Which Universities Are Open for Application 2027 | Full SA Guide
All South African universities open for 2027 applications: UCT, Wits, UKZN, UJ, UP, DUT, SU, UNISA and more. Application dates, APS requirements & bursaries.
Which South African Universities Are Open for Application in 2027?
Planning your future and wondering which universities are open for application for 2027? All 26 public universities in South Africa accept applications for the 2027 academic year. Applications for 2027 intake are typically made during 2026 — most universities open applications in April 2026 and close them by September 30, 2026.
This guide covers every major South African university's 2027 application window, minimum APS requirements, and how to apply — including available bursaries and NSFAS funding.
Summary: SA Universities Open for 2027 Applications
| University | Abbr. | Type | 2027 Apps Open | 2027 Apps Close | Min APS | App Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cape Town | UCT | Traditional | April 2026 | July 31, 2026 | 36 | R100 |
| University of the Witwatersrand | Wits | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 35 | R100 |
| Stellenbosch University | SU | Traditional | March 2026 | June 30, 2026 | 35 | R100 |
| University of Pretoria | UP | Traditional | April 2026 | June 30, 2026 | 30 | R300 |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | UKZN | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 30 | R200 |
| University of Johannesburg | UJ | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 28 | R200 |
| University of the Free State | UFS | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 30 | R150 |
| Rhodes University | RU | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 35 | R200 |
| North-West University | NWU | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 25 | R200 |
| University of the Western Cape | UWC | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 30 | R100 |
| University of South Africa | UNISA | Distance | October 2026 | January 2027 | N/A | R135 |
| Nelson Mandela University | NMU | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 28 | R200 |
| University of Limpopo | UL | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 20 | R200 |
| University of Venda | UNIVEN | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 18 | R200 |
| University of Fort Hare | UFH | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 20 | R200 |
| Walter Sisulu University | WSU | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 20 | R100 |
| University of Zululand | UniZulu | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 20 | R200 |
| Durban University of Technology | DUT | UoT | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 20 | R100 |
| Tshwane University of Technology | TUT | UoT | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 20 | R100 |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology | CPUT | UoT | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 22 | R200 |
| Central University of Technology | CUT | UoT | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 18 | R100 |
| Vaal University of Technology | VUT | UoT | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 18 | R100 |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology | MUT | UoT | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 18 | R100 |
| Sol Plaatje University | SPU | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 22 | R150 |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | SMU | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 30 | R200 |
| University of Mpumalanga | UMP | Traditional | April 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 | 22 | R150 |
Note: All dates are approximate and subject to change. Some universities publish updated dates later in the year. Always confirm on each university's official website. UCT and Stellenbosch close earlier than most — apply by their June/July deadlines.
Key 2027 Application Deadlines by University Group
Early Closing Universities (by June–July 2026)
- UCT — closes July 31, 2026 (apply by June for competitive programmes)
- Stellenbosch University (SU) — closes June 30, 2026
- University of Pretoria (UP) — closes June 30, 2026
Action: If you want to study at UCT, Stellenbosch, or UP in 2027, you need to apply by mid-2026.
September 30, 2026 Closing Date Universities
Most public universities close on September 30, 2026 for 2027 intake. This includes: Wits, UKZN, UJ, UFS, NWU, UWC, NMU, UL, UNIVEN, UFH, WSU, UniZulu, DUT, TUT, CPUT, CUT, VUT, MUT, SPU, SMU, and UMP.
UNISA — Open Registration System
UNISA operates a distance-learning model with later registration. For 2027 semester 1, UNISA registration typically opens October 2026 and closes around January 2027.
Which Universities Are Best for 2027 Applications?
The "best" university depends on your programme, budget, location, and APS score. Here is a quick guide:
| If You Want... | Best Options |
|---|---|
| Medicine (MBChB) | UCT, Wits, UKZN, UP, Sefako Makgatho (SMU), Stellenbosch |
| Engineering (BSc/BEng) | Wits, UCT, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UJ |
| Law (LLB) | Wits, UCT, UP, Stellenbosch, UJ, UKZN |
| Accounting (BCom) | Wits, UCT, UP, Stellenbosch, UJ, UKZN |
| Technology Diplomas | DUT, TUT, CPUT, CUT, VUT, MUT |
| Education (BEd) | UKZN (Edgewood), UP, NWU, UJ, UFS |
| Distance Learning (any field) | UNISA |
| Lower APS (18–24) | CUT, VUT, MUT, UniZulu, UL, UNIVEN, UFH, WSU |
How to Apply to a South African University for 2027
Step 1: Calculate Your APS
Your APS determines which universities and programmes you qualify for. Use our free APS Calculator to check your score based on your Grade 11 or Grade 12 results.
