Wondering which universities are still open for applications?
Universities normally have strict deadlines for admission to their study programme. It gives them enough time to go through all the applications and choose the best candidates. This is particularly helpful for programmes that are in high demand, receiving more applications than the university can accommodate.
Unfortunately, applications for 2025 admission to most programmes at South African universities have already closed.
The deadline for many undergraduate courses was between 31 July and 31 September 2024. So, you just missed out.
However, there is still hope as some universities are still accepting applications!
We’ve made a detailed list of registered South African universities still open for applications for the 2025 academic year.
We’ve also added universities that do not accept late applications and those that do not specify whether they do or don’t to this list.
Table of Contents
Universities Still Open for Applications
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) Late Applications
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) makes use of the Central Applications Office (CAO) for its application process. It’s a simpler way to apply for many programme by using one application form and paying a single application fee. You simply click on ‘apply’, then ‘apply now’, and follow the rest of the application process.
The university has outlined that late applications will close for 2025 on 30 November 2024, with a late fee determined by the CAO. You can call the institution’s call centre on 0681 593 238 or email studentrecruitment@mut.ac.za for enquiries on MUT late applications.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Late Applications
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) is set to close for late applications on 31 October 2024. This is only when spaces are still available in certain programmes. You can find more information on NMMU’s application process for 2025 on the university’s website.
If you have any enquiries on NMMU late applications you can contact the university on 041 504 1111 or email info@mandela.ac.za.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Late Applications
Similar to many of the other universities on this list, late applications to Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) for 2025 will only be accepted if there are spaces available in your chosen programme. You will need to have met the minimum entry requirements and a late fee might be expected.
If you have any TUT late application enquiries, you can contact the university’s contact centre on 086 110 2421 or email general@tut.ac.za.
University of Fort Hare (UFH) Late Applications
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) is accepting applications for 2025 until 31 October 2024. No late applications will be accepted beyond this date. All you need is to pay an application fee of R120, meet all the minimum requirements, and add all the relevant documents to your applications.
For more information on UFH applications, contact the university’s Alice Campus on 040 602 2011, East London Campus on 043 704 7000, or Bhisho Campus on 040 608 3403.
University of Johannesburg (UJ) Late Applications
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will close its doors to prospective students on 31 October 2024.Â
If you miss the deadline, don’t worry! The university additionally has a late application system called The Mobi Late Enquiry System. You can use it to inquire whether UJ still has space available in particular programmes. The system is generally open from mid to end of February, but can close earlier depending on the volume and quality of late application enquiries the university received.
No walk-ins will be allowed for 2025 UJ late application enquiries.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Late Applications
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) will stop accepting applications for 2025 on 31 October 2024. This is for RSA applications, with international applications and Faculty of Health Sciences having closed end-September.
For further information, contact WSU’s campus offices:
- Mthatha Campus: nmdadmiss@wsu.ac.za
- Butterworth Campus: ibikaadmiss@wsu.ac.za
- Buffalo City Campus: bcadmiss@wsu.ac.za
- Komani Campus: queenadmiss@wsu.ac.za
University of the Western Cape (UWC) Late Applications
Applications for the University of the Western Cape (UWC) are closed for the 2025 academic year. However, there are a few programmes in the following faculties that still have spots available for prospective students:
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Facutly of Education
- Faculty of Law
- Facutly of Natural Sciences
Beyond this it won’t accept any late applications for 2025. So, make sure you get all your documents ready and apply as soon as possible.
If you have any application enquiries you can fill in a contact form on UWC’s website or call them on +27 21 959 2911.
Universities That Won’t Accept Late Applications for 2025
Unfortunately, some universities are more strict about their deadlines than others. They do not accept any late applications beyond their original application period. So, if you want to study at the following institutions you’ll only be able to apply again when applications open for the 2026 intake.
Stellenbosch University (SU) Late Applications
Stellenbosch University (Maties) does not consider any late applications for 2025. You needed to apply during the university’s original application period, which is normally between April to end July/August every year. We suggest familiarising yourself with SU’s application process and minimum requirements if you plan on applying in the future.
If you need to enquire about admission and late applications, you can contact SU’s Client Service Centre on +27 21 808 9111 or email info@sun.ac.za.
University of Cape Town (UCT) Late Applications
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is clear on their website that they do not accept any late applications for their study programmes. Applications for admission to all of UCT’s undergraduate programmes for 2025 closed on 31 July 2024. The university is still accepting applications for their 2025 postgraduate programmes. Most coursework master’s degrees, honours degrees or postgraduate diplomas close on 31 October 2024.
If you have any application enquiries you can contact UCT’s Admissions Office on +27 (0)21 650 9111 or email admissions-ug@uct.ac.za. The university’s application period generally opens around April every year.
University of South Africa (Unisa) Late Applications
Whille the University of South Africa (UNISA) does not accept any late applications for the 2025 academic period, applications are currently open until 11 October 2024. Unisa’s undergraduate application period normally opens in August and closes in October, while some of their postgraduate applications close later in November. So, make sure you’re one of the first to apply for the next academic intake.
You can contact Unisa’s Student Assistance Service on 0800 001 870 or email enquire@unisa.ac.za for any enquiries.
University of the Free State (UFS) Late Applications
The University of the Free State (UFS) does not accept any late applications for their 2024 academic intake. Here is a helpful guide on the university’s online application process if you plan on applying in the future.
If you need more information on applications you can contact UFS on 051 401 9666 or email studentadmin@ufs.ac.za.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Late Applications
The application period for 2024 admission to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) closed on 30 September 2024. You won’t be able to submit any late applications. There’s always next year, so start familiarising yourself with the university’s application process and its minimum requirements.
Contact Wits’ Student Call Centre on 011 717 1888 or log a query on their website if you have any admission enquiries.
Universities That Do Not Specify Whether the Accept Late Applications for 2025
There are also many universities that don’t explicitly indicate on their websites whether they do or do not accept late applications. We’ve listed the universities that are unclear about late applications for 2022 below. If you missed their original application period and really want to study at the institution next year, we suggest visiting their website or contacting their helpdesk for more information:
Remember, late applications don’t guarantee admission into programmes.
Universities are usually very strict when it comes to their application closing dates, so they won’t be as forgiving if you simply missed the deadline. They will generally only consider late applications when programmes that are in less demand have available spaces after the original application period ends. Remember, late applications don’t guarantee you a place in a study programme.
If you think you might miss the deadline for late applications, don’t fret! You can always register at a TVET College for 2024. They normally have several intakes throughout the year.
If you can’t find your chosen universities still open for applications, check out 2025 institution application dates.
Fund Your Studies in 2025 with Fundi
You may be applying late for university for a variety of reasons from only making up your mind now to different financial realities. Either way, you deserve to be able to study next year. If you have any financial needs and are looking for funding, Fundi can help!
