Universities have now begun opening applications for the 2026 academic year. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a spot in your preferred course and ensures you have enough time to gather the necessary documents.
Several universities open their applications early in the year, while others follow later deadlines. In this article, we not only cover which universities are now open but also upcoming 2026 university application dates.
2026 University Applications Now Open
Universities of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (12th May)
- Central University of Technology (Open now)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Vaal University of Technology (Not Yet Open)
Universities
- NorthWest University (NWU)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Rhodes University
- Sefako Makgatho University (SMU)
- Sol Plaatjie University
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Fort Hare (1st June)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Mpumalanga (1st June)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of Venda (8th May)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Zululand (Unizulu)
- Walter Sisulu University (1st June)
Unisa is expected to open applications in August 2025.
If you're planning to study at one of South Africa's 26 public universities, it's good to know the university application dates. This is important because you need to make sure that you apply on time and your application process goes smoothly.
2026 University Applications Opening Dates
Are you looking for the 2026 university applications details? Here's what we know so far concerning 2026 university application dates.
- University of the Western Cape: 1 April until 30 September
- Stellenbosch University 1 April until 31 July
- University of Pretoria: 1 April
- University of the Witwatersrand: Now Open
- 30 June: Teaching courses and Bachelor of Nursing applications close
- 30 September: All other programmes applications close
- University of Kwazulu Natal: Now Open until 30 September
- North West University: 1 April
- Nelson Mandela University: 1 April
- 30 June: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) & Bachelor of Radiography (BRad) applications
- 1 August: for early applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad).
- 30 September: for late applications (excluding MBChB, BPharm & BRad).
- University of Zululand: Now open until 31 October
- Central University of Technology: 13 May until 30 September
- Walter Sisulu University: 1 April until 31 October
- University of Limpopo: 1 April
- 30 July: MBChB Applications close
- 29 September: All other programmes applications close
- Durban University of Technology: Now Open until 30 September
- Sefako Makgatho University: 1 April until 31 July
- Tshwane University of Technology: 1 April until 30 September
- Mangosuthu University of Technology: Now open until 30 September
- University of the Free State: 1 April until 30 September
- University of Fort Hare: 1 June until 31 October
- University of Cape Town: 1 April until 31 July
- Rhodes University: April 2025
- University of Johannesburg: 1 April until 31 October
The rest of the universities are yet to confirm their 2026 application dates.
National Benchmark Tests - NBTs
Don't forget that you will probably have to write the NBTs to complete your university application. Click here for details on the NBTs.
NSFAS Bursaries and Student Loans
Students who attend any of the 26 public universities can qualify for funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) should they meet the eligibility criteria.
Full bursaries are available for students from families with an annual income of less than R350 000 per annum. Students from families with an income above this, but still below R600,000 per annum will qualify for a student loan from NSFAS.
NSFAS applications usually open in the final quarter of the year.
But you mustn't wait until NSFAS is open to apply to university. You should apply to university now and then later in the year apply for NSFAS. Just applying for university does not mean that you are committed to anything and you can always decline a university course until February if you have to.