Step 2: Research Your Programme Options
Identify universities that offer your chosen programme and where your APS qualifies you. Apply to 2–3 universities in case your first choice doesn't come through.
Step 3: Check Application Dates
Use the table above to confirm each university's 2027 application opening and closing dates. Set a reminder so you don't miss any deadlines — especially for UCT, SU and UP which close early.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified Grade 11 or Grade 12 results
- Proof of residence
- Application fee (varies by university: R100–R300)
Step 5: Apply Online
All 26 public universities have online application portals. Visit each university's official website to apply. Most portals require you to create an applicant account. Apply to each university separately — there is no centralised application system in South Africa.
Step 6: Apply for Bursaries and NSFAS
Funding your studies is crucial. Apply for NSFAS and bursaries at the same time as your university applications:
- NSFAS — apply at www.nsfas.org.za from October 2026
- University bursaries — check each university's financial aid office
- Government and corporate bursaries — apply early, many close before matric results are released
Browse all available bursaries on our bursaries page.
NSFAS for 2027 — What You Need to Know
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) provides funding for students from households earning below R350,000 per year at all 26 public universities. For 2027:
- NSFAS 2027 applications open: Approximately October 2026
- NSFAS 2027 applications close: Approximately December 2026
- Who qualifies: South African citizens, household income below R350,000/year, registered at a public university
- What NSFAS covers: Tuition fees, accommodation, meals, transport, personal care allowance
Apply at www.nsfas.org.za. Missing the NSFAS window means waiting another year for funding.
Tips for Your 2027 University Applications
- Apply early: Don't wait until September — apply as soon as portals open in April 2026
- Apply to multiple universities: Apply to 2–3 universities to increase your chances
- Boost your APS now: Use StudyBuddy's AI tutor to improve your marks in Mathematics, Sciences, and English before your final matric exams
- Watch UCT and SU deadlines: These universities close months before others — don't miss them
- Apply for bursaries simultaneously: Many bursaries close before matric results — apply in Grade 11 if possible
- Keep certified copies ready: Get extra certified copies of your ID and results — you'll need them for each university application
Still in school and want to maximise your APS for a 2027 university application? StudyBuddy's AI tutor is FREE to start — get personalised 24/7 help in all CAPS subjects and improve your marks by 20–30% before your final exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which universities are open for application for 2027?
All 26 South African public universities are open for 2027 applications, including UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP, UKZN, UJ, UFS, NWU, DUT, TUT, CPUT, and UNISA. Most open applications in April 2026 and close September 30, 2026. UCT, Stellenbosch, and UP close earlier (June–July 2026). UNISA registration for 2027 opens October 2026.
When do 2027 university applications open in South Africa?
Most South African universities open their 2027 applications in April 2026. Some universities (like Stellenbosch and UCT) may open even earlier in February–March 2026. UNISA typically opens registration in October 2026 for the following year. Always check each university's official website for the exact dates.
When do 2027 university applications close in South Africa?
Most universities close on September 30, 2026 for 2027 intake. However, UCT closes July 31, 2026, and Stellenbosch and UP close June 30, 2026. Apply as early as possible — competitive programmes at top universities can fill before the official deadline.
Can I apply to multiple universities for 2027?
Yes, and it is strongly recommended. There is no centralised application system in South Africa, so you apply to each university separately. Most students apply to 2–3 universities for their chosen programme. Each application requires its own fee (R100–R300 per university).
Does NSFAS cover all universities for 2027?
NSFAS covers all 26 public universities and 50 TVET colleges in South Africa. For 2027, NSFAS applications open approximately October 2026 at www.nsfas.org.za. Students from households with income below R350,000/year are eligible. NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, and a personal allowance.