Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is the Northern Cape’s sole public Higher Education Institution, located in Kimberley. Operating under the motto “Light from Africa,” SPU offers quality tertiary education across multiple disciplines. The university serves as a beacon of academic excellence in the region, with a commitment to developing skilled professionals and leaders across various sectors of the economy.
SPU combines academic rigour with practical learning experiences, preparing students for meaningful careers and social impact. The university offers specialised focus areas including teacher education, ICT and data science, heritage studies, paleo-sciences, and creative writing in African languages.
Sol Plaatje University 2026 applications follow this typical timeline:
Applications Open: September 2025
Applications Close: December 2025 (early application recommended due to competitive admissions)
NSFAS Applications: Typically open from August each year
Registration & Orientation: January 2026
Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis if spaces remain. Check the SPU website regularly for exact deadlines, as dates may vary by programme. Missing deadlines may impact funding eligibility and programme placement.
Sol Plaatje University tuition fees vary by faculty and programme level. Government-subsidised rates apply to South African citizens, making SPU an affordable option for tertiary education.
Estimated Annual Tuition: R15,000 to R35,000 depending on your chosen faculty and programme.
Additional costs include accommodation, meals, materials, and student services. The 2026 Prospectus provides detailed fee schedules by programme. Many students reduce out-of-pocket costs through NSFAS funding, bursaries, and institutional scholarships. Contact the Finance Office for payment plans and fee deferment options.
To apply to Sol Plaatje University for 2026, prospective students must hold a valid National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification. Admission is determined by your Admission Point Score (APS), calculated from your best six NSC subjects.
Specific APS requirements vary by programme — check the 2026 SPU Prospectus for detailed minimum scores for your chosen field of study. International students must provide proof of English proficiency and equivalent qualifications.
Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission; selection is competitive based on programme capacity and merit.
Most South African students at Sol Plaatje University qualify for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding. NSFAS covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, and transport through grants and loans. Eligibility is means-tested based on family income (household income under R350,000 per year).
How to apply for NSFAS:
Visit my.nsfas.org.za and create a myNSFAS account. Complete the application with your personal and financial details. NSFAS applications typically open in August each year.
SPU also offers institutional bursaries, scholarships, and the Talent Pipeline Programme supporting disadvantaged students. The First Year Experience (FYE) programme includes financial literacy and support services. Contact SPU’s Financial Aid Office for guidance on all available funding options.
Sol Plaatje University is located in Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape province. The main campus provides modern teaching facilities, laboratories, student housing, a library, sports facilities, and comprehensive student support services.
Kimberley is accessible by air, road, and rail. On-campus and off-campus residence options are available for students. The campus environment fosters academic excellence and community engagement in a vibrant, affordable city setting.
Follow these steps to apply to Sol Plaatje University for 2026:
Step 1: Visit the SPU admissions portal at www.spu.ac.za and navigate to the applications section.
Step 2: Create your applicant account with your personal details.
Step 3: Complete the online application form, selecting your preferred faculty and programme.
Step 4: Upload required documents including your NSC results, certified ID copy, and any subject-specific requirements.
Step 5: Submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email once it has been received and processed.
Download the 2026 Prospectus from the SPU website for full details on programmes and APS requirements.
Main Switchboard: 053 491 0000
Email: information@spu.ac.za
Campus Location: Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa
Website: www.spu.ac.za
Follow Sol Plaatje University on social media for updates on programmes, campus events, and student success stories.
Sol Plaatje University houses four main faculties offering diverse academic pathways for the 2026 academic year:
Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences — Business and commerce qualifications including BCom degrees.
Faculty of Education — Teacher training and pedagogical development programmes, including BEd degrees.
Faculty of Humanities — Language studies, creative writing in African languages, heritage studies, and social sciences.
Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences — ICT, data science, mathematical sciences, and paleo-sciences.
These faculties collectively offer diploma, degree, and postgraduate qualifications designed to meet industry demands and societal needs.