Getting into college or university can be tough, from figuring out when to apply to gathering all the necessary papers. To make things easier, we’ve gathered a list of the institution application dates for 2026.
Note: These dates are subject to change and may differ from the time of publication of this article. We recommend that you confirm with your relevant institution for the most up-to-date information.
Table of Contents
2026 University Application Dates
If you’re planning to apply to a university in South Africa in 2026, don’t worry! We’ve gathered application dates for universities across South Africa, so you don’t have to search for them.
Just remember to find out when applications for your chosen university end so that you can send in your application before the deadline.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2025
Applications Close:
- MBChB applications: 30 June 2025
- BRad – Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) & Bachelor of Radiography (BRad) applications: 30 June 2025
- Early applications (excluding MBChB & BRad): 1 August 2025
- Late applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad): 30 September 2025
- International student applications (excluding MBChB): 30 September 2025
- Student Housing applications: 30 September 2025
University of Pretoria (TUKS)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2025
Applications Close:
- Faculty of Veterinary Science: 31 May 2025
- All other faculties: 30 June 2025
University of South Africa (UNISA)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: August 2025
- Undergraduate qualifications (higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas & degrees): August 2025 – October 2025
- Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas: August 2025 – 15 October 2025
- Master’s & doctoral qualifications: September 2025 – November 2025
Rhodes University
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2025
Applications Close:
- Undergraduates: 30 September 2025
- Postgraduates: November 2025
- Masters & PhD’s: November 2025
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2025
Applications Close: 31 October 2025
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2025
Applications Close:
- Medicine: 30 June 2025
- All other programmes: 30 September 2025
Faculty specific dates may apply.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 2 April 2025
Applications Close:
- Undergraduate applications: 31 July 2025
University of Venda (UniVen)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: May 2025
Applications Close: September 2025
Stellenbosch University
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open for all programmes: 1 April 2025
Other important dates:
- 31 July 2025: Applications open for financial assistance at Stellenbosch University.
- 31 July 2025: Closing date for undergraduate programmes and residence applications.
Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: April annually
Applications Close: November annually
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: April annually
Applications Close: November annually
North West University (NWU)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: April 2025
Applications Close:
EDUCATION PROGRAMMES:
- Bachelor of Education (BEd): 30 June 2025
- Bachelor of Education (BEd) Honours: 30 June 2025
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): 30 June 2025
- Advanced Diploma in Education (ADE): 31 August 2025
- Advanced Certificate in Teaching (ACT): 31 August 2025
- Diploma in Grade R: 31 August 2025
- PGDIP in Education Management and Leadership: 31 August 2025
- PGDIP in Special Needs Education: 31 August 2025
THEOLOGY
- Bachelor of Divinity: 30 September 2025
- BTh in Christian Ministry: 30 May 2025
- Bachelor of Theology: Hons: 30 May 2025
NATURAL & AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: 31 August 2025
ENGINEERING
- Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering: 31 August 2025
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology (with Nuclear Technology Management): 31 August 2025
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology: 31 August 2025
HUMANITIES
- BA in Public Governance and Policing: 31 August 2025
ECONOMIC & MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
- Postgraduate Diploma in Management: 31 August 2025
LABOUR LAW
- Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law: 31 August 2025
University of the Free State (UFS)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2025
31 May 2025
- MB ChB
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Physiotherapy
- Radiation Sciences
31 July 2025
- Architecture
- Biokinetics
- Dietetics
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Sport Coaching
31 August 2025
- All Access Programmes offered on the South Campus and the sub-regions
- International undergraduate applications
30 September 2025
- All non-selection programmes
- Applications from students transferring from other tertiary institutions
(for non-selection) - Community Development (Qwaqwa Campus only)
- Construction Economics and Management (Full-time)
- Construction Management (Compact Learning)
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts
- Forensic Sciences
- Geology
- Music
- Physics with Engineering Sciences
- Quantity Surveying (Compact Learning)
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: August 2025
Applications Close:
- 30 November 2025
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: 1 March 2025
Applications Close:
- 30 June 2025 (Faculty of Health Sciences; Bachelor of Architecture; Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology; BA Film and TV)
- 30 September 2025: All other university programmes
- 30 September 2025 (all other programmes; residence applications)
University of Limpopo (UL)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: March 2025
Applications Close: 30 September 2025
University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: June 2025
Applications Close: November 2025
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: April 2025
Applications Close:
- 31 July 2025 (undergraduate programmes)
- 30 August 2025 (postgraduate programmes)
2026 University of Technology Application Dates
If you’re a student looking to study for a degree or diploma at a South African university of technology, it’s vital to know the application and closing dates. This ensures you don’t miss your chance!
