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
| UNIVERSITY | OPENING DATE | CLOSING DATE | LINK TO APPLY | APPLICATION FEE |
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | 2 April 2024 | 31 July 2024 | Apply here | R100 (SADC applicants) / R300 (non-SADC applicants) |
| University of the Western Cape (UWC) | 2 April 2024 | 30 August 2024 (Dentistry Undergraduate programmes) / 30 September 2024 (Other programmes) | Apply here | FREE |
| Stellenbosch University (SU) | 1 April 2024 | 31 July 2024 | Apply here | R 100 |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | 1 April 2024 | 1 October 2024 | Apply here | FREE (Online application) / R200 (Manual application) |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | 2 April 2024 | 31 May 2024 (Faculty of Veterinary Science) / 30 June 2024 (All other faculties) | Apply here | R 300 |
| University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) | 1 March 2024 | 30 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 here | R100 (South African citizens) / R700 (foreign citizens) |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | TBC | 30 June 2024 (Medicine) / 30 September 2024 (All other Undergraduate Programmes) | Apply here | R210 (On-time applications: SA applicants) / R420 (Late applications: SA applicants) / R490 (SADC and rest of Africa applicants) |
| Rhodes University (RU) | 1 May 2024 | 30 September 2024 | Apply here | R 100 |
| University of South Africa (UNISA) | 1 September 2024 | 1 January 2025 | Apply here | R 135 |
| North West University (NWU) | 2 April 2024 | 28 June 2024 / 30 August 2024 | Apply here | FREE |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | 1 April 2024 | 30 September 2024 | Apply here | FREE |
| Sol Plaatje University (SPU) | 1 April 2024 | 30 November 2024 | Apply here | FREE |
| Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMU) | 1 April 2024 | 30 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 here | FREE (for South African citizens) / R500 (for International Students) |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | 13 May 2024 | July 2024 / September 2024 | Apply here | R 100 |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | 1 April 2024 | 30 September 2024 | Apply here | R250 (South Africans citizens) / R300 (international applicants) |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) | 1 April 2024 | 31 May 2024 / 30 September 2024 | Apply here | R250 (South Africans citizens) / R300 (international applicants) |
| University of Venda (Univen) | 2 May 2024 | 26 September 2024 | Apply here | R 100 |
| University of Zululand (Unizulu) | TBC | TBC | Apply here | R 100 |
| Vaal University of Technology (VUT) | 1 May 2024 | 1 September 2024 | Apply here | R 100 |
| Central University of Technology (CUT) | 27 March 2024 | 30 September 2024 | Apply here | FREE |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | 2 April 2024 | 30 September 2024 (Health Sciences, International Applicants) / 31 October 2024 (SA applicants) | Apply here | FREE |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | TBC | TBC | Apply here | R200 (South African applicants) / R750 (International Applicants) |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | 1 March 2024 | 15 June 2024 / 30 September 2024 | Apply here | R 240 |
| University of Fort Hare (UFH) | 1 March 2024 | 15 June 2024 / 30 September 2024 | Apply here | FREE (Online Application) / R120 (Manual Application for South African students) / R500 (Manual Application for International Students) |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | 1 June 2024 | 1 November 2024 | Apply here | R150 (RSA/SADC Applicants) / R350 (other African Countries) / R500 (countries outside Africa) |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) | 2 April 2024 | 31 July 2024 (undergraduate programmes) / 30 August 2024 (postgraduate programmes) | Apply here | R 300 |
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to gather documents and complete the application.
- Double-Check Requirements: Ensure you meet all the specific requirements of the program you’re applying for.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines and make sure all parts of your application are submitted on time.
- 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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