South Africa is home to 26 public universities. Usually when applying to universities, you often need to budget for application fees.
Free University Application In South Africa
Surprisingly, there are universities in the country that don't ask for an application fee. University application fees can leave quite a hole in your pocket. This is particularly true because it is best to not just apply to only one university, as you might not be accepted into your first choice course. It is best if you can apply to more than one university so that you have backup options. This becomes difficult if you are having to pay an application fee every time.
So here are Universities that don't ask for an application fee:
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) offers a wide range of course, from diplomas to degrees to postgraduate courses. UJ also offers a wide range of online courses. These range from short courses to full certificates, continuing education programmes, degrees and postgraduate courses.
North West University (NWU)
North West University (NWU) offers Undergraduate studies, Postgrad studies, Distance Learning and Short Courses. NWU has three campuses, namely: Mafikeng Campus, Potchefstroom Campus and the Vaal Triangle Campus.
University of the Free State (UFS)
The University of the Free State (UFS) does not need an application fee to be paid to apply.
UFS has nine faculties for prospective students to choose from. Along with these faculties, they also offer Open Distance Learning and Business School. Students can also participate in more than 22 different sport disciplines.
Sol Plaatje University
Sol Plaatje University doesn't need an application fee to apply. SPU has only one campus located in the Civic Centre in Kimberly. They offer courses in Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Humanities and Natural & Applied Sciences.
Central University of Technology (CUT)
Those wanting to apply to study at the Central University of Technology (CUT) need not worry as you won't be asked to pay an application fee.
CUT offers a variety of departments at their campuses. Courses are offered for the following faculties: Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Health and Environmental Sciences, Humanities and Management Sciences.
The application cycle for 2026 at CUT is open and closes on 30 September 2025. There are no late applications or walk-in applications are allowed so all applications must be done online.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Applications to study towards a diploma or degree qualification at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) must be done by using NMU's online application system, and require no application fee.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
WSU accepts online applications only, and no application fee is needed.
At WSU, students are provided with affordable, appropriate, career-focused and professional programmes that address rural development and urban renewal with primary emphasis on science, technology and development studies.
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Applications to study at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) don't require an application fee. Students must apply online via the university's online application portal.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
CPUT has campuses in central Cape Town, Mowbray, Bellville and Wellington. Students can apply online for next year's courses.
University of Venda
Univen is located in Thohoyandou, in the Vembe district of the Limpopo Province. Their mission is to produce graduates with knowledge, skills and qualifications which are locally relevant and globally competitive.
Don't forget that if you are eligible for NSFAS funding then they will also pay for your university application fee.
