South African Universities Open For 2026 Applications

South African Universities Open For 2026 Applications

Most prospective students are getting ready to enrol at a university for the 2026-2027 academic year. The good news is that public universities in South Africa are still accepting applications for this intake. Interested students are encouraged to start their applications by visiting the official website of the university they wish to attend. From there, they can download the application forms, fill them out carefully, provide all required supporting documents, and submit everything before the closing date. In South Africa, the application window for universities generally opens around September 2025 and closes by January 2026. With 26 public universities spread across the country’s nine provinces, many institutions still have their application portals open for 2026 admissions.

It is important to remember that application deadlines may vary depending on the university, so students must check each university’s specific dates. Everyone applying for a new qualification at a South African university must submit all required documents, whether they are first-time applicants or students starting a new program. These documents usually include certified copies of IDs, latest school reports, proof of payment for the application fee, and academic transcripts if applicable. The due date for submitting all documents is the application closing date.

Starting the application process early is highly recommended. This helps applicants avoid last-minute stress and increases their chances of securing a place, especially for popular courses that fill up quickly. Students are also advised to apply to more than one university to keep their options open. With the 2026 academic year approaching, now is the perfect time for students to act and secure their futures. By carefully following application guidelines and preparing all necessary paperwork, aspiring university students in South Africa can take their first step toward higher education and a successful career

South African Universities Open Date For 2026 Applications

Application dates for the universities in South Africa may vary depending on the university, the course the applicant is applying for, and the duration of the course.
Most universities in South Africa will be opening in September, and the applications will be closing in January. Applicants are to visit the official website of the University to check the application date for application.

Read On: How do I check the status of my False Bay College?

Courses And Programmes Offered At The Universities Of South Africa 2026

Universities in South Africa offer undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, postgraduate taught and research courses. The list below includes some of the undergraduate courses offered at the universities of South Africa:

Higher Certificates

Higher Certificate in Mathematics and Statistics (90129)
Higher Certificate in Physical Sciences (90101)

Advanced Certificates

Advanced Certificate in Intermediate Phase Mathematics and English First Additional Language Teaching (90177)

Diplomas

Diploma in Administrative Management (98216)
Diploma in Agricultural Management (90097)
Diploma in Explosives Management (98222)
Diploma in Information Technology (98806 – ITE)
Diploma in Safety Management (90107)
Diploma in Small Business Management (90073)

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences Certificate in The Theory of Accounting (Revised Curriculum 2026) (98230 – CT1)
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences Financial Accounting (98230 – FAC)
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences Internal Auditing (98230 – AUI)
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences Management Accounting (Revised Curriculum 2026) (98230 – MA1)
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences Taxation (98230 – TAX)
Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management (98027)
Advanced Diploma in Animal Health (90112)
Advanced Diploma in Computer Integrated Education (90165)
Advanced Diploma in Education in Intermediate Phase Mathematics Teaching (90113)
Advanced Diploma in Explosives Management (90124)
Advanced Diploma in Intermediate Phase Natural Science and Technology Education (90162)
Advanced Diploma in Senior Phase Natural Science Education (90166)

Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting (Revised Curriculum 2026) (98302 – FA1)
Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Internal Auditing (98303 – AUI)
Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Management Accounting (Revised Curriculum 2026) (98304 – MA1)
Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing (99313)
Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (90079)
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Multimedia Arts (90091)
Bachelor of Business Administration (98316 – BBA)
Bachelor of Commerce (98314 – GEN)
Bachelor of Commerce in Business Informatics (98300 – BIS)
Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management (98310 – BSM)
Bachelor of Commerce in Economics (98305 – ECS)
Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship (90106 – ENT)
Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management (98306 – FMN)
Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management (98307 – HRM)
Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial and Organisational Psychology (98308 – IOP)
Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management (98301 – MKT)
Bachelor of Commerce in Quantitative Management (98311 – QMA)
Bachelor of Music (90089)
Bachelor of Science Applied Mathematics and Computer Science (98801 – AMC)
Bachelor of Science Applied Mathematics and Physics (98801 – AMP)
Bachelor of Science Applied Mathematics and Statistics (98801 – AMS)
Bachelor of Science Chemistry and Applied Mathematics (98801 – CAM)
Bachelor of Science Chemistry and Computer Science (98801 – CCS)
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Information Systems (98801 – CIS)
Bachelor of Science Chemistry and Physics (98801 – CAP)
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Statistics (98801 – CAS)
Bachelor of Science General (98801 – GEN)
Bachelor of Science Mathematics and Applied Mathematics (98801 – MAM)
Bachelor of Science Mathematics and Chemistry (98801 – MAC)
Bachelor of Science Mathematics and Computer Science (98801 – MCS)
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Information Systems (98801 – MIS)
Bachelor of Science Mathematics and Physics (98801 – MAP)
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics (98801 – MAS)
Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Physics (98801 – STP)
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science, Agricultural Business and Management (90082 – ABM)
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science Animal Science (90082 – ANS)
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science Plant Science (90082 – PLS)
Bachelor of Science in Computing (98906 – COM)
Bachelor of Science in Informatics (98907 – INF)
Bachelor of Theology (90160)

