Although most deadlines have passed for institutions—such as the University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and Stellenbosch University (Maties)—there are still a few universities that are open for applications in 2024.Â
Check out our list of South African universities that are open for late applications in 2024 and start your academic journey today!
Table of Contents
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Late Applications
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) will officially close its doors for late applications on 30 September 2023. The application date applies to both local and international students and includes all housing applicants as well.
Regarding payment, NMU does not charge an application fee for local registrants. However, all international applicants must pay an annual fee of R500 upon applying.  Â
Wondering about those accommodation fees? NMU’s Student Accounts Guide outlines all the details so that you have one less thing to worry about.
Rhodes University (RU) Late Applications
New students looking to apply to Rhodes University (RU) will need to send their applications before the closing date on 30 September 2023.Â
The closing date applies to both local and international applicants; however, late applications from South African students may also be considered at the registrar’s discretion.
Note that if you’re a first-time applicant, you will be required to pay a non-refundable fee of R100 when applying to RU, so ensure you have your cash ready when you apply.
University of Fort Hare (UFH) Late Applications
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) is set to close its doors for applicants applying for both undergraduate and Honours degrees on 30 September 2023 with zero exceptions. Â
Prospective students wanting to apply to the University of Fort Hare can send their applications online for a small fee of R120.Â
UFH additionally offers students a handy application guide and outlines the application process in detail to help them get started.
*Closing date for international applicants is 31 August 2023
University of Johannesburg (UJ) Late Applications
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has given applicants a large window of opportunity for 2024 applications, with the opening date starting on 1 April 2023 and closing on 31 October 2023.Â
This gives students plenty of time to brush off matric results and send in their applications. Local students can submit their applications online for free, whereas international students will need to pay an admission fee of R200 with their applications.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Late Applications
Undergraduate students applying to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will be happy to know that late applications close on 30 November 2023.Â
With closing dates looming ahead, it’s important to get your application out as soon as possible.
Did you know that first-time undergraduate applicants applying to UKZN need to apply via CAO? Not sure what that is? Be sure to check out our article, 2024 CAO Application: How to Apply, to discover everything you need to know.Â
University of Limpopo (Turfloop) Late Applications
All applicants applying to the University of Limpopo (Turfloop) need to submit their documentation before the closing date on 29 September 2023.Â
If this is your first time applying to Turfloop, you need to pay a handling fee of R200 if you’re a South African applicant and R750 if you’re an international applicant.
The University of Limpopo (Tufrloop) encourages both undergraduate and postgraduate students to refer to the prospectus to ensure they meet all the requirements before sending in their applications for 2024.
View the University of Limpopo (Turfloop) Prospectus for 2024.
University of Mpumalanga (UMP) Late Applications
If you’re an undergraduate student applying to the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), then good news! Late applications for undergraduate programmes are only set to close late in the year on 30 November 2023.Â
The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) also outlines the closing dates for its other academic programmes, including the following
- Honours Programmes, Advanced Diplomas and Postgraduate Diplomas: 30 November 2023
- Masters and Doctoral Programmes: 30 January 2024
University of South Africa (UNISA) Late Applications
Late applications for the University of South Africa (UNISA) will close for selected undergraduate programmes on 1 September 2023 until 13 October 2023.Â
UNISA provides a select few guidelines for new applicants that they need to adhere to before they send in their applications, which you can view below:
- Ensure you meet the minimum academic point score (APS) score for your qualification of choice.
- Make sure you have a valid email address and cellphone number before you apply (you can create a Gmail account here).
- Have all your supporting documents (such as your matric certificate, copies of your ID, academic records and other qualifications) ready.
Once you’ve gathered all your supporting documents, and you’re ready to send your application, you’ll need to pay a non-refundable fee of R135. Any application sent without paying this fee will unfortunately not be processed.
University of Venda (UniVen) Late Applications
The University of Venda (Univen) will take late applications up until and including 30 October 2023. Any applications sent later than the closing date will not be accepted.
According to Univen, the following information is vital for the successful completion of their online application process:
- Only South African students who are in their first degree and applying for university should use the online application wizard.
- To apply online, you need a South African identification number, a cell phone number, an email address and a credit or debit card. You’ll use the card to pay the R100 application fee online.
- While applying online, you can save your progress and come back later to finish.
- You will need to make a 5-digit pin for your application.
- You should scan and upload a copy of your ID document or passport, your Grade 11 report or your Grade 12 results, or a copy of your matric certificate.
- Once you’ve filled everything out, click the ‘submit’ button to send in your application. After that, you’ll receive a student number.
Students can send any application questions or queries to the following officials:
- Mulidzi Fhatuwani: 015 962 8959 or fhatuwani.mulidzi@univen.ac.za
- Muthevhuli Alvinah: 015 962 8953
- Nengwekhulu Mishumo: 015 962 8954 or mishumo.nengwekhulu@univen.ac.za
- Seth Ugoda: 015 962 8882 or Seth.ugoda@univen.ac.za
University of the Western Cape (UWC) Late Applications
A majority of late applications for the University of the Western Cape (UWC) close on 30 September 2023. With that said, applications for the BA Honours Sport Recreation and Exercise Science, BA Honours in Biokinetics and BSc Honours Biokinetics closed on 31 July 2023.
Late applications for the Bachelor of Dentistry and Oral Health as well as School of Government postgraduate degrees close on 31 August 2023, so be sure to apply now before it’s too late!
Students are not liable for any registration fee (meaning you can apply for free) and all applications must be submitted via the online UWC application portal.
Start the application process for the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
Fund Your Studies with Fundi
Once you’ve decided which university you want to go to—and have sent in your application—it’s time to look at your funding options. Fundi covers a range of educational costs, including everything from textbooks, study devices and tuition fees.
Want to find out if you qualify? Then be sure to check out the Fundi loan calculator and start your educational journey today!
