University Application 2026
The time has come to apply for study at one of South Africa's 26 universities in 2025. You have to apply early if you want the best chance to be accepted at the university you want - for the course that you want. So university applications are very important. But we are here to help with the information and guidance that you need.
Universities Open For 2026 Applications
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. So we've made this list of universities open for 2026 applications to make things easier for you.
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.
Universities Now Open!
- University of Johannesburg
- University of the Western Cape
- Sol Plaatje University
- University of Mpumalanga
- University of Fort Hare
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Cape Town
- University of Johannesburg
- North West University
- University of the Free State
- Nelson Mandela University
- Rhodes University
- University of Pretoria
- Durban University of Technology
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Kwazulu Natal
- Tshwane University of Technology
University Application Dates For 2026 Academic Year, Including Closing Dates
Here are the South African universities and their opening dates and closing dates for the 2026 academic year. Most of these universities will have an application fee. Even though you haven't completed your National Senior Certificate yet, you will be able to apply to university with copies of your Grade 11 exam results. Other required documents would include your South African ID document.
Which Universities Are Open For 2026 Applications?
- Unisa: Not confirmed
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- University of Zululand
- Vaal University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of Limpopo
- University of Mpumalanga
- Sol Plaatje University:
- Sefako Makgatho University
- University of Fort Hare
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- University of Venda
NSFAS Bursaries and Student Loans
All of the above universities and universities of Technology are public institutions - so they qualify for NSFAS funding. 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 only open late in the year. It is important that you still apply for the university or college course that you are interested in when those applications open. If you wait until you are approved by NSFAS, it will be too late to apply for university.
National Benchmark Tests NBTs
Do you need to write National Benchmark Tests to attend university? The National Benchmark tests are used to determine how academically ready you are for university.
There are two tests that are offered, the AQL and the MAT test. AQL stands for Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy, while MAT is an abbreviation for Mathematics.
Visit our section on the NBTs for all the information you need.
Tips for your University Application
Here are some tips to help you increase your chances of getting accepted into your chosen university:
1. Start Early
One of the most critical factors in securing university admission is to start early. You should begin preparing for your application at least a year in advance. This gives you ample time to research the universities you want to apply to, gather information about their admission requirements, and work on improving your academic performance.
2. Meet the Admission Requirements
Each university has its admission requirements, and you must meet them to be considered for admission. These requirements may include academic performance, standardized test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.
Ensure that you read the admission requirements carefully and provide all the necessary information and documents.
This article was updated on 06 March 2025.
