Universities Welcoming 2026 Applications in April
Universities Welcoming 2026 Applications in April
Applying to university on time is a crucial step toward securing your preferred course, and we are happy to announce that most universities in South Africa will be opening their applications in April 2025 for the 2026 academic year. Whether you are a local or international student, undergraduate or postgraduate, understanding the application deadlines and fees can help you prepare ahead of time.
This article includes a list of universities across various provinces, along with their application opening dates, deadlines, and fees. We have also provided a list of documents you will need to apply to any of these universities.
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 Welcoming 2026 Applications in April
Several universities are opening their applications in April 2025 for the 2026 academic year. Here are some selected universities along with their application opening dates and deadlines:
Durban University of Technology (DUT) – KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, Pietermaritzburg)
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- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Application Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- 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)
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- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- 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)
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- Application Opening Date: 2 April 2025
- Application Closing Dates:
- Specific Courses: 28 June 2025
- All Other Courses: 30 August 2025
- Application Fee: R575 (International students only)
- Official Website: www.nwu.ac.za
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – Gauteng (Pretoria)
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- Application Opening Date: 2 April 2025
- Application Closing Date: 31 August 2025
- Application Fee: R200
- Official Website: www.smu.ac.za
Stellenbosch University (SU) – Western Cape (Stellenbosch)
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- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Application Closing Date: 31 July 2025
- Application Fee: R100
- Official Website: www.sun.ac.za
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Gauteng (Pretoria, multiple campuses)
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- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Application Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: R240
- Official Website: www.tut.ac.za
University of Cape Town (UCT) – Western Cape (Cape Town)
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- Application Opening Date: 2 April 2025
- Application Closing Date: 31 July 2025
- 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)
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- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Application Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: No application fee required
- Official Website: www.ufs.ac.za
University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Gauteng (Johannesburg)
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- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Application Closing Date: 1 October 2025
- 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, 2025
- Application Closing Dates:
- Medicine: 30 June 2025
- All Other Courses: 30 September 2025
- 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 2025
- Application Closing Date: 31 October 2025
- 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 2025
- Application Closing Dates:
- Faculty of Veterinary Science: 31 May 2025
- All Other Faculties: 30 June 2025
- Application Fee: R300
- Official Website: www.up.ac.za
University of the Free State (UFS) – Free State (Bloemfontein, QwaQwa, South Campus)
- Application Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Application Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: No application fee required
- Official Website: www.ufs.ac.za
University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Western Cape (Cape Town, Bellville Campus)
- Application Opening Date: 2 April 2025
- Application Closing Dates:
- Dentistry: 30 August 2025
- All Other Courses: 30 September 2025
- 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 2025
- Application Closing Dates:
- Health-related Courses: 30 September 2025
- All Other Courses: 31 October 2025
- Application Fee: Free of charge
- Official Website: www.wsu.ac.za
FAQs Section:
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When do university applications for 2026 open in South Africa?
Most universities start accepting applications in April 2025.
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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.
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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
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A detailed guide provided by universities, usually in PDF format.
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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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