2027 University Applications: What's Still Open in SA?

Quick Answer: As checked on 12 October 2026, UJ lists an undergraduate deadline of 31 October at 12:00, UKZN has a late-application route for selected programmes, and UNISA's undergraduate and honours application window has closed. UNISA master's and doctoral applications are listed through 20 November, subject to exceptions. NSFAS 2027 funding closes 31 October at 23:59 South African time. Confirm your exact qualification on the official portal.

Last checked: 12 October 2026. If you're looking for South African universities still accepting applications for the 2027 academic year, check the latest status before paying an application fee. Many standard undergraduate deadlines have passed, and late applications are usually limited to specific institutions, programmes and available spaces.

Important: StudyBuddy is an independent student-help resource, not an admissions office. The official university portal is the final source for deadlines, eligibility and available programmes. Dates below were checked on 12 October 2026; a deadline does not mean every course is still accepting applicants.

Which university applications may still be open for 2027?

Institution / route	Published status as checked 10 Oct 2026	What to do
University of Johannesburg (UJ)	The official UJ page lists 31 October 2026 at 12:00 as the closing date for undergraduate curricular applications. Some postgraduate programmes have separate exceptions.	Check UJ's official application information and submit before the stated deadline if your programme is available.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)	UKZN has a late-application route for selected programmes. Not all programmes accept late applications; the university specifically excludes College of Health Sciences programmes and the School of Law from that route.	Check UKZN's late-application page and confirm programme availability before preparing an application.
UNISA undergraduate and honours/postgraduate diplomas	The published application period for the 2027 intake was 17 August–9 October 2026. That window has closed.	Check UNISA's official admissions page for any new notice. Do not assume late applications are accepted.
UNISA master's and doctoral qualifications	The official admissions page lists 1 September–20 November 2026 for master's and doctoral applications, with programme-specific exceptions.	Check the relevant UNISA postgraduate application route and its qualification-specific requirements.
Other universities	Application status varies by institution, qualification and applicant type. Do not rely on a general list of dates to conclude that a programme is still open.	Use the official university admissions portal and look specifically for a 2027 late-application notice or programme availability list.

NSFAS funding for 2027 is a separate application

NSFAS announced that applications for 2027 funding opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time. Applying is free. A university application and a NSFAS funding application are separate processes, so check and complete each one that applies to you.

Visit the official NSFAS application page →. Applications are free. Never pay a third party to submit an NSFAS application and never share your password or one-time PIN.

How to check whether a 2027 application is still possible

1. Choose a qualification. Application availability can differ between qualifications at the same university.
2. Open the official admissions page. Look for 2027 dates, late applications and programme availability.
3. Check the applicant category. First-time undergraduate, returning, international and postgraduate applicants can have different windows.
4. Confirm the requirements and fee. Check the programme's APS/subject requirements and current fee on the official site; do not rely on generic estimates.
5. Save proof of submission. Keep your reference number and copies of documents after submitting.
6. Check funding separately. Visit NSFAS or the institution's financial-aid page for the relevant funding window.

What if applications have closed?

Do not assume that every university accepts late applications. Check the official portal for a published late-application notice and a list of programmes with available places. If no official notice exists, contact admissions through the contact details on the university website. You can also ask whether another qualification or institution is still accepting applications, but do not pay an intermediary who promises admission.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are still open for 2027 applications?

As of 10 October 2026, UJ publishes a 31 October deadline for undergraduate curricular applications, and UKZN publishes a late-application process for selected programmes. Availability can vary, so verify the exact qualification on the official portal. UNISA undergraduate and honours applications closed on 9 October; its master's and doctoral application window is listed through 20 November, subject to programme-specific rules.

Can I still apply to UNISA for undergraduate study in 2027?

UNISA's official page lists 17 August to 9 October 2026 for undergraduate applications for 2027. That date has passed. Check UNISA directly for any new official announcement rather than assuming late applications will be accepted.

Does UKZN accept late applications?

UKZN publishes a late-application route for selected programmes. Its guidance says late applications are not considered for College of Health Sciences programmes or the School of Law. Check the current programme availability list and official instructions before applying.

When does NSFAS 2027 close?

NSFAS states that 2027 funding applications close on 31 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time. Apply for free through the official NSFAS website.

Are university applications and NSFAS the same application?

No. Applying for admission to a university and applying for NSFAS funding are separate processes. Follow the instructions and deadlines for each.