UMP announced on 23 October 2026 that its Council had approved the discontinuation of application fees, removing one of the upfront costs students previously faced when applying to the University.

The decision applies from the 2027 academic year and is expected to make the application process more accessible, particularly for students from low-income households.

For prospective students who have been considering applying to UMP but were concerned about application costs, this means that submitting an application will no longer require payment of an application fee.

Why Has UMP Removed Its Application Fee?

According to the University, the decision was approved during an ordinary Council meeting held on 29 September 2026.

UMP said several factors influenced the decision.

The University believes that application fees can create unnecessary financial barriers for prospective students, particularly those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

UMP also noted that approximately 85% of its registered students in 2026 are funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The University said this demonstrates the financial circumstances faced by a significant proportion of its student population.

Removing the application fee is therefore intended to make applications easier and improve access and inclusivity.

UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa said the decision reflects the University's intention to remain responsive to the financial realities experienced by its students.

The University also said that the change places UMP among a growing number of South African universities that no longer charge prospective students an application fee.

What Does This Mean for 2027 Applicants?

The biggest change is straightforward: students applying to UMP for the 2027 academic year will not need to pay an application fee.

Previously, applicants were required to pay different application fees depending on their residency category.

With the new policy taking effect from 2027, this application cost is being discontinued.

Students will, however, still need to complete the full application process, upload the required documentation and meet the admission requirements for the programmes they select.

Removing the application fee does not change UMP's academic entry requirements or guarantee admission.

What Happens If You Already Paid the UMP Application Fee?

Some applicants may already have paid an application fee while submitting their 2027 applications earlier in 2026.

UMP has confirmed that these applicants will not lose the money they have already paid.

Students who paid an application fee during 2026 will either receive:

• A credit towards their initial university deposit; or

• A refund of the application fee.

Applicants who have already paid should therefore monitor communication from UMP regarding how the credit or refund process will be handled.

UMP 2027 Applications Are Still Open

Applications for admission to the University of Mpumalanga for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 June 2026.

According to UMP's current application information, undergraduate programmes and Advanced Diploma applications are scheduled to close on 30 November 2026. Applications for Honours programmes and Postgraduate Diplomas close on 30 January 2027, while Master's and Doctoral applications also close on 30 January 2027.

Prospective undergraduate students therefore still have an opportunity to apply for the 2027 academic year.

Students should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications, as they may still need time to gather documents, correct application information or resolve technical problems.

How to Apply to the University of Mpumalanga

Applications are completed through the University's official online application system.

UMP requires applicants to capture their personal and academic information, upload supporting documents and select the programmes for which they would like to be considered.

Applicants can select a maximum of two programme choices through the online application system. UMP also allows applicants to submit a residence application through the same process.

Before starting an application, prospective students should prepare electronic copies of important documents such as their identity document and relevant academic results.

The application should only be considered complete once all required sections have been submitted and the application progress reaches 100%.

Apply through the official UMP website

Applicants can access the application information and online application process at:

https://www.ump.ac.za/Study-with-us/Application-Process/Online-Applications

Important: UMP's Website May Still Show the Previous Application Fee

Students visiting UMP's online application page may currently notice that the application instructions still refer to the previous non-refundable application fees.

At the time of publication, the University's application page lists application fees of R200 for South African applicants, R400 for applicants from SADC countries and R550 for other international applicants.

However, UMP's media statement dated 23 October 2026 confirms that the University Council has approved the discontinuation of application fees for the 2027 academic year and onwards.

The online application information may therefore still be in the process of being updated following the University's announcement.

Prospective applicants should follow the latest official communication from UMP and should not make an unnecessary payment based solely on older application instructions.

Does Free Application Mean Free University?

No.

The removal of the application fee applies specifically to the cost of submitting an application to UMP.

Students who are successfully admitted may still be responsible for registration fees, tuition fees, accommodation and other university-related costs, depending on their circumstances and funding arrangements.

Students who qualify for NSFAS funding may receive financial assistance subject to NSFAS requirements and funding rules.

Applicants should therefore not confuse a free application with free registration or automatic university funding.

A Significant Change for Prospective UMP Students

Application fees may appear relatively small compared with the overall cost of university study, but for students applying to several institutions, these fees can quickly add up.

UMP's decision removes this initial financial requirement from its application process and allows prospective students to apply without first having to find money simply to have their application considered.

For students interested in studying at the University of Mpumalanga in 2027, the most important step now is to check the admission requirements for their preferred programme, prepare the required documents and submit an application before the relevant closing date.

With undergraduate applications currently scheduled to close on 30 November 2026, prospective students who have not yet applied should consider completing their applications as soon as possible.

Important: Application dates, programme availability and admission requirements may change. Always confirm the latest information directly with the University of Mpumalanga before submitting an application or making any payment.