If you’re planning to start university in 2026, knowing the university application closing dates is crucial. Every year, thousands of students miss out on their first-choice programmes simply because they applied too late. Whether you want to study at a traditional university or a university of technology, applying on time could make all the difference.
This complete guide covers all the opening and closing dates for South African universities in 2026—so you can plan ahead and avoid the last-minute rush.
Why University Application Deadlines Matter
Universities set strict closing dates to manage applications, allocate spaces fairly, and prepare for selection processes. For applicants, missing a deadline could mean waiting another year to start studying.
Many competitive courses—such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Education, and Engineering—require additional steps like National Benchmark Tests (NBTs), portfolios, or interviews before the final closing date.
In addition, bursaries, residence placements, and financial aid applications often close on the same day as your academic application. Missing one could affect your entire admission process.
2026 University Application Closing Dates in South Africa
While most universities open between March and June 2025, their closing dates differ by faculty and programme. Here’s a breakdown of the university application closing dates for 2026:
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Opens: April 2025
- Closes:
- Medicine (MBChB), Pharmacy (BPharm), Radiography (BRad) – 30 June 2025
- All other programmes – 30 September 2025
Applying early increases your chances of getting residence space.
University of Pretoria (UP)
- Opens: 1 April 2025
- Closes:
- Veterinary Science – 31 May 2025
- All other undergraduate programmes – 30 June 2025
University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Opens: 1 April 2025
- Closes: 31 July 2025 for all undergraduate degrees.
Residence and financial aid applications also close on the same day.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Opens: 1 March 2025
- Closes:
- Health Sciences, Architecture, Audiology, and Film & TV – 30 June 2025
- All other programmes and residence applications – 30 September 2025
Stellenbosch University (SU)
- Opens: 1 April 2025
- Closes: 31 July 2025 for all undergraduate programmes, bursary, and residence applications.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Opens: April 2025
- Closes:
- Medicine and Health Sciences – 30 June 2025
- All other programmes – 30 September 2025
University of the Free State (UFS)
- Opens: 1 April 2025
- Closes:
- Health Sciences – 31 May 2025
- Nursing and Architecture – 31 July 2025
- Other programmes – Between 31 August and 30 September 2025
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Opens: 1 April 2025
- Closes: 31 October 2025, unless programmes fill earlier.
Online applications are free.
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Opens: April 2025
- Closes: 30 September 2025
No late applications are accepted.
Rhodes University
- Opens: May 2025
- Closes: 30 September 2025
Postgraduate applications may stay open longer depending on the faculty.
University of Limpopo (UL)
- Opens: April 2025
- Closes:
- MBChB – 31 July 2025
- Other programmes – 30 September 2025
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- Opens: June 2025
- Closes: 31 October 2025
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- Opens: June 2025
- Closes: 30 November 2025
However, early applications are recommended.
University of Venda (UNIVEN)
- Opens: May 2025
- Closes: September 2025
North-West University (NWU)
- Opens: 1 April 2025
- Closes: 31 August 2025
University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- Opens: 1 June 2025
- Closes: 30 November 2025
Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- Opens: 20 April 2025
- Closes: 31 October 2025
Universities of Technology – 2026 Application Dates
If you’re applying to a university of technology, the opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on the faculty:
| University | Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology) | May 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
| TUT (Tshwane University of Technology) | April 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
| DUT (Durban University of Technology) | March 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
| VUT (Vaal University of Technology) | April 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
| CUT (Central University of Technology) | April–May 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
| MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology) | April 2025 | 31 May 2025 (Engineering), 30 September 2025 (Other courses) |
What Happens After You Apply
Once you’ve submitted your application before the university closing date, you’ll receive a student or reference number. Use it to track your application status on the university portal.
You may also be asked to:
- Write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
- Attend interviews or auditions
- Submit portfolios, motivational letters, or other supporting documents
If you qualify and there’s space available, you’ll receive either a conditional offer (if matric results are pending) or a firm offer. Accept the offer by the university’s stated deadline to secure your place for registration in January or February 2026.
If you’re planning to apply for funding, remember that bursary and NSFAS applications often close around the same time as university applications. Check each institution’s financial aid deadlines to ensure you don’t miss out.
The university application closing dates for 2026 vary across South African institutions, so apply early and confirm deadlines directly on each university’s website. Starting your application early gives you more time to submit all required documents, apply for funding, and secure residence placement.