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Which Universities Are Open For Applications 2026

South Africa’s tertiary schools are now accepting applications for the 2026 academic year. All 26 public universities are accepting applications for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Those who have passed their second cycle with good grades should prepare their documents to avoid disappointment. To apply, learn each university’s application processes, requirements, and admission requirements from this website.

When to Apply to Universities in South Africa For 2026?

South African universities are accepting applications for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees for the 2026 academic year. The application process starts on March 1 and ends on November 30, 2025. Closing dates vary by institution and program, so applicants should visit their preferred university’s official website to learn about the specific dates.

South African University Application 2026 Required Documents

Before submitting your application to your preferred university, you must attach these documents to the fully completed application form and mail or deliver them in person to the university’s campus. If you apply online, the system will prompt you to upload these documents during the application process. You cannot complete the online application if you do not have these documents to upload at the time of application. As a result, you must collect these documents before beginning your application process. One requirement for these documents is to be certified by the appropriate authority. You can have these documents certified at your local police station.

Required documents

For local Students

A certified copy of your Grade 12 examination results
Certified ID
Provide your Grade 11 if you are yet to complete
You can produce your birth certificate in place of your ID
Certified copy of your marriage certificate
Proof of payment of the compulsory and non-refundable application fee

Foreign Students

Certified ID
A certified copy of your first-page passport
Medical Report
Proof of proficiency
Study Visa
You can produce your birth certificate in place of your ID
Certified copy of your marriage certificate
Proof of payment of the compulsory and non-refundable application fee

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

South African Universities and Application Fees For 2026

In South Africa, most government universities do not charge an application fee. Some do, but some applicants are exempt. Application or processing fees can range from free to R500. it is your responsibility to pay the application fee for your preferred university if required. If the university you’re applying to requires an application fee, you’ll have no choice but to pay it and attach proof to your documents before submitting them. We will give details of the application fees for South African universities so that you are fully informed about the university to which you are applying.

How Application Fees Are Paid In South Africa

Prospective university applicants will be given information on how to pay for their applications to their preferred universities. Most universities accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, checks, direct deposits, and EFT. The payment methods for all South African and international applicants will be published on the universities’ official websites. Unless otherwise specified, you are not to pay the application fee to a third party.

Universities in South Africa accepting applications for the academic year 2026

The following universities are all open for the 2026 admissions in South Africa

Application Process of South African Universities for 2026

It’s worth noting that different universities may have different application processes, and some may also use the Common Application as a platform for application submission, allowing students to apply to multiple universities with a single application.

If you have any specific questions about a university’s application process, I recommend contacting the admissions office or downloading and reading the prospectus of the university you are applying to. Make sure you apply in accordance with the applicable standards for the academic year.

Follow the steps below;