Starting university in 2026? Then one of the most important things to get right is when to apply. Every year, thousands of students miss out on their first-choice institution simply because they missed the deadline. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional university or a university of technology, knowing the official application closing dates could be the difference between securing your spot or waiting another year.
In this guide, we walk you through the key closing dates for South African universities in 2026—so you can plan ahead and avoid the last-minute rush.
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Why Application Deadlines Matter
There’s a reason universities stick to strict closing dates. For them, it’s about managing capacity, reviewing applicants carefully, and allocating spaces in popular programmes. For you, it’s about ensuring you don’t lose out on a place due to avoidable delays.
But there’s more. Many programmes, particularly in Health Sciences, Engineering, Design, and Education, have additional selection processes. These might include writing the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs), submitting a portfolio, or attending an interview—and these all happen before the final submission date.
Not to mention: financial aid, scholarships, and residence placements often close on the same day as your academic application. If you miss one, you may miss them all.
2026 University Application Closing Dates
While most universities open applications between March and June 2025, their closing dates differ significantly. Some institutions have earlier deadlines for high-demand programmes, while others remain open as late as October or November.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Applications to Nelson Mandela University (NMU) open in April 2025. However, if you’re applying for Medicine (MBChB), Pharmacy (BPharm), or Radiography (BRad), your application must be in by 30 June 2025. For most other programmes, the closing date is 30 September 2025. Applying early also improves your chances of getting into student residences.
University of Pretoria (UP)
The University of Pretoria (UP) opens its application window on 1 April 2025. The Faculty of Veterinary Science is one of the first to close—applications here shut by 31 May 2025. All other undergraduate programmes must be applied for by 30 June 2025, and you’ll need to submit your NBTs on time for certain courses.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
As South Africa’s top-ranked university, the University of Cape Town (UCT) receives a high volume of applications every year. The portal opens on 1 April 2025, and applications for all undergraduate degrees close on 31 July 2025. Residence and financial aid submissions are also due on the same day—so don’t delay.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Applications to Wits open earlier than most, starting on 1 March 2025. Competitive programmes—like Health Sciences, Architecture, Audiology, and Film & TV—must be applied for by 30 June 2025. All other undergraduate programmes and residence applications close on 30 September 2025.
Stellenbosch University (Maties)
Stellenbosch University (Maties) opens applications on 1 April 2025, and all undergraduate programmes—including residence and bursary applications—close on 31 July 2025. If you’re applying to a faculty like Medicine and Health Sciences, make sure to meet NBT deadlines too.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) usually opens in April 2025. If you’re applying for Medicine or other high-demand Health Science courses, your deadline is 30 June 2025. For all other programmes, the final date is 30 September 2025.
University of the Free State (UFS)
Applications open on 1 April 2025. Health Sciences (like MBChB, Optometry, and Occupational Therapy) close early—by 31 May 2025. Programmes like Nursing and Architecture close by 31 July 2025, while the majority of others close between 31 August and 30 September 2025. Always double-check your specific course.
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) gives applicants more time than most. The portal opens on 1 April 2025, and the application deadline is 31 October 2025, unless the course fills up earlier.
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) opens in April 2025 and closes on 30 September 2025. There are no late applications, so don’t miss the window.
Rhodes University
Applications open in May 2025 and close by 30 September 2025 for undergraduates. Postgrad and research degrees may stay open until November, depending on the faculty.
University of Limpopo (UL)
The University of Limpopo (UL) also follows the standard timeline—opening in April and closing on 30 September 2025. This applies to both course and accommodation applications.
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) opens applications in June 2025 and keeps the window open until 31 October 2025. However, it’s always best to apply earlier—especially if you want a place in residence.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) usually opens in June and has one of the longest timelines, closing only on 30 November 2025. That said, early applications are always recommended due to programme and space limits.
University of Venda (UNIVEN)
The University of Venda (UNIVEN) opens in May and typically closes in September 2025. Like others, residence and financial aid should be submitted alongside your academic application.
What About Universities of Technology?
South Africa’s universities of technology have similar timelines but closing dates can vary depending on faculties.
CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology) usually opens in June and closes around September.
TUT (Tshwane University of Technology) opens in April and closes 30 September 2025.
DUT (Durban University of Technology) opens in March and closes 30 September 2025.
VUT (Vaal University of Technology) opens in April and closes 30 September 2025.
CUT (Central University of Technology) opens between April and May, closing 30 September 2025.
MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology) opens in April. Engineering closes earlier—31 May 2025—and all other courses close 30 September 2025.
After You Submit: What to Expect Next
After noting the closing dates and submitting your applications, you’ll typically receive a student or reference number. This allows you to track your application status via the university’s portal.
Depending on the course, you may be asked to:
Write the NBTs (National Benchmark Tests)
Attend an interview or audition
Submit extra documents like portfolios, motivational letters, or CVs
If you meet the requirements and space is available, you’ll be sent either a conditional offer (if your matric results are pending) or a firm offer. You’ll need to accept the offer by the university’s deadline and prepare for registration, which usually opens in January or February 2026.
Need Help Paying for University in 2026?
Now that you know the closing dates for 2026, it’s time to send in those applications!
While you’re waiting for your university application to be accepted for next year, you may be wondering which funding options are available to you. This is where Fundi steps in. Fundi offers study loans to prospective students within the public sector.
The student loans cover everything from tuition fees to study devices, and more! Eager to see if you qualify for a Fundi study loan? Be sure to try out the Fundi Loan Calculator and start your academic journey today!
