University Applications in South Africa: 2027 Dates, Status Checks and Guides

This section of BursariesAfrica helps you get into one of South Africa’s 26 public universities: finding out which are still accepting applications, meeting the entry requirements, tracking your application and paying for your studies. We are an independent guide, not a university. Always apply through the university’s own website, and never pay anyone who promises you a place.

What do you need help with?

• I have not applied yet. Check the table below for universities that are still open, then follow our step-by-step application guide.
• I missed a closing date. Several universities close later in the year, and some consider late applications. See universities still open for 2027 applications.
• I applied and I am waiting. Use your university’s status page in the table further down, or read how to track your application.
• I am not sure I qualify. Work out your Admission Point Score (APS) with the APS guide for your university, and check whether your programme needs the National Benchmark Tests (NBT).
• I need money to study. Read what each NSFAS status means and the funding section below.

Which universities are still open for 2027?

Applying to UKZN, DUT, MUT or the University of Zululand for the first time? These universities take first-time applications through the Central Applications Office (CAO), not on their own websites.

If you missed the closing date

• Look for later dates. Unisa, Vaal University of Technology, the University of Johannesburg, Sol Plaatje, Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu and the University of Mpumalanga list closing dates in October or November.
• Read each university’s late-application rules. Rhodes says it will consider late applications from South African applicants, while UCT and CUT say they do not accept late applications.
• Consider a TVET college. Public TVET colleges run their own applications for 2027. Start at our TVET college guide.
• Be careful with clearing-house promises. The Department of Higher Education and Training’s Central Application Service was named to replace the old clearing house (CACH), but in September 2026 its website said the project is under review.

How to apply to a university, step by step

1. Choose two or three programmes. Read the faculty rules in the university’s prospectus, including required subjects and minimum marks.
2. Work out your APS. Most universities add up the achievement levels (1 to 7) of your best six subjects, but each one has its own rules: UCT uses a Faculty Points Score, and Wits adds bonus points for some subjects.
3. Book the NBT if your programme asks for it. Requirements differ by university and faculty, so check the NBT guide for your university in the table below.
4. Apply online before the faculty closing date. Universities usually assess you on your latest available results, such as your Grade 11 final or Grade 12 mid-year marks. Some universities charge an application fee and some do not, so check the official page before paying.
5. Track your application and respond to offers. A conditional offer depends on your final matric results.
6. Apply for NSFAS separately at nsfas.org.za. A university place does not come with funding.
7. Register once your final results are out, on the dates the university sets.

Find your university

Every guide below links to that university’s own website. Pick the task you need.

University	Status check	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Central University of Technology (CUT)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Durban University of Technology (DUT)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
North-West University (NWU)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Rhodes University (RU)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Sol Plaatje University (SPU)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Stellenbosch University (SU)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of Cape Town (UCT)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of Fort Hare (UFH)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of the Free State (UFS)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of Johannesburg (UJ)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of Limpopo (UL)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of Mpumalanga (UMP)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of Pretoria (UP)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of South Africa (Unisa)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of Venda (UNIVEN)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of the Western Cape (UWC)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
University of Zululand (UNIZULU)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)	Status	APS	Fees	NBT	Prospectus

Paying for university

• NSFAS bursary: for South African citizens and permanent residents at public universities whose household earns up to R350,000 a year (R600,000 for students with a disability). NSFAS had not announced its 2027 application dates when we checked on 17 September 2026. Watch nsfas.org.za.
• NSFAS loan: students from households earning between R350,001 and R600,000 can apply for the NSFAS Student Loan, which covers tuition and accommodation or transport but not living allowances.
• Keeping your funding: continuing university students must pass at least half of the modules they registered for in the year.
• Bursaries from companies and government: browse open bursaries on BursariesAfrica, many of which close before the academic year starts.

Status help: NSFAS status check, checking NSFAS by WhatsApp or USSD and checking with your ID number.

Matric results, rewrites and the NBT

• The 2026 matric (NSC) exams are scheduled from 13 October to 26 November 2026, and results are expected in January 2027. If your marks are not enough, compare upgrading and rewriting and the rewrite registration dates.
• Lost your certificate? See how to replace a matric certificate. Unhappy with a mark? See re-mark fees and re-mark results.
• NBT: test dates, fees, how to prepare and what your results mean.

Frequently asked questions