University Application Dates 2027
Closing dates for 2027 entry at South Africa's main universities, checked against each university's own website on 17 September 2026.
30 September 2026 is the big cut-off for 2027 entry
Wits, UKZN, DUT and UL close undergraduate applications on 30 September 2026. UCT, Stellenbosch, UP and NWU have already closed. UJ, UFH, WSU and VUT stay open until the end of October.
🚨 Closing Soon - Apply Now!
These universities have application deadlines approaching soon. Don't miss out!
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
URGENTHealth Sciences, Architecture, Film & TV and Speech-Language Pathology closed 30 June 2026.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
URGENTApply through the CAO. Medicine (MBChB) closed 30 June 2026.
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
URGENTApply through the CAO. Some programmes close earlier.
University of Limpopo (UL)
URGENTMedicine (MBChB) and international applicants closed 30 July 2026.
✅ Currently Open Applications
These universities are still accepting undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic year
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
OPENUniversity of Johannesburg (UJ)
OPENCloses at 12:00. UJ does not accept late applications.
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
OPENInternational applicants close 30 September 2026. Several diplomas and BEd closed 31 July 2026.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
OPENInternational applicants close 30 September 2026.
Already closed for 2027 undergraduate entry
Contact the university directly about late applications; most do not accept them.
- CLOSED
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Closed 31 July 2026· Postgraduate open until 30 September 2026
- CLOSED
Stellenbosch University
Closed 31 July 2026
Residence applications closed on the same date.
- CLOSED
University of Pretoria (UP)
Closed 30 June 2026
Veterinary Science closed 31 May 2026.
- CLOSED
North-West University (NWU)
Closed 31 August 2026· Postgraduate open until 30 November 2026
Selection courses closed 30 June 2026.
No 2027 date published yet
These universities have not put a 2027-specific closing date on their own site. Treat the usual date as a guide and confirm before you rely on it.
- DATE NOT CONFIRMED
Rhodes University
Rhodes lists a standing 30 September closing date for new students but has not published a 2027-specific notice.
Check the official site - DATE NOT CONFIRMED
University of the Free State (UFS)
No 2027-specific closing dates published yet. Previous intakes closed 31 August for most programmes and 31 May or 31 July for selection programmes.
Check the official site - DATE NOT CONFIRMED
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
CPUT says programmes close between July and September 2026; confirm your programme date on the CPUT site.
Check the official site - DATE NOT CONFIRMED
University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
UNIZULU's standing rule is 30 September through the CAO, but no 2027-specific notice has been published.
Check the official site
📅 Application Timeline
Key dates and deadlines for the 2027 academic year
March - June 2026
Most universities open 2027 applications between April and June 2026. Research programmes and prepare required documents.
June - October 2026
Main closing period. UP closed 30 June, UCT and Stellenbosch 31 July, NWU 31 August, and Wits, UKZN, DUT and UL close 30 September. UJ, UFH, WSU and VUT close at the end of October.
October - December 2026
Application outcomes released. Accept offers, apply for NSFAS once the 2027 cycle opens, and complete registration requirements.
January - February 2027
Final matric results, registration and orientation. The 2027 academic year begins. Schools reopen on 13 January 2027 (see the 2027 school calendar).
💡 Application Tips
Increase your chances of successful university admission
Apply as early as possible - don't wait until the deadline
Check specific faculty requirements as they may differ
Ensure all required documents are certified and ready
Double-check minimum admission requirements before applying
Consider multiple universities to increase your chances
Keep track of application fees and payment methods
Submit NSFAS application alongside university applications
📋 Application Checklist
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified matric certificate and results
- Academic transcripts (if applicable)
- Proof of language proficiency
- Portfolio (for creative programmes)
- Application fee payment
- NSFAS application (if applicable)
Important Notes
- • Application dates may vary by faculty or programme within the same university
- • International students often have earlier deadlines
- • Some programmes may have additional requirements or portfolio submissions
- • A few universities consider late applications for programmes with space; most, including UJ, do not
- • Always verify dates directly with the university as they may change
Ready to Apply for University?
Don't wait until the last minute. Start your university application journey today and secure your future.