Universities Still Open for Applications 2027
Wondering which universities are still open for applications for 2027?
Universities normally have strict deadlines for admission to their study programmes. It gives them enough time to go through all the applications and choose the best candidates, especially for programmes that are in high demand and get more applications than they have space for.
The deadline for many undergraduate programmes was between 30 June and 31 July 2026. UP closed on 30 June, and UCT, Stellenbosch and Wits all closed on 31 July. So if you were hoping to get into one of those, that window has passed.
But there's still hope! Several universities are still accepting applications for the 2027 academic year right now, and others have a late application process that opens once matric results are released in January.
We've put together a full list of South African universities still open for 2027 applications, as well as those that won't accept late applications and those that haven't specified their position on late applications either way.
Universities Still Open for Applications for 2027
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is still taking applications for 2027 until 31 October 2026 at 12:00. All applications are free and done entirely online, so no need to travel to campus.
If you happen to miss the October deadline, UJ has a backup option called the Mobi Late Enquiry System. It opens in January 2027 after final matric results are released and lets you check whether spaces are still available in specific programmes. It's only for South African applicants who are applying to university for the very first time, so if you've studied at UJ or another university before, you won't be able to use it. No walk-ins are allowed either.
Contact: 011 559 4555
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) accepts South African applications until 31 October 2026. If you're applying for Health Sciences or you're an international applicant, your deadline is earlier and closes at the end of September 2026, so get moving on that one.
For application enquiries, contact the relevant campus directly:
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 Fort Hare (UFH)
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) is still accepting applications for 2027, with the deadline expected to close around 31 October 2026 based on previous years. No late applications will be accepted after this date, so don't leave it too long.
Contact: Alice Campus: 040 602 2011 | East London Campus: 043 704 7000 | Bhisho Campus: 040 608 3403
University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
If you've missed most of the other deadlines, the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) is your best bet right now. It stays open all the way until 30 November 2026, making it the latest-closing public university in South Africa.
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) uses the Central Applications Office (CAO) for its application process. It's actually a really convenient system — one application form, one fee, and you can apply to multiple programmes across participating KZN institutions all at once. Late applications close at the end of September 2026, with a late fee set by the CAO.
Apply through the CAO at cao.ac.za
Contact: 068 159 3238 | studentrecruitment@mut.ac.za
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) closes on 14 October 2026, but keep in mind that spaces are filled on a programme-by-programme basis. Popular programmes can close before the general deadline, so apply as soon as you can rather than waiting until the last minute.
Apply at mandela.ac.za
Contact: 041 504 1111 | info@mandela.ac.za
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) will consider late applications for 2027, but only where spaces are still available in your chosen programme. You'll need to meet the minimum entry requirements, and a late application fee may apply.
Apply at applications-prod.tut.ac.za
Contact: 086 110 2421 | general@tut.ac.za
University of South Africa (UNISA)
UNISA works on a different cycle to most other universities. Undergraduate applications for 2027 opened on 17 August 2026 and close on 9 October 2026, while postgraduate applications run from 2 September to 21 November 2026. As a distance-learning institution, UNISA is one of the most accessible and flexible options out there, and it's still open right now.
For a full step-by-step walkthrough, check out our 2027 Unisa Application guide.
Contact: 0800 001 870 | study-info@unisa.ac.za
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
SMU closes on 3 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. It specialises in health sciences, so if you're looking at medicine, pharmacy, nursing or allied health, this is one to move on quickly.
Universities That Won't Accept Late Applications for 2027
Some universities are strict about their deadlines and simply don't consider applications submitted after their closing date. If you missed any of the institutions below, you'll need to wait for the 2028 intake.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is very clear on this — no late undergraduate applications are accepted. The 2027 window closed on 31 July 2026. The university does still accept applications for some postgraduate programmes, with most closing on 31 October 2026, so check uct.ac.za for those dates. Applications generally open around April each year.
Contact: +27 21 650 9111 | admissions-ug@uct.ac.za
Stellenbosch University (SU)
Stellenbosch University doesn't consider late applications for 2027. Applications closed on 31 July 2026. If you're planning ahead for 2028, it's worth getting familiar with SU's application process and minimum requirements now so you're ready when the next window opens.
Contact: +27 21 808 9111 | info@sun.ac.za
University of Pretoria (UP)
UP was the first to close, with applications shutting on 30 June 2026. No late applications are accepted. Applications typically open on 1 April each year, so make a note for 2027.
Contact: up.ac.za
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Wits closed most programmes on 30 September 2026, though high-demand faculties like Health Sciences closed as early as 30 June 2026. Late applications are not accepted. Have a look at the application process and minimum requirements when you start planning for next year.
Contact: 011 717 1888
University of the Free State (UFS)
The University of the Free State (UFS) does not accept late applications for 2027. Applications closed on 30 September 2026.
Contact: 051 401 9666 | studentadmin@ufs.ac.za
Universities That Don't Specify Whether They Accept Late Applications for 2027
There are also universities that haven't made it clear on their websites whether they'll consider late applications or not. If you missed their deadline and want to study there, your best bet is to contact them directly and ask.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), deadline is 30 September 2026
Central University of Technology (CUT), deadline is September 2026
Durban University of Technology (DUT), deadline is September 2026 (via CAO)
North-West University (NWU), deadline is September 2026
Rhodes University, deadline is September 2026
Sol Plaatje University (SPU), deadline is November 2026
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), deadline is 30 September 2026
University of Limpopo (UL), deadline is 30 September 2026
University of Venda (Univen), deadline is September 2026
University of the Western Cape (UWC), deadline is 30 September 2026
University of Zululand (UniZulu), check the website directly
Remember, late applications don't guarantee admission. Universities generally only consider them when less competitive programmes still have spaces available after the main application period ends. The later you apply, the smaller your chances.
What to Do if You've Missed All the Deadlines
Don't stress, you're not out of options. Here's what you can do right now.
UNISA is still open. Undergraduate applications close on 9 October 2026, so if you haven't applied anywhere yet, head there first.
Try the CAS WhatsApp line in January. Once matric results are out, the Central Application Service (CAS) runs a WhatsApp helpline on 081 308 4196 that helps match students with available spaces at universities and TVET colleges across the country. It's not a guarantee, but it has helped a lot of students who found themselves without a placement.
Consider a TVET college. TVET colleges have multiple intakes throughout the year and offer strong vocational qualifications that lead directly into employment. Check out our Top 10 TVET Colleges guide for the best options by province.
Start planning for 2028. Use the time wisely — work out your APS using our APS Score Calculator, research which programmes you qualify for, and bookmark our university application dates guide so you know exactly when the next cycle opens.
If you can't find your university on this list, check out our 2027 institution application dates for the full picture.
Fund Your 2027 Studies With Fundi
Whether you're applying right now or regrouping for next year, funding shouldn't be what holds you back. Fundi has been helping South African students pay for their studies since 1996. You can apply for a Fundi study loan to cover tuition, accommodation and other study costs. Not sure what you can afford? Use the Fundi loan calculator to see what your monthly repayments would look like before you apply. And if you need a laptop, the Fundi Shop lets you finance one alongside your studies.
Visit loans.fundi.co.za, fill in the form, and someone will get back to you.
For more guidance on university applications, funding and career planning, visit www.fundiconnect.co.za.
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The FundiConnect Editorial Team researches, writes, and maintains comprehensive guides on South African higher education, bursaries, NSFAS funding, and career development. Our content is verified against official institutional sources, DHET publications, and direct admissions office communications to ensure accuracy for students navigating their post-school journey.
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