If you are searching for universities open for 2027, this updated list includes all major public institutions in South Africa. We have included opening dates, closing deadlines, and application fees to help you complete your 2027 academic year applications on time.
University of Cape Town (UCT) 2027 Application Guide
As a top-ranked research institution, UCT is known for its high academic standards. Applications for all undergraduate programmes, including Law and Health Sciences, close earlier than most other universities.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 31 July 2026
- Fee: R100
- Apply Now
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) 2027 Application Guide
Located in the heart of Johannesburg, Wits offers leading professional and technical degrees. It is important to note that Health Sciences and Architecture have much earlier deadlines than other courses.
- Open: 1 March 2026
- Close: 30 June (Health), 30 Sept (Other)
- Fee: R100
- Apply Now
University of Pretoria (UP) 2027 Application Guide
The University of Pretoria is highly regarded for its world-class Veterinary Science and Health programmes. Many of its competitive selection courses close very early in the year.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 June 2026
- Fee: R300
- Apply Now
University of Johannesburg (UJ) 2027 Application Guide
UJ is a modern institution with advanced facilities and several campuses across the city. It offers a very accessible application process with no fees for those who apply online.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 31 October 2026
- Fee: Free (Online)
- Apply Now
Stellenbosch University (SU) 2027 Application Guide
Situated in the Western Cape, Stellenbosch is a premier research institution. Applicants are encouraged to submit their academic and residence applications at the same time to secure a spot.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 31 July 2026
- Fee: R100
- Apply Now
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) 2027 Application Guide
UKZN is a multi-campus university serving the KwaZulu-Natal province. All undergraduate applications must be submitted through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
- Open: 1 March 2026 (via CAO)
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: R250
- Apply Now
North-West University (NWU) 2027 Application Guide
NWU focuses on community engagement and vibrant student life across three campuses. It remains a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded university experience.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: Free
- Apply Now
University of South Africa (UNISA) 2027 Application Guide
As Africa’s largest distance learning institution, UNISA allows students to study from anywhere. Its application cycle usually starts later in the year than residential universities.
- Open: 1 August 2026
- Close: 10 October 2026
- Fee: R135
- Apply Now
University of the Western Cape (UWC) 2027 Application Guide
UWC is a research-intensive university with a strong commitment to social justice. It offers a wide range of degrees and does not charge an application fee.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: Free
- Apply Now
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) 2027 Application Guide
Located in the coastal city of Gqeberha, NMU provides career-oriented education. The university encourages early applications to help students settle their admission quickly.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: Free
- Apply Now
University of the Free State (UFS) 2027 Application Guide
UFS operates across several campuses and is focused on human rights and social excellence. Certain selection programmes close much earlier than general degrees.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: Free
- Apply Now
Rhodes University (RU) 2027 Application Guide
Rhodes is a small institution in Makhanda known for its personal learning environment and high research output. It is a prestigious choice for students who prefer a close-knit campus.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: R100
- Apply Now
University of Fort Hare (UFH) 2027 Application Guide
With a rich political history, Fort Hare remains a significant institution in the Eastern Cape. It offers both manual and online application options.
- Open: 1 May 2026
- Close: 31 October 2026
- Fee: R120
- Apply Now
University of Limpopo (UL) 2027 Application Guide
Based near Polokwane, UL focuses on community health and rural development. It plays a vital role in providing quality education in the Limpopo province.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: R200
- Apply Now
University of Venda (UNIVEN) 2027 Application Guide
UNIVEN specialises in science, agriculture, and environmental studies. It is a leading institution for students interested in practical and rural-focused research.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: R100
- Apply Now
University of Zululand (UNIZULU) 2027 Application Guide
UNIZULU is a comprehensive university serving northern KwaZulu-Natal. All potential students must process their applications through the CAO system.
- Open: 1 March 2026 (via CAO)
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: R250
- Apply Now
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) 2027 Application Guide
WSU offers developmental and career-focused programmes across the Eastern Cape. It is a great option for students looking for accessible education in many different fields.
- Open: 1 June 2026
- Close: 31 October 2026
- Fee: Free
- Apply Now
University of Mpumalanga (UMP) 2027 Application Guide
As one of the newest universities in the country, UMP offers unique programmes in hospitality, education, and agriculture. It features modern facilities across its campuses.
