2027 University Applications South Africa: Full Opening & Closing Dates for All Universities
If you’re a matric learner (or parent helping one) planning to study in 2027, right now is the moment that actually matters. Most South African public universities open their 2027 undergraduate applications between March and May 2026 and many close as early as June or July for competitive programmes like Medicine, Engineering, or Health Sciences.
Miss a deadline and you’re waiting until 2028. No pressure… but yeah, pressure.
Quick Tools Before You Apply
- Check your APS instantly → Free APS Calculators for every university
- See full programmes & requirements → View the latest 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus
- Never miss another deadline again → Download the University Qualifications mobile app. It sends free push notifications the day each university (and bursary) opens and closes. Seriously, thousands of students already use it to stay ahead. Get the app here
2027 Application Dates – Major Universities (Detailed)
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Opens: 1 March 2026 Closes: • 30 June 2026 – Medicine, Health Sciences, BAS (Architecture), Audiology, Film & TV • 30 September 2026 – All other programmes + residence Apply: www.wits.ac.za/applications
University of Pretoria (UP) Opens: 1 April 2026 Closes: 30 June 2026 (all undergraduate programmes) Apply early — spaces fill fast. Apply: www.up.ac.za/online-application
University of Johannesburg (UJ) Opens: 1 April 2026 Closes: 31 October 2026 One of the longer windows. Apply: www.uj.ac.za/study/apply
Stellenbosch University (SU) Opens: 1 April 2026 Closes: 31 July 2026 (Medicine & Health Sciences close earlier) Application fee: R100 (SA) / R400 (international) Apply: www.sun.ac.za/english/study/apply
University of Cape Town (UCT) Opens: 1 April 2026 Closes: 31 July 2026 – NO late applications accepted NBTs required for most programmes (final sitting 3 October 2026) Apply: www.uct.ac.za
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Opens: 1 March 2026 Closes: • 30 June 2026 – Medicine (MBChB) • 30 September 2026 – All other programmes + residence Apply via CAO. Apply: www.ukzn.ac.za
North-West University (NWU) Opens: 1 April 2026 Closes: • 30 June 2026 – Selection programmes (Nursing, Engineering, etc.) • 13 July 2026 – Music programmes • 31 August 2026 – All other programmes + residence Free for SA citizens. Apply: www.nwu.ac.za/apply
University of the Western Cape (UWC) Opens: 1 April 2026 Closes: 30 September 2026 (Dentistry expected 31 August) No application fee. Max 2 programme choices. Apply: www.uwc.ac.za/apply
University of the Free State (UFS) Opens: 1 April 2026 Closes: • 31 May 2026 – Health Sciences (MBChB, OT, etc.) • 31 July 2026 – Architecture, Nursing, Social Work • 30 September 2026 – All other programmes + residence Free applications. Max 2 choices. Apply: www.ufs.ac.za/apply
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Opens: 1 April 2026 Closes: • 31 July 2026 – Arts & Design + selected Engineering/Health • 30 September 2026 – Everything else Application fee: R240 Apply: www.tut.ac.za
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Opens: 1 May 2026 Closes: • 30 June 2026 – Selected Health programmes • 31 July 2026 – Education & Emergency Medical Care • 31 August 2026 – General undergraduate Late window until 30 September for selected programmes only. Apply: www.cput.ac.za
Other Universities – 2027 Dates (Quick Reference)
- Rhodes University: Opens 1 April 2026 | Closes 30 September 2026
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU): Opens 1 April 2026 | Closes 30 September 2026
- University of Fort Hare (UFH): Opens 1 March 2026 | Closes 31 October 2026
- University of Limpopo (UL): Opens 1 April 2026 | Closes 30 September 2026
- University of Venda (UNIVEN): Opens 1 April 2026 | Closes 26 September 2026
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU): Opens 1 March 2026 | Closes 30 September 2026
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU): Opens 2 April 2026 | Closes 31 October 2026
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU): Opens 20 April 2026 | Closes 30 November 2026 (longest window!)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT): Opens 1 March 2026 | Closes 30 September 2026
- Vaal University of Technology (VUT): Opens 6 May 2026 | Closes 30 September 2026
- Central University of Technology (CUT): Opens 13 May 2026 | Closes 30 September 2026
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT): Opens 1 March 2026 | Closes 30 September 2026
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU): Opens 1 April 2026 | Closes 31 July 2026
University of South Africa (UNISA) Opens: 1 September 2026 (No fixed closing date – rolling admissions, but apply early for popular modules.)
Download the University Qualifications app today , it’s the only one that notifies you for both university deadlines and bursary openings/closings. Get it free here
You’ve got this. Start your applications the day they open, use the APS calculator to check your chances, and let the app keep you on track.