
University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Opening: 2 April 2026
- Closing: 31 July 2026
- Application Fee:
- R100 (SADC)
- R300 (International)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Opening: 2 April 2026
- Closing:
• Dentistry – 30 August 2026
• All other programmes – 30 September 2026 - Application Fee: Free
Stellenbosch University (SUN)
- Opening: 1 April 2026
- Closing: 31 July 2026
- Application Fee: R100
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Opening: 13 May 2026
- Closing: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee:
- Free: online
- R200: manual
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Opening: 1 April 2026
- Closing: 31 October 2026
- Application Fee:
- Free: online
- R200: manual
University of Pretoria (UP)
- Opening Date: 2 April 2026
- Closing Dates:
• Veterinary Science – 31 May 2026
• All other Courses – 30 June 2026 - Application Fee: R300
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Commencing: 1 March 2026
- Deadline:
• Select programmes – 30 June 2026
• Others – 30 September 2026 - Application Fee:
- R100: Domestic students
- R700: International students
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Opening: April 1, 2026
- Closing:
• Medicine – 30 June 2026
• Other programmes – 30 September 2026 - Application Fee:
- R210 (on time)
- R420 (late)
- R490 (International)
Rhodes University
- Opening: 1 April 2026
- Closing: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: R100 (All Applicants)
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Opening: 1 April 2026
- Closing: Programme dependent
- Application Fee:
- Free: SA Applicants
- R500: International Students
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- Opening: 2 April 2026
- Closing:
• Health Sciences – 30 September 2026
• Any other programmes – 31 October 2026 - Application Fee: Free (ALL Applicants)
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- Opening: 1 March 2026
- Closing: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee:
- Free online
- Manual:
- R120 (SA)
- R500 (International)
University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Opening: 1 September 2026
- Closing: 1 January 2027
Application Fee: R135 (ALL)
North-West University (NWU)
- Opening: 2 April 2026
- Closing: 28 June or 30 August 2026
- Application Fee: Free
University of the Free State (UFS)
- Opening: 1 April 2026
- Closing: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: Free
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Opening: 1 April 2026
- Closing: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: R250 (SA) | R300 (International)
University of Limpopo (UL)
- Opening: April 1 2026
- Closing: October 31 2026
Application Fee:- R200 (SA)
- R750 (International)
Minimum Entry Requirements
What You Need to Know About APS Score
- Admission to most South African universities is based on the Admission Point Score (APS).
- Applicants must meet the minimum APS requirement for their chosen programme to be considered.
- To check your eligibility, download the 2027 university prospectus, which clearly explains APS calculations and cut-off scores.
- Your top six Matric subjects serve as the foundation for calculating your Admission Points Score (APS)
- Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission, especially for competitive programmes.
- APS requirements vary by course and faculty, so applicants should review programme-specific criteria carefully.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for 2027
Follow these step-by-step instructions to successfully complete and submit your 2027 university application to any South African university of your choice:
- Confirm application opening and closing dates
- Certify and scan all application materials
- Confirm if you satisfy all entry requirements (Download the prospectus)
- Go to the official website to complete the online form
- Pay the required application fee
- The basic documents required are:
- South African ID or passport
- Grade 11 or Matric results
- NSC certificate (if completed)
- Academic transcripts
- Affidavit
- Submit your application
- You would be notified via SMS and or Email
- Monitor your application status
- Accept firm offers once final Matric results are released
International applicants must also apply for a study visa and complete SAQA verification.
2027 University Application Timeline (Universities in South Africa Only)
Here are the best times to submit your university applications in South Africa for the 2027 academic intake, ensuring you meet all deadlines and secure your preferred programme.
- March – April 2026: The majority of South African universities open their application portals for the 2027 academic year.
- June – July 2026: Early application deadlines apply for high-demand programmes, particularly in health and science fields.
- From September 2026 onwards: Most university applications for the 2027 intake will be closed, except for institutions like UNISA, which typically opens around the same period.
Late Applications
Some universities accept late applications; however, these are considered only if spaces remain available after the official closing date and are therefore not guaranteed. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to improve their chances of securing admission into their preferred programme of study.
Courses That Do Not Accept Late Applications
The following programmes typically close early and do not accept late applications at most universities across South Africa, due to limited capacity and high competition.
- MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science)
- Performing Arts (auditions/portfolios)
Funding Available for University Students
Bursaries & Scholarships
Most universities offer merit-based scholarships to students with financial constraints. Always visit the Funding and Bursaries section at the bottom of the university’s official website to learn more details
Student Loans
Available from major banks including Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and Capitec.
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Government funding is available for students from households earning below R350,000 per year. This funding is offered at all universities across South Africa, but international students are not eligible.
Conclusion
Applying to university is a major step toward your future. With the right planning, early applications, and complete documentation, you can secure your place for the 2027 academic year with confidence.
Start early, stay organised, and take control of your academic journey.
This article was first written by https://richadmissions.com/