Planning to study at a South African university in 2026? Missing application deadlines could delay your academic journey by a full year. To help you stay organized, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to undergraduate application closing dates for all public universities. Save this list, mark your calendar, and apply with confidence!
Complete List of 2026 Undergraduate Application Deadlines
1. University of Pretoria (UP)
- Standard Closing Date: 30 June 2025
- Early Deadlines: Health Sciences, Architecture, Fine Arts, and Veterinary Science programs typically close earlier than the general deadline.
2. University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Closing Date: 31 July 2025
- No late applications accepted for undergraduate programs.
3. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- General Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Health Sciences Warning: Programs like Medicine and Dentistry often close by June 2025.
4. Stellenbosch University
- Closing Date: 31 July 2025
- Includes applications for both academic programs and campus residences.
5. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Popular courses in Engineering, Law, or Art may fill up before the deadline.
6. North-West University (NWU)
- General Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Early Closures: Education and Nursing programs may close sooner.
7. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Deadline: 30 September 2025
- Strictly no late submissions accepted under any circumstances.
8. Rhodes University
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Applicants are encouraged to submit all supporting documents promptly.
9. University of the Free State (UFS)
- General Deadline: 30 September 2025
- Health Sciences programs may close earlier due to high demand.
10. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Early submissions improve chances of securing accommodation and scholarships.
11. University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Application Window: 18 August – 10 October 2025
- All undergraduate qualifications, including online/distance learning.
12. University of Limpopo (UL)
- Deadline: 30 September 2025
- Covers all undergraduate programs and extended curriculum options.
13. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
- Closing Date: 31 July 2025
- Exclusively for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and related health programs.
14. University of Venda (UNIVEN)
- Deadline: 27 September 2025
- Late applications are rarely considered, even for exceptional cases.
15. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- Extended Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Limited spaces available – early applications strongly advised.
Technology Universities & Institutions
- Vaal University of Technology (VUT): 30 September 2025 (check faculty-specific dates)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT): 30 September 2025
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT): 30 September 2025
- Durban University of Technology (DUT): 30 September 2025
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT): 30 September 2025
- Central University of Technology (CUT): 30 September 2025
Emerging Universities
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU): 30 September 2025
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP): 30 September 2025
Quick Reference Table
| University | 2026 Closing Date |
|---|---|
| University of Pretoria | 30 June 2025 |
| University of Cape Town | 31 July 2025 |
| Stellenbosch University | 31 July 2025 |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences | 31 July 2025 |
| All Other Universities | 30 September 2025* |
| Walter Sisulu University | 31 October 2025 |
| UNISA | 10 October 2025 |
*Confirm program-specific deadlines for Health Sciences, Engineering, etc.
Critical Tips for Applicants
- Verify Program-Specific Deadlines: Medical, Law, and Engineering programs often close months earlier than general university dates.
- Prepare Documents Early: Certified copies of ID, Grade 11 final results (or Grade 12 mid-year marks), and proof of address are usually required.
- Apply for Accommodation: Residence applications often run parallel to academic applications – check university housing policies.
- International Students: Add 4-6 weeks for visa processing and document verification beyond the published deadlines.
Pro Tip: Many universities open applications in April/May 2025. Bookmark official websites and set reminder alerts for your chosen institutions!
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