Universities are starting to accept applications for the 2027 academic year. These university places are always
2027 University Applications Open
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Central University of Technology
Tshwane University of Technology
University of the Western Cape
KZN Universities
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- University of Zululand
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
Applications for these universities to be made via the CAO.
Universities That Will Be Opening Soon:
NorthWest University - Applications Open 1st June
Sol Plaatje University
UNISA - Opening September 2026
University of Fort Hare - Opening June 2026
University of Mpumalanga - Opening June 2026
Vaal University of Technology - Opening June 2026
Walter Sisulu University - Opening June 2026
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.
