Starting university in 2026 and worried you might have missed the deadline? You’re not alone. Many South African universities close their applications months in advance, but a few are still open — and you still have a chance to apply.
This guide lists all universities in South Africa still open for applications for 2026, those that won’t accept late applications, and others that haven’t clearly stated their late application policies.
Universities Still Open for Applications 2026
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) uses the Central Applications Office (CAO) for all its applications. This makes the process simple — one form, one fee, multiple programmes.
Late applications for 2026 close on 30 November 2025, and a late fee may apply.
Contact MUT:
Call: 0681 593 238
Email: studentrecruitment@mut.ac.za
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) will accept late applications until 30 September 2025, but only if spaces are available in specific programmes.
Contact NMU:
Call: 041 504 1111
Email: info@mandela.ac.za
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) will accept late applications for 2026 if there is still space in your chosen course. You must meet the minimum entry requirements, and a late fee may be charged.
Contact TUT:
Call: 086 110 2421
Email: general@tut.ac.za
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) is open for applications until 31 October 2025. Late applications won’t be accepted after that date. The application fee is R120, and you’ll need to include all required documents.
Contact UFH:
Alice Campus: 040 602 2011
East London Campus: 043 704 7000
Bhisho Campus: 040 608 3403
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will close applications for 2026 on 31 October 2025.
If you miss that deadline, UJ offers a Mobi Late Enquiry System. It allows you to check if space is still available in specific programmes. The system usually opens from mid- to late February, depending on available capacity.
Note: No walk-ins are allowed for late enquiries.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) will close 2026 applications on 31 October 2025. International applicants and Health Sciences students must apply by the end of September.
Contact WSU:
Mthatha Campus: nmdadmiss@wsu.ac.za
Butterworth Campus: ibikaadmiss@wsu.ac.za
Buffalo City Campus: bcadmiss@wsu.ac.za
Komani Campus: queenadmiss@wsu.ac.za
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) will close most 2026 applications at the end of September, but some programmes in these faculties may still have space:
- Arts and Humanities
- Community and Health Sciences
- Dentistry
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education
- Law
- Natural Sciences
No late applications will be accepted once these programmes are full.
Contact UWC:
Call: +27 21 959 2911
Website: www.uwc.ac.za
Universities That Won’t Accept Late Applications for 2026
Some universities are strict about their deadlines. If you missed their 2026 application window, you’ll need to wait for the next intake.
Stellenbosch University (SU)
Stellenbosch University does not accept late applications. Its normal application period runs from April to July/August.
Contact SU:
Call: +27 21 808 9111
Email: info@sun.ac.za
University of Cape Town (UCT)
The University of Cape Town (UCT) closed undergraduate applications for 2026 on 31 July 2025 and will not accept any late submissions. However, some postgraduate applications remain open until 31 October 2025.
Contact UCT:
Call: +27 21 650 9111
Email: admissions-ug@uct.ac.za
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Unisa does not accept late applications for 2026. Undergraduate applications are open until 10 October 2025, while some postgraduate courses close later in November.
Contact Unisa:
Call: 0800 001 870
Email: enquire@unisa.ac.za
University of the Free State (UFS)
The University of the Free State (UFS) does not accept late applications. If you plan to apply for the next intake, use the university’s online application guide to prepare early.
Contact UFS:
Call: 051 401 9666
Email: studentadmin@ufs.ac.za
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Applications for 2026 admission to Wits close on 30 September 2025. The university will not accept any late applications.
Contact Wits:
Call: 011 717 1888
Website: www.wits.ac.za
Universities That Haven’t Specified Their Late Application Policy for 2026
The following institutions have not clearly stated whether they will accept late applications for 2026. It’s best to contact them directly for confirmation:
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- North-West University (NWU)
- Rhodes University
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- University of Venda (Univen)
- University of Zululand (UniZulu)
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
What If You Miss All University Deadlines?
If you miss the university deadlines, don’t panic. TVET Colleges often have multiple intakes during the year and are a great alternative for continuing your studies in 2026.
Fund Your Studies in 2026
If financial constraints are delaying your application, Bursaryforms offers education funding information to help cover your tuition, accommodation, and study materials.
Comments are closed