Universities Open for 2026 Applications in South Africa

Are you planning to pursue higher education in South Africa in 2026? Here's a comprehensive list of universities that are currently accepting applications for the 2026 academic year.

Eastern Cape

Nelson Mandela University (Port Elizabeth) - Closing date varies by program

Rhodes University (Grahamstown) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

University of Fort Hare (Alice) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha) - Closing date: September 30, 2025 (Health Sciences), October 31, 2025 (Other programs)

Eastern Cape University Applications

Free State

Central University of Technology (Bloemfontein) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

University of the Free State (Bloemfontein) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

Free State University Applications

Gauteng

University of Johannesburg (Johannesburg) - Closing date: October 1, 2025

University of Pretoria (Pretoria) - Closing date: June 30, 2025

University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg) - Closing date: June 30, 2025 (Specific programs), September 30, 2025 (Other programs)

Tshwane University of Technology (Pretoria) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

Vaal University of Technology (Vanderbijlpark) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (Pretoria, Gauteng) - Closing date: October 3, 2023 (for some programs, likely outdated)

Gauteng University Applications

KwaZulu-Natal

Durban University of Technology (Durban) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

Mangosuthu University of Technology (Umlazi) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

University of KwaZulu-Natal (Durban) - Closing date: June 30, 2025 (Medicine), September 30, 2025 (Other programs)

University of Zululand (Empangeni) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

KwaZulu-Natal University Applications

Limpopo

University of Limpopo (Polokwane) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

University of Venda (Thohoyandou) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

Limpopo University Applications

Mpumalanga

University of Mpumalanga (Mbombela) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

Mpumalanga University Applications

North West

North-West University (Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark) - Closing date: June 28, 2025, and August 30, 2025

North West University Applications

Western Cape

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (Cape Town) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

Sol Plaatje University (Kimberley not, but located in Northern Cape however partnered with Western Cape University for some programs doesn't apply here - Sol Plaatje University is in the Northern Cape) (Northern Cape) - Closing date: September 30, 2025

Stellenbosch University (Stellenbosch) - Closing date: July 31, 2025

University of Cape Town (Cape Town) - Closing date: July 31, 2025

University of the Western Cape (Cape Town) - Closing date: August 30, 2025 (Dentistry), September 30, 2025 (Other programs)

Western Cape University Applications

Northern Cape

Sol Plaatje University (Kimberley) - Closing date: September 30, 2025 ¹

Northern Cappe University Application

Unspecified/Other

University of South Africa (UNISA) (Distance education, multiple locations) - Closing date: January 1, 2026 (Undergraduate qualifications), December 15, 2025 (Honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas), November 5, 2025 (Master's and doctoral qualifications)

📝 Quick Tips for 2026 Applicants

Start early: Collect your certified documents, academic records, and ID/passport well in advance.
Mind programme deadlines: Courses like Medicine, Nursing, Veterinary Science, and Education often close earlier than others (typically by June or July).
Application fees: Many universities offer free applications for SA citizens, but fees can range from R100–R750 depending on the institution and your citizenship.
Online portals: Most universities allow you to apply online directly through their website.

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