Here are the 2026 application dates for South African universities of technology. Make sure you note the closing dates and submit your application before it’s too late.
Central University of Technology (CUT)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Close: 30 September 2025
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2025
- Faculty of Engineering: 30 September 2025
- Faculty of Engineering: 31 May 2025
- Faculty of Natural Sciences: 30 September 2025
- Analytical Chemistry: 31 May 2025
- Faculty of Management Sciences: 30 September 2025
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: June annually
Applications Close: September 2025
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 March 2025
Applications Close: 30 September 2025
2026 Private College Application Dates
Private colleges in South Africa have a unique schedule for their application dates compared to other higher education institutions in the country. Here, you’ll find details about these dates, along with the opening and closing dates for 2026 applications at South African private colleges.
Boston City Campus
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for Boston City Campus are open at different times throughout the year.
eta College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for eta College are open at different times throughout the year.
Inscape
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for Inscape are open at different times throughout the year.
CodeSpace Academy
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for CodeSpace Academy are open throughout the year for different intakes.
Intec College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for Intec College are open throughout the year.
Vega
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close: Contact Vega to confirm when applications close.
Rosebank College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for Rosebank College are open throughout the year.
Mancosa
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for Mancosa are open throughout the year.
EHL - Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Application start twice a year: February and September.
Applications close:
The application deadline for all candidates is:
- 01 April annually for September intake
- 18 October annually for February intake
Central Technical College (CTC)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close: You can apply for first or second semester, as well as part-time courses, throughout the year.
MasterStart
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for MasterStart are open at different times throughout the year.
Open Learning Group (OLG)
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for Open Learning Group (OLG) are open throughout the year.
Oxbridge Academy
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for Oxbridge Academy are open at different times throughout the year.
Eduvos
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for Eduvos are open throughout the year for different intakes.
*Previously know as Pearson Institute of Higher Education (PIHE).
Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology are open throughout the year.
Health and Fitness Professionals Association (HFPA)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for Health and Fitness Professionals Association (HFPA) are open throughout the year for various courses at different intakes.
2026 TVET College Application Dates
If you’re interested in studying at a TVET college in South Africa, you’re in luck! Many TVET colleges in the country have started accepting applications for 2026.
Boland TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close: Registration is open at different times throughout the year, depending on the course of study.
Capricorn TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications Close: Applications for Capricorn TVET College are open throughout the year.
Ekurhuleni East TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Northern Cape Urban TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Coastal TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Eastcape Midlands TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Goldfields TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications for Goldfields TVET College are open throughout the year.
Northlink TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close: Applications are open at different times throughout the year, depending on the course of study.
False Bay TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Tshwane North TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Ekurhuleni West TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Many TVET colleges accept applications all year round! However, they have various registration periods and intake dates for each trimester. It’s crucial to contact your preferred college to confirm the application dates for 2026.
It’s wise to double-check with the TVET college to avoid missing any deadlines. Feel free to reach out to them via phone or email to ensure you have the correct information and are on the right path!
Final Thoughts
Your opportunity to study in 2026 greatly depends on one crucial thing: applying on time! That’s why it’s essential to begin planning and getting ready for your applications now. This helps you avoid any last-minute stress and ensures a seamless application process.
By starting early and giving yourself plenty of time to prepare and apply, you’re increasing your chances of beginning your studies next year.
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After you’ve applied to your preferred college or university, you might be thinking about how to pay for your studies. No need to stress—Fundi is here to assist!
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