2026 Late University Applications in South Africa: Still Time to Apply

2026 Late University Applications in South Africa: Still Time to Apply

If you missed the initial application deadline for your preferred university and haven’t given up yet, there’s still good news. You still have the opportunity to submit late applications to several prestigious universities and TVET colleges across South Africa for the 2026 academic year.

Late applications are currently open for a limited number of courses at selected top universities and public TVET colleges. This means it’s not too late to secure a place and begin your studies in 2026. Opportunities are limited, so applicants are encouraged to act quickly and apply as soon as possible.

Get all your application documents ready and take advantage of these 2026 late application opportunities in South Africa. Your academic journey isn’t over yet!

2026 Late Applications in South Africa: What You Need to Know

Although most universities in South Africa strictly enforce their application deadlines, a select few offer a grace period for late applications. This gives prospective students a second chance to apply for available courses in the 2026 academic year, provided there is still space.

Late applications for 2026 are open for only a short period, and not all programmes are available during this window. Universities typically release a limited list of courses with remaining capacity, and only a few applicants will be selected based on available spaces and institutional requirements.

These late application opportunities are mainly intended for students who have not yet secured admission at any university or TVET college. If you fall into this category, it is essential to act quickly, prepare all required documents, and apply as soon as the late application window opens.

Late applications can be your final opportunity to begin your studies in 2026. Don’t miss out.

Universities With Open Spaces for Late Applications (2026)

Universities Open for 2026 Late Admissions in January

The following universities are currently open for 2026 late admissions and are expected to remain open throughout the month of January 2026. However, applicants are strongly advised to act fast, as late applications are only available for a limited number of courses and spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once the available programmes are filled, applications will close without notice, so early submission is essential to secure a place for the 2026 academic year.

Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

Nelson Mandela University late applications for the 2026 academic year are currently open for a limited number of selected courses and will close on 24 January 2026.

The application process is free for South African citizens, while international applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of R500. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as available spaces are limited and programmes may close once capacity is reached.

University of Fort Hare (UFH) Late Admission 2026

The management of the University of Fort Hare is inviting all prospective students who have not yet secured admission to apply for the 2026 late application courses that are currently open.

Late applications will close on 18 January 2026, and applications are free of charge. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as available programmes are limited and spaces may fill up quickly.

Don’t miss this opportunity to secure a place at Fort Hare University for the 2026 academic year.

North-West University (NWU) 2026 Late Applications

North-West University (NWU) is inviting prospective students who have not yet secured admission to apply for 2026 late applications.

• Closing date: 18 January 2026

• Application fee: Free

• Limited spaces available

Selected faculties open for late applications:

• Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Law, Health Sciences, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Theology. Apply early, as programmes may close once full.

University of South Africa (UNISA)

UNISA has extended application deadlines for selected programmes across various study levels for the 2026 academic year. Below is a summary of the updated application timelines:

• Undergraduate programmes: Selected courses extended until 17 January 2026
• Honours & Postgraduate Diplomas: Some programmes extended until 14 January 2026
• UGSBL Postgraduate Diplomas: Deadline remains 30 January 2026
• Master’s & Doctoral programmes: Selected qualifications extended until 31 January 2026
• Short Learning Programmes: Applications and registrations open until 28 February 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early, as these extensions apply only to selected programmes and may close once capacity is reached.

University of the Free State (UFS)

The University of the Free State (UFS) is inviting prospective students who have not yet secured admission to apply for 2026 late applications.

• Closing date: 18 January 2026

• Application fee: Free

• Limited spaces available at the Faculty of Law / School of Financial Planning