Requirements For South African Universities’ Applications When Opened for 2026

To be considered for a place at a selected university, applicants will need to submit the following documents:

A completed application form provided by the university
A certified copy of the first page of your Identity Document.
A certified copy of your Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification. Current grade 12 learners must submit all examination results from Grade 11 until September of grade 12.
Any other documents specifically required for the course to which you are applying
completed application form
proof of paying the application fee (if applicable)
high school diploma (to apply for a Bachelor’s)
Bachelor’s diploma (to apply for a Master’s)
transcript of records
passport-sized photo(s)
copy of a valid passport and/or personal ID
motivation letter

South African Universities’ Application Process For 2026

The process below will guide you in applying to a University in South Africa:

Identify the course you would like to study:

Applicants are to choose a course in which they have passions, interests, and the current business and technical landscape of programs they would like to pursue

Search For The University You would like to study:

Make sure you select the best university and programme for you because attending university is a big deal and an expensive commitment. Having the information, skills, confidence, and competence to improve the world will depend on your university education.

Read About The Entry Requirement Of The University:

Research the precise application requirements of the university you wish to apply to and compile an exhaustive list for yourself, because each university has different requirements. Usually, the university’s website or the admissions office can provide all the information you require.

Know The Application Open Date:

It would be prudent to begin gathering the essential data and documentation at least a year in advance because the entrance application procedure can take some time. Applications for South African universities normally open between September and January.

Upload All Required Documents:

The university’s applications require supporting documents to accompany the applications. Documents needed usually include:

Completed application forms
Certified copies of your South African ID or your passport
Certified copies of your parents or guardians’ ID/passport
Other supporting documents may consist of your exam results, proof of residence, and a recent payslip
Certified copies of your exam results from Grade 11 and your mid-year matric exam marks
Some universities have an application fee – in this case, proof of payment
If you are an international applicant, you’ll also need to apply for a visa

Where To Submit Your University Application:

The majority of institutions now allow you to apply and submit all the relevant forms online through their websites, thanks to ever-evolving technology.

If You Are An International Applicant:

To demonstrate your interest in studying in South Africa as an international applicant, you must make an appointment with the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate. They will guide you through the application process and respond to any inquiries you may have regarding the documents you must provide.

Mostly, the following are the documents needed from international applicants:

Citizenship status
Completed and signed application forms
Proof of payment of the application fee, if applicable
High school diploma (if you apply for a Bachelor’s)
Bachelor’s or Master’s diploma (if you’re applying for a Master’s or PhD)
Academic transcript
Passport-size photographs
Copy of your passport or identity card
Curriculum vitae and motivation letter, if applicable.
Health insurance
Possible vaccination certificates

Submit Your Applications Before The Application Deadline:

The various universities have different deadlines for applications. They can differ depending on the type of degree or area of specialisation.

List of Public Universities In South Africa

The following is the list of public Universities in South Africa:

The University of Cape Town
Stellenbosch University
University of Pretoria
University of the Witwatersrand
University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of the Western Cape
Rhodes University
The University of South Africa
University of Johannesburg
North-West University
University of the Free State
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
University of Zululand
Monash University
Vaal University of Technology
Central University of Technology
Walter Sisulu University
University of Limpopo
Tshwane University of Technology
University of Fort Hare

Once you understand how the application process works and what you want to study at university, applying to attend a university in South Africa isn’t that difficult. Never hesitate to contact an academic counsellor if you are still unsure or have any queries about your application or chosen subjects. They can aid in your course selection and put you on the fast track to professional achievement. Visit the Official website of Unisa To Learn More.

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