Applying to a college or university can feel overwhelming. From knowing when applications open to making sure you have all the required documents ready, there’s a lot to keep track of. To help make the process easier, we’ve put together a list of 2027 institution application dates.
Please note that these dates may change and could be different from what is published here. It’s always best to check directly with the institution you’re applying to for the most up-to-date information.
Table of Contents
2027 University Application Dates
If you’re planning to apply to a university in South Africa in 2027, there’s no need to stress. We’ve collected the application dates for universities across the country so you don’t have to spend time searching for them yourself.
Just make sure you check when applications close at the university you want to attend, so that you can submit your application before the deadline.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close:
- MBChB applications: 30 June 2026
- BRad – Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) & Bachelor of Radiography (BRad) applications: 30 June 2026
- Early applications (excluding MBChB & BRad): 1 August 2026
- Late applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad): 30 September 2026
- International student applications (excluding MBChB): 30 September 2026
- Student Housing applications: 30 September 2026
University of Pretoria (TUKS)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close:
- Faculty of Veterinary Science: 31 May 2026
- All other faculties: 30 June 2026
University of South Africa (UNISA)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: August 2026
- Undergraduate qualifications (higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas & degrees): August 2026 – October 2026
- Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas: August 2026 – October 2026
- Master’s & doctoral qualifications: September 2026 – November 2026
Rhodes University
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 May 2026
Applications Close:
- Undergraduates: 30 September 2026
- Postgraduates: November 2026
- Masters & PhD’s: November 2026
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close: 31 October 2026
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: April 2026
Applications Close:
- Medicine: 30 June 2026
- All other programmes: 30 September 2026
Faculty specific dates may apply.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close:
- Undergraduate applications: 31 July 2026
University of Venda (UniVen)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: May 2026
Applications Close: September 2026
Stellenbosch University
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open for all programmes: 1 April 2026
Other important dates:
- 31 July 2026: Applications open for financial assistance at Stellenbosch University.
- 31 July 2026: 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: 1 June 2026
Applications Close: 31 October 2026
North West University (NWU)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close:
EDUCATION PROGRAMMES:
- Bachelor of Education (BEd): 30 June 2026
- Bachelor of Education (BEd) Honours: 30 June 2026
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): 30 June 2026
- Advanced Diploma in Education (ADE): 31 August 2026
- Advanced Certificate in Teaching (ACT): 31 August 2026
- Diploma in Grade R: 31 August 2026
- PGDIP in Education Management and Leadership: 31 August 2026
- PGDIP in Special Needs Education: 31 August 2026
THEOLOGY
- Bachelor of Divinity: 30 September 2026
- BTh in Christian Ministry: 30 May 2026
- Bachelor of Theology: Hons: 30 May 2026
NATURAL & AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: 31 August 2026
ENGINEERING
- Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering: 31 August 2026
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology (with Nuclear Technology Management): 31 August 2026
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology: 31 August 2026
HUMANITIES
- BA in Public Governance and Policing: 31 August 2026
ECONOMIC & MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
- Postgraduate Diploma in Management: 31 August 2026
LABOUR LAW
- Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law: 31 August 2026
University of the Free State (UFS)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
31 May 2026
- MB ChB
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Physiotherapy
- Radiation Sciences
31 July 2026
- Architecture
- Biokinetics
- Dietetics
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Sport Coaching
31 August 2026
- All Access Programmes offered on the South Campus and the sub-regions
- International undergraduate applications
30 September 2026
- 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: June 2026
Applications Close:
- 30 November 2026
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: 1 March 2026
Applications Close:
- 30 June 2026 (Faculty of Health Sciences; Bachelor of Architecture; Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology; BA Film and TV)
- 30 September 2026: All other university programmes
- 30 September 2026 (all other programmes; residence applications)
University of Limpopo (UL)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close: 30 September 2026
University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: June 2026
Applications Close: November 2026
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close:
- 31 July 2026 (undergraduate programmes)
- 30 August 2026 (postgraduate programmes)
2027 University of Technology Application Dates
If you’re planning to study for a degree or diploma at a university of technology in South Africa, it’s important to know the application opening and closing dates. This will help you make sure you don’t miss your chance to apply.
Below are the 2027 application dates for South Africa’s universities of technology. Be sure to take note of the closing dates and submit your application before the deadline.
Central University of Technology (CUT)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close: 30 September 2026
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
- Faculty of Engineering: 30 September 2026
- Faculty of Engineering: 31 May 2026
- Faculty of Natural Sciences: 30 September 2026
- Analytical Chemistry: 31 May 2026
- Faculty of Management Sciences: 30 September 2026
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: June annually
Applications Close: September 2025
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: 1 March 2025
Applications Close: 30 September 2025
2027 Private College Application Dates
Private colleges in South Africa often have different application timelines compared to other higher education institutions. That’s why it’s helpful to know when their applications open and close.
Below, you’ll find the application dates for South African private colleges for 2027, including both the opening and closing dates.
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: OPEN
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
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.
2027 TVET College Application Dates
If you’re eager to study at a TVET college in South Africa, you’re in luck. Most TVET colleges in the country have started accepting applications for 2027.
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 throughout the year. However, they usually have different registration periods and intake dates for each trimester. It’s important to contact the college you’re interested in to confirm their application dates for 2027.
It’s always a good idea to double-check with the college so that you don’t miss any important deadlines. You can contact them by phone or email to make sure you have the correct information before applying.
Final Thoughts
If you want to study in 2027, one of the most important things you can do is apply on time. That’s why it’s a good idea to start planning and preparing for your applications early. Doing this can help you avoid last-minute stress and make the application process much smoother.
When you start early and give yourself enough time to prepare and apply, you improve your chances of starting your studies next year.
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