Which Universities Are Open for Application in 2026?
Which Universities Are Open for Application in 2026?
Which Universities Are Open for Application in 2026?
The journey toward university admission for the 2026 academic year is already in full swing for many institutions, especially in South Africa, where a host of universities have opened their application portals. From March and April 2025 onward, universities such as the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), University of Cape Town (UCT), Stellenbosch University, University of Johannesburg (UJ), and University of the Western Cape (UWC) commenced accepting applications. For instance, Wits opened on 1 March 2025, with health-related programmes closing on 30 June, and other courses wrapping up by 30 September. Similarly, UCT began accepting applications on 2 April 2026, with a deadline of 31 July.
Other institutions like Stellenbosch and UJ also opened in early April and span their closing dates from 31 July to 1 October, depending on the university and programme. The landscape stretches beyond these renowned institutions: universities such as the University of KwaZulu‑Natal (UKZN), North West University (NWU), Nelson Mandela University (NMU), University of Zululand (UNIZULU), Central University of Technology (CUT), Durban University of Technology (DUT), Walter Sisulu University (WSU), University of Limpopo, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), and University of Fort Hare are now accepting applications for 2026, with many deadlines extending to late 2025.
For instance, Fort Hare’s application window spans 1 June to 31 October, while MUT and UFS remain open through 30 September. Others like Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and University of Mpumalanga (UMP) operate on similar timelines. In short, whether you are eyeing competitive programmes or looking to broaden your options, many South African universities are actively welcoming applications right now, but time is ticking, so it’s wise to apply soon.
South Africa Universities Application Date
A university, university of technology, private college, or TVET college sets out to receive a signed application from a candidate/student on the day known as the “application date.
Just select your institutions from the list below to view
You all understand that early applications for early admission in 2026 should be submitted to ensure enough time for application processing and planning by the institution and yourself. Online application for 2026
University Entry Requirements
To ensure that the students who pass the selection process have the required knowledge and abilities, institutions set their own entry requirements depending on the subject and the demands of the particular course.
Usually, they take into account:
- Based on your experience, interests, and skills, determine whether you’re the ideal fit for the course.
- Any other data, such as results of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or health information.
- Your performance during a university interview
- your prior education, including your ratings in courses like A-levels and GCSEs.
It is important to know that course providers do not automatically reject those who fall short of their specific standards, so even if you do not exactly get your projected marks, you can still receive an offer for a place in a program.
Direct Application to the University
Although you can still look for courses on the UCAS website between July and September, if you decide to study part-time or are considering distance learning degrees, you will need to get in touch with the university directly to apply. You do not need to find a course as early because the application process is much quicker.
Each course provider determines their own deadlines. International applicants still use UCAS, but you might also need to submit to the university your evidence of credentials. Find out the institution’s stance on receiving findings by speaking with your top choice.
Which Universities are Open for Application in 2026?
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Western Cape
- University of Witwatersrand
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of Venda
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Durban Institute of Technology
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Vaal University of Technology
- University of Cape Town
- University of Fort Hare
- University of the Free State
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Limpopo
- University of Mpumalanga
- North-West University
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Rhodes University
- Stellenbosch University
Contact Details
Postal PO Box 27392, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0132
Physical 1st Floor, Blocks E & D, Hadefields Office Park, 1267 Pretorius Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
Tel 010 591 4401 / 012 030 0670
Fax 086 680 5727
Web www.usaf.ac.za
OTHER RELATED POST
