8 South African Universities Offering Free 2027 Applications
Applying to universities can be costly, and many students encounter these expenses every application cycle. However, the 2027 application season promises to be different, the application or processing fee will be the least of your concerns.
We’ve identified several universities in South Africa that offer free applications, charging no application or processing fees. This allows students to access and complete their application forms, particularly online, at no cost.
Take a moment to review this list and decide which universities you’d like to apply to for the 2027 academic year.
Mode of Application
All the universities mentioned in this article accept online applications only, meaning applicants must submit their forms through the official online application portals.
However, some other universities still provide an option for manual (paper-based) applications, usually at an additional cost. Applicants who choose the manual process may be required to pay a prescribed application fee before their forms are processed.
List of Universities Offering Free 2027 Applications
The following universities are currently open for the 2027 academic year and are giving prospective students the opportunity to apply at no cost:
Central University of Technology (CUT)
The 2027 application cycle at the Central University of Technology (CUT) will open on 13 May 2026. Applications are completely free of charge, allowing students to apply without paying any fees.
Programs Offered:
- Engineering
- Built Environment
- Information Technology
- Health Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Humanities
- Management Sciences
Mode of Application:
All applications for diplomas, higher certificates, postgraduate diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorates are submitted entirely online.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Walter Sisulu University, a higher education institution in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, focuses on technology and applied sciences. The 2027 application season opens on 1 April 2026, and all online applications are completely free of charge.
Applicants with a minimum National Senior Certificate can apply for the following qualifications at no cost:
- Engineering
- Built Environment
- Information Technology
- Management Sciences
- Public Administration Sciences
- Economics
- Financial Sciences
- Law
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Education
Mode of Application:
All applications for diplomas, certificates, and degree programmes must be submitted online.
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) does not charge an application fee and welcomes applications from a wide range of prospective students. These include:
- First-time undergraduate applicants
- Postgraduate applicants
- International students
- Students applying to transfer from another institution
- Applicants seeking re-admission
Applicants are allowed to choose up to two study programmes when submitting their application. These programmes may be selected from any of the following faculties at UWC:
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Natural Sciences
Mode of Applications: The application is fully online
University of the Free State (UFS)
With three campuses — Bloemfontein Campus, Qwaqwa Campus, and South Campus — the University of the Free State (UFS) is renowned for academic excellence and pioneering research across diverse fields, earning both national and international recognition.
Applications for the 2027 academic year will open on April 1, 2026, and there is no application fee. Prospective students may apply to programmes offered within the following faculties:
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of the Humanities
- Faculty of Theology and Religion
Mode of Applications: Only online application is accepted!
Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
The Sol Plaatje University is one of the institutions that allows prospective students to apply for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at no cost.
Applications for the 2027 academic year will open on April 1, 2026. Applicants may choose from programmes offered in the following faculties:
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
Mode of Application:
Applicants with a valid South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) and the required results can submit their applications online through the university’s official application portal.
North-West University (NWU)
The North-West University (NWU) has confirmed in its 2027 prospectus that applications for the 2027 academic year will be free of charge.
Prospective students may submit their 2027 applications from April 1, 2026, for qualifications offered in the following faculties:
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Theology
Mode of Applications: The 2027 application is completely online
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) is one of South Africa’s leading universities of technology and offers prospective students a free online application service.
Applications will open on May 13, 2026, for programmes offered in the following faculties:
- Applied Sciences
- Business & Management Sciences
- Education
- Engineering & the Built Environment
- Health & Wellness Sciences
- Informatics & Design
Mode of Application:
CPUT primarily accepts online applications. However, manual (paper-based) applications may be required for certain selected courses
University of Venda
The University of Venda does not require any payment to submit an application. Prospective students may begin applying for the 2027 academic year from 1 April 2026.
Applications are open across the following faculties:
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture
- Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law
- Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education
- Faculty of Health Sciences
Mode of Applications: Application is entirely online
Why You Need Free Applications
- Saves Money – No application fees means less financial stress.
- Apply to More Universities – Increases your chances of admission.
- Equal Opportunity – Makes higher education accessible to everyone.
- Convenient Process – Most are fully online and easy to complete.
- Focus on Preparation – Spend time strengthening your application, not worrying about fees.
Recommendations
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Apply Early – These universities receive a high volume of applications due to free online submissions, so apply as soon as the portal opens.
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Meet All Entry Requirements – Carefully check that you satisfy the minimum admission criteria before applying.
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Consider Competitive Criteria – Where possible, select programmes with less stringent selection requirements to improve your chances of admission.
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