2027 Institution Application Dates
by FundiConnect Editorial Team | · Last updated
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: OPEN
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
> APPLY TO NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY
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
> APPLY TO UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA (TUKS)
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: OPEN
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: OPEN
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close: 31 October 2026
> APPLY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG (UJ)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
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: OPEN
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close:
Undergraduate applications: 31 July 2026
> APPLY TO UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN (UCT)
University of Venda (UniVen)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: May 2026
Applications Close: September 2026
Stellenbosch University
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
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.
> APPLY TO STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY (MATIES)
Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: April annually
Applications Close: November annually
> APPLY TO SOL PLAATJIE UNIVERSITY (SPU)
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED
Applications Open: 1 June 2026
Applications Close: 31 October 2026
> APPLY TO UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE (UFH)
North West University (NWU)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
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: OPEN
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)
> APPLY TO UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS)
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: June 2026
Applications Close:
30 November 2026
> APPLY TO WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY (WSU)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: April 2026
Applications Close: 30 September 2026
> APPLY TO 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
> APPLY TO UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO (UL)
University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: June 2026
Applications Close: November 2026
> APPLY TO UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA (UM)
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
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)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: April 2026
Applications Close: 30 September 2026
> APPLY TO CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CUT)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Applications Close: 30 September 2026
> APPLY TO TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (TUT)
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
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
> APPLY TO MANGOSUTHU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (MUT)
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: May/June annually
Applications Close: September 2025
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: 1 April 2025
Applications Close: 30 September 2025
> APPLY TO VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (VUT)
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Open: 1 March 2025
Applications Close: 30 September 2025
> APPLY TO DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (DUT)
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.
> APPLY TO OPEN LEARNING GROUP (OLG)
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.
> APPLY TO HFPA FITNESS ACADEMY
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
Application Dates: Applications for Ekurhuleni East TVET College are open throughout the year.
Northern Cape Urban TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close: Applications are open at different times throughout the year, depending on the course of study.
Coastal TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications for Coastal TVET College are open throughout the year.
Eastcape Midlands TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications for Eastcape Midlands TVET College are open throughout the year.
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
Applications Close: Applications are open throughout the year, depending on the course of study.
Tshwane North TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Applications Close:
Registration takes place 3 times a year for trimester courses: January, April/May, August/September.
Ekurhuleni West TVET College
APPLICATION STATUS: ALWAYS OPEN
Applications for Ekurhuleni West TVET College are open throughout the year.
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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The FundiConnect Editorial Team researches, writes, and maintains comprehensive guides on South African higher education, bursaries, NSFAS funding, and career development. Our content is verified against official institutional sources, DHET publications, and direct admissions office communications to ensure accuracy for students navigating their post-school journey.
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