Universities to Accept 2027 Application in April 2026

If you’re planning to begin your studies in 2027, it’s important to know which universities will start accepting applications in April 2026. Many higher education institutions open their admission portals months in advance, giving prospective students enough time to prepare their documents, meet admission requirements, and submit strong applications before the closing dates.

This guide highlights universities that will accept 2027 applications starting in April 2026, along with key opening dates, deadlines, and essential application details. Whether you are applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes, staying informed about early application windows can significantly improve your chances of securing admission.

Required Documents for Applications

To apply to any of the universities, you will need, but are not limited to, the following documents:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Equivalent qualifications
Copy of Your ID or Passport
Proof of Payment for Application Fee (if applicable)
Transcripts and Certificates (for postgraduate applicants)

Note: It is worth noting that document requirements vary by university and, in some cases, by the course you are applying for. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific requirements listed on each university’s website and ensure you submit the necessary documents within the application period.

Universities Opening 2027 Applications in April 2026

As we move into 2026, it is time for prospective students to prepare for the 2027 academic intake. Several top South African universities will open their application portals in April 2026.

Here is a breakdown of the key dates, fees, and official links for the upcoming 2027 application cycle:

Durban University of Technology (DUT) – KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, Pietermaritzburg)

- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2026
- Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee:
  - R250 for South African applicants
  - R300 for international applicants
- Official Website: www.dut.ac.za

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – Eastern Cape (Gqeberha, George)

- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2026
- Application Closing Date: Varies by course
- Application Fee: R500 (International students only)
- Official Website: www.mandela.ac.za

North-West University (NWU) – North West (Mafikeng, Potchefstroom, Vanderbijlpark)

- Application Opening Date: 2 April 2026
- Application Closing Dates:
  - Specific Courses: 28 June 2026
  - All Other Courses: 30 August 2026
- Application Fee: R575 (International students only)
- Official Website: www.nwu.ac.za

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – Gauteng (Pretoria)

- Application Opening Date: 2 April 2026
- Application Closing Date: 31 August 2026
- Application Fee: R200
- Official Website: www.smu.ac.za

Stellenbosch University (SU) – Western Cape (Stellenbosch)

- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2026
- Application Closing Date: 31 July 2026
- Application Fee: R100
- Official Website: www.sun.ac.za

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Gauteng (Pretoria, multiple campuses)

- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2026
- Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: R240
- Official Website: www.tut.ac.za

University of Cape Town (UCT) – Western Cape (Cape Town)

- Application Opening Date: 2 April 2026
- Application Closing Date: 31 July 2026
- Application Fee:
  - R100 for South African applicants
  - R300 for international applicants
  - Official Website: www.uct.ac.za

University of the Free State (UFS) – Free State (Bloemfontein, QwaQwa, South Campus)

- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2026
- Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: No application fee required
- Official Website: www.ufs.ac.za

University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Gauteng (Johannesburg)

- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2026
- Application Closing Date: 1 October 2026
- Application Fee: R200 (Manual Applications)
- Official Website: www.uj.ac.za

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Westville, Howard College, Edgewood)

Application Opening Date: April 1, 2026
Application Closing Dates:
- Medicine: 30 June 2026
- All Other Courses: 30 September 2026
Application Fee:
- South African applicants: R210
- SADC and rest of Africa: R490
- Outside Africa: $153
Official Website: www.ukzn.ac.za

University of Limpopo (UL) – Limpopo (Mankweng, Polokwane)

Application Opening Date: 1 April 2026
Application Closing Date: 31 October 2026
Application Fee:
- R200 for South African applicants
- R750 for international applicants
Official Website: www.ul.ac.za

University of Pretoria (UP) – Gauteng (Pretoria)

Application Opening Date: 2 April 2026
Application Closing Dates:
- Faculty of Veterinary Science: 31 May 2026
- All Other Faculties: 30 June 2026
Application Fee: R300
Official Website: www.up.ac.za

University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Western Cape (Cape Town, Bellville Campus)

Application Opening Date: 2 April 2026
Application Closing Dates:
- Dentistry: 30 August 2026
- All Other Courses: 30 September 2026
Application Fee: Free
Official Website: www.uwc.ac.za

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) – Eastern Cape (Mthatha, Butterworth, East London, Queenstown)

Application Opening Date: 1 April 2026
Application Closing Dates:
- Health-related Courses: 30 September 2026
- All Other Courses: 31 October 2026
Application Fee: Free of charge
Official Website: www.wsu.ac.za

FAQs:

When do university applications for 2027 open in South Africa?
Most universities start accepting applications in April 2026.
Which universities have free applications?
University of Fort Hare (UFH), University of the Western Cape (UWC), Walter Sisulu University (WSU), and University of the Free State (UFS) do not charge application fees.
What happens if I miss the university application deadline?
Some universities may have late application options, but it’s best to apply early.

University Prospectus

A detailed guide provided by universities, usually in PDF format.
Contains course details, entry requirements, fees, campus life, and academic policies.

For official and up-to-date information, it’s best to check both the website and the latest prospectus. Need help finding a specific university’s prospectus? Click Here

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