With applications open for the 2026 academic year, many students are wondering which university they should apply to to get the education they deserve. If you’re one of those students, don’t fret. We’ve got you covered.
Below, you’ll find a list of the top 5 universities to apply to for the year 2026. Be sure to read the guide with your options in mind and make an informed decision about your future.
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1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Who doesn’t want to study in one of the most prestigious universities in the world?
Not only has the University of Cape Town (UCT) been ranked as one of the top universities globally multiple times, but it’s also been number one in South Africa for the past few years. So, why is this institution so highly ranked?
Well, UCT is renowned for its world-class facilities and has produced a number of distinguished publications in various fields, including medicine, engineering, and humanities. The university thrives when it comes to research and has produced material that covers everything from climate change to poverty and inequality.
If this sounds like the institution for you, then be sure to click on the button below to learn more about UCT.
Note: Unfortunately, applications for 2026 are already closed. Be sure to keep an eye on the FundiConnect for more updates on application closing dates, application processes and more.
Application closing date: 31 July 2025
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is in the top 1% of 25,000 universities. The institution is recognised for its rich history and reputable students who have gone on to win the Nobel Prize. This includes the likes of Nelson Mandela, who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
If you’re looking to get into the field of medicine, you’ll be happy to know that the university ranks in the top 100 in Health and Clinical Medicine. Additionally, the Faculty of Humanities ranks as number one in Africa.
By now, you may be convinced that Wits is the university for you. If you’d like to learn more, be sure to check out the link below.
Application closing date: 30 September 2025
3. University of Pretoria (UP)
The University of Pretoria (UP) is in the list of South Africa’s top universities. With various teaching styles given—from practical, hands-on experience to online tips and resources—there’s something to suit every student’s learning style.
The university provides additional support to help see you through to graduation and beyond. Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce or start your own business, UP is there to guide you.
UP also offers a selection of cultural and extracurricular activities to keep you active and social throughout your duration of your studies.
In addition to all of that, here are more reasons why UP is the university for you:
- UP is number one when it comes to Law, Veterinary Science and Theology.
- The university produces 28% of South Africa’s engineers.
- More than 23,000 UP students contribute to community projects.
- UP has South Africa’s only veterinary school.
- The university has created some of the country’s top athletes, Olympic medallists and world-record holders.
Note: Applications are currently closed for the 2026 academic year.
Application dates: Applications normally open in April and close again at the end of June.
4. Stellenbosch University (Maties)
Stellenbosch University (Maties) has a beautiful campus that is home to South Africa’s most prestigious researchers, even named one of the top three research-intensive universities in the country.
With an established research agenda, the university aims to optimise the scientific, economic, social, scholarly and cultural impact of the research currently taking place. Their main area of focus is on interdisciplinary research that benefits society on a national and global scale.
5. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on the 4IR, University of Johannesburg (UJ) offers a number of accredited and professional qualifications to prospective students wanting to study next year.
The university is led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, a 4IR and AI expert. Under his leadership, UJ has delved into a future-thinking mindset when it comes to teaching and learning, seeking to evolve the advancements of:
- robotics
- virtual reality
- cloud technology
- Big data
- AI
- the Internet of Things, and
- other technologies
Tips On How to Apply to University
Now that you know which top 5 universities to apply to in 2026, it’s time to prepare your application. Worried about how to get started? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Below are some factors to consider before applying to university and getting into the institution of your dreams:
- Online versus paper applications: A majority of institutions require you to apply online, so be sure to have all your documentation scanned and ready to submit before sending your application.
- Application fees and deadlines: Ensure that you send your application before the closing date to avoid disappointment. If you’re confused about where to find the application dates, be sure to check the university’s website, social media pages or the application portal. You can also phone the administration office if you’re unsure.
- Supporting documents: You’ll need to send your supporting documents, like your South African ID, academic transcripts, standardised test scores, and so on.
- Funding options: There are quite a few funding options available, so make sure you do research to find out which one is best suited to you.
Final Thoughts
Deciding which university to attend can be both exciting and stressful. When making your choice, ensure that you consider all avenues before you apply. It’s also important to know what your future career path is, as this will guide you in terms of which qualification or programme to choose.
If you’re unsure about what your career path is, you can always take a career guidance assessment to see which field is best suited to you.
Career assessments like FundiMatch match your personality to your ideal job. It does this by allowing you to take a psychometric test, which essentially assesses your personality, mental capabilities and behaviour.
These factors are all considered when aligning you with your ideal job.
You can learn more about FundiMatch by visiting their website.
Get a Student Loan with Fundi
Knowing what the top universities in South Africa are will help you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the university of your dreams. Once you’ve selected your chosen university, you may be ready to move on to the next step: Acquiring funding for your studies. This is where Fundi steps in to help!
Fundi offers students funding that covers all their educational needs—from accommodation and tuition fees to technical devices.
Eager to find out if you qualify for a Fundi loan? Then be sure to check out the Fundi Loan Calculator and start your academic journey today!
