2027 University Applications in South Africa: Opening and Closing Dates
Are you planning to study at a university in South Africa in 2027?
University applications for the 2027 academic year opened at different times during 2026, and application deadlines vary from one university to another. Some universities have already closed applications, while others have deadlines later in the year.
If you're planning to study in 2027, don't wait until the last minute to apply. Some programmes, particularly competitive courses such as Medicine, Health Sciences, Engineering and Architecture, may have earlier closing dates.
In this guide, we've compiled information to help you find 2027 university application dates in South Africa, organised by province.
Important: Application dates can change and some universities have different closing dates for different programmes. Always confirm the deadline with the university before submitting your application.
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape is home to several universities offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Nelson Mandela University
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
Some programmes may have specific application requirements or closing dates.
View Nelson Mandela University Applications
Rhodes University
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
Rhodes University offers programmes across areas including Humanities, Commerce, Science and Pharmacy.
View Rhodes University Applications
University of Fort Hare
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
The University of Fort Hare offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across several faculties.
View University of Fort Hare Applications
Walter Sisulu University
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
Applicants should check the university's latest information for programme-specific deadlines, particularly for competitive programmes.
View Walter Sisulu University Applications
Free State
Central University of Technology
The Central University of Technology offers career-focused programmes in fields including Engineering, Information Technology, Business, Health and Management Sciences.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
View Central University of Technology Applications
University of the Free State
The University of the Free State offers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications across multiple faculties.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
View University of the Free State Applications
Gauteng
Gauteng has some of South Africa's most popular universities, including Wits, UJ, UP, TUT and VUT.
University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg offers programmes across Business, Engineering, Education, Humanities, Science, Health Sciences and other fields.
2027 applications: Applications opened in 2026.
View University of Johannesburg Applications
University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa's largest research universities.
2027 applications: Applications opened in 2026.
Important: Some programmes may have earlier closing dates than the general undergraduate application deadline.
View University of Pretoria Applications
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Wits opened applications for the 2027 academic intake during 2026.
Some programmes have earlier deadlines. Wits states that Health Sciences, Architecture, Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology and BA Film and TV had a 30 June 2026 deadline, while other undergraduate programmes had a 30 September 2026 deadline.
View Wits University Applications
Tshwane University of Technology
TUT offers programmes across Engineering, ICT, Business, Humanities, Economics, Science and other fields.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
Vaal University of Technology
VUT is a technology-focused university based in Vanderbijlpark.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
SMU specialises in health sciences and related programmes.
Applicants should pay particular attention to programme-specific requirements and deadlines.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban University of Technology
DUT offers programmes in areas including Engineering, Health Sciences, Management Sciences, Arts and Design.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
Mangosuthu University of Technology
MUT offers career-focused programmes in Engineering, Management and Natural Sciences.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
University of KwaZulu-Natal
UKZN is one of South Africa's major research universities.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
Some programmes may have earlier deadlines, so students interested in Medicine and other competitive programmes should check the specific programme requirements.
University of Zululand
The University of Zululand offers programmes across several academic disciplines.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
View University of Zululand Applications
Limpopo
University of Limpopo
The University of Limpopo offers programmes in areas including Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Management.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
View University of Limpopo Applications
University of Venda
The University of Venda offers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications across multiple faculties.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
View University of Venda Applications
Mpumalanga
University of Mpumalanga
The University of Mpumalanga is one of South Africa's newer universities and offers programmes across several academic fields.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
View University of Mpumalanga Applications
North West
North-West University
North-West University has campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark.
The university offers programmes across Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Economic and Management Sciences, Natural Sciences and other fields.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
View North-West University Applications
Western Cape
The Western Cape is home to several of South Africa's leading universities.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
CPUT offers career-focused qualifications in Engineering, Business, ICT, Health and Wellness Sciences, Education and other fields.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University offers programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines.
For the 2027 intake, undergraduate applications opened in 2026 and the general closing date was 31 July 2026, although applicants should always check the specific programme requirements.
View Stellenbosch University Applications
University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town opened applications for the 2027 academic year on 1 April 2026.
The undergraduate application deadline was 31 July 2026, and UCT states that late undergraduate applications are not considered.
View University of Cape Town Applications
University of the Western Cape
UWC offers programmes across areas including Science, Law, Education, Dentistry, Humanities and Business.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
Certain programmes may have earlier closing dates.
View University of the Western Cape Applications
Northern Cape
Sol Plaatje University
Sol Plaatje University is located in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
The university offers programmes across several academic disciplines, including education, humanities, natural sciences and economic and management sciences.
2027 applications: Applications opened during 2026.
View Sol Plaatje University Applications
What About UNISA?
University of South Africa (UNISA)
UNISA is South Africa's largest distance-learning university and offers students the opportunity to study without attending a traditional residential campus.
UNISA has its own application periods and deadlines, which can differ from those of other universities.
If you are considering UNISA for 2027, check the latest application information before applying.
Important: Don't Wait Until the Closing Date
One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until the final day to submit a university application.
Even when applications are still technically open, you may need time to:
- Choose your programme
- Check admission requirements
- Calculate your APS score
- Complete the online application
- Pay the application fee where required
- Upload supporting documents
- Complete NBTs where required
- Apply for student accommodation
- Apply for NSFAS or other funding
Some universities also have programme-specific deadlines that are earlier than their general application deadline.
For example, Wits had a 30 June 2026 deadline for several competitive programmes, while its other undergraduate applications closed on 30 September 2026.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
Although requirements differ between universities, students may commonly need:
- South African ID or passport
- Grade 11 results
- Latest Grade 12 results, if available
- Previous academic results, where applicable
- Proof of payment, where an application fee applies
- Certified documents, where required
- NBT results, for programmes/universities that require them
- Additional programme-specific documents
Make sure your documents are clear and meet the university's requirements before uploading them.
How Many Universities Should You Apply To?
There is no single number that works for every student, but applying to more than one suitable university can give you alternatives if you are not accepted into your first-choice programme.
When choosing universities, consider:
- Your marks and APS score
- The programme requirements
- Application deadlines
- Application fees
- Accommodation
- Distance from home
- Funding and NSFAS eligibility
- Your career goals
Don't choose a university simply because it is popular. Choose institutions and programmes where your qualifications, interests and career goals are a good match.
Start Preparing for University
If you're applying for the 2027 academic year, the most important thing is to stay organised.
Keep a list of the universities you're interested in, their application deadlines, application fees, admission requirements and documents you still need to submit.
University Applications makes it easier to explore South African universities, compare your options and find useful tools to help you prepare for your application.
👉 Explore University Applications and start planning your future today.
Final Reminder
University application dates are not the same for every institution or programme. Some applications may close months before others, and competitive programmes can have significantly earlier deadlines.
Before submitting your application, always verify the latest information directly with the university.
For the latest application information, university guides and student resources, keep checking University Applications.