- Open: 1 June 2026
- Close: 31 October 2026
- Fee: R150
- Apply Now
Sol Plaatje University (SPU) 2027 Application Guide
Located in Kimberley, SPU focuses on niche areas like data science, heritage, and education. It has a later closing date than many other institutions.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 November 2026
- Fee: Free
- Apply Now
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences (SMU) 2027 Application Guide
SMU is dedicated exclusively to training health and medical professionals. Because of high demand, the university has a shorter application window.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 31 July 2026
- Fee: R300
- Apply Now
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 2027 Application Guide
TUT is the largest university of technology in Southern Africa. It provides career-oriented training across many campuses in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: R240
- Apply Now
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) 2027 Application Guide
CPUT is the only university of technology in the Western Cape. It offers a wide variety of vocational degrees and does not charge a fee for online applications.
- Open: 1 June 2026
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: R100
- Apply Now
Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2027 Application Guide
DUT offers high-quality vocational training across campuses in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. All undergraduate students must apply through the CAO.
- Open: 1 March 2026 (via CAO)
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: R250
- Apply Now
Central University of Technology (CUT) 2027 Application Guide
Based in the Free State, CUT specialises in innovation and engineering. It is a preferred choice for students seeking technical and vocational sciences.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: Free
- Apply Now
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) 2027 Application Guide
VUT is a major institution focused on applied sciences and engineering. It provides a solid foundation for students pursuing technical careers.
- Open: 1 April 2026
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: R100
- Apply Now
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) 2027 Application Guide
Based in Umlazi, MUT offers career-focused degrees in engineering, management, and natural sciences. Applications are handled through the CAO system.
- Open: 1 March 2026 (via CAO)
- Close: 30 September 2026
- Fee: R250
- Apply Now
When Do Applications for 2027 Open?
Most universities open for 2027 applications between 1 March and 12 May 2026. A few universities, like CPUT and CUT, typically open in May, which is later than the major research institutions.
Universities That Are Already Open for 2027
The following universities have confirmed their 2027 application opening dates:
Wits application 2027 opening date
Wits University opened its 2027 applications on 2 March 2026. Applications for programmes like Medicine and Health Sciences, as well as Architecture and Speech-Language Pathology, will close on 30 June 2026. All other undergraduate programmes close on 30 September 2026. Wits charges R100 for South African citizens and R700 for international applicants.
UCT application 2027 opening date
The University of Cape Town opened its 2027 applications on 1 April 2026. All undergraduate applications close on 31 July 2026. This includes competitive faculties like Health Sciences and Law. UCT charges R100 for students from SADC countries and R300 for other international applicants.
UWC application 2027 opening date
University of the Western Cape opens its 2027 application cycle on 1 April 2026. Dentistry applications close early on 30 August 2026, while all other courses remain open until 30 September 2026. UWC does not charge an application fee.
Stellenbosch University application 2027 opening date
Stellenbosch University started accepting 2027 applications on 1 April 2026. The closing date for all undergraduate programmes and residence applications is 31 July 2026. The application fee is R100.
UJ application 2027 opening date
University of Johannesburg applications for 2027 opened on 1 April 2026. The general closing date is 31 October 2026. There is no fee for online applications, but manual applications cost R200.
UNISA application 2027 opening date
The University of South Africa is expected to open 2027 applications in September 2026. Undergraduate applications typically close in early January 2027. UNISA charges an application fee of R135 for first-time applicants.
Which Universities Close Applications Early?
Certain programmes close early for the 2027 cycle to allow for selection processes:
- UP Veterinary Science: 31 May 2026
- WITS & UKZN Medicine: 30 June 2026
- UCT & Stellenbosch: 31 July 2026
- UWC Dentistry: 30 August 2026
- Most Universities: 30 September 2026
- UNISA: 1 January 2027
Application Fees for 2027
Fees are generally as follows for 2027 (subject to final university confirmation):
UNISA: R135
WITS: R100 (SA), R700 (International)
UP: R300
UJ & CPUT: Free online
UFS, NWU, UWC: Free