South African Universities: Closing Dates 2025 and How to Apply

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South Africa boasts a diverse array of universities, each offering a range of academic programs and opportunities. Applying to these institutions involves understanding their specific application procedures and meeting crucial deadlines. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help prospective students navigate the application process for some of South Africa’s leading universities.

2025 University Application Dates

UNIVERSITYOPENING DATECLOSING DATELINK TO APPLYAPPLICATION FEE
University of Cape Town (UCT)2 April 202431 July 2024Apply hereR100 (SADC applicants) / R300 (non-SADC applicants)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)2 April 202430 August 2024 (Dentistry Undergraduate programmes) / 30 September 2024 (Other programmes)Apply hereFREE
Stellenbosch University (SU)1 April 202431 July 2024Apply hereR 100
University of Johannesburg (UJ)1 April 20241 October 2024Apply hereFREE (Online application) / R200 (Manual application)
University of Pretoria (UP)2 April 202431 May 2024 (Faculty of Veterinary Science) / 30 June 2024 (All other faculties)Apply hereR 300
University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)1 March 202430 June 2024 (Faculty of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology, BA Film and TV) / 30 September 2024 (All other programmes)Apply hereR100 (South African citizens) / R700 (foreign citizens)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)TBC30 June 2024 (Medicine) / 30 September 2024 (All other Undergraduate Programmes)Apply hereR210 (On-time applications: SA applicants) / R420 (Late applications: SA applicants) / R490 (SADC and rest of Africa applicants)
Rhodes University (RU)1 May 202430 September 2024Apply hereR 100
University of South Africa (UNISA)1 September 20241 January 2025Apply hereR 135
North West University (NWU)2 April 202428 June 2024 / 30 August 2024Apply hereFREE
University of the Free State (UFS)1 April 202430 September 2024Apply hereFREE
Sol Plaatje University (SPU)1 April 202430 November 2024Apply hereFREE
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMU)1 April 202430 June 2024 (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) & Bachelor of Radiography (Brad)) / 2 August 2024 (early applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & Brad)) / 30 September 2024 (late applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & Brad))Apply hereFREE (for South African citizens) / R500 (for International Students)
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)13 May 2024July 2024 / September 2024Apply hereR 100
Durban University of Technology (DUT)1 April 202430 September 2024Apply hereR250 (South Africans citizens) / R300 (international applicants)
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)1 April 202431 May 2024 / 30 September 2024Apply hereR250 (South Africans citizens) / R300 (international applicants)
University of Venda (Univen)2 May 202426 September 2024Apply hereR 100
University of Zululand (Unizulu)TBCTBCApply hereR 100
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)1 May 20241 September 2024Apply hereR 100
Central University of Technology (CUT)27 March 202430 September 2024Apply hereFREE
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)2 April 202430 September 2024 (Health Sciences, International Applicants) / 31 October 2024 (SA applicants)Apply hereFREE
University of Limpopo (UL)TBCTBCApply hereR200 (South African applicants) / R750 (International Applicants)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)1 March 202415 June 2024 / 30 September 2024Apply hereR 240
University of Fort Hare (UFH)1 March 202415 June 2024 / 30 September 2024Apply hereFREE (Online Application) / R120 (Manual Application for South African students) / R500 (Manual Application for International Students)
University of Mpumalanga (UMP)1 June 20241 November 2024Apply hereR150 (RSA/SADC Applicants) / R350 (other African Countries) / R500 (countries outside Africa)
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)2 April 202431 July 2024 (undergraduate programmes) / 30 August 2024 (postgraduate programmes)Apply hereR 300

Tips for a Successful Application

  1. Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to gather documents and complete the application.
  2. Double-Check Requirements: Ensure you meet all the specific requirements of the program you’re applying for.
  3. Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines and make sure all parts of your application are submitted on time.
  4. Seek Help if Needed: Don’t hesitate to contact the university’s admissions office if you have questions.

Applying to university is a significant step in your academic journey. By understanding the closing dates and following the application procedures carefully, you can maximize your chances of securing a spot at the South African university of your choice. Good luck!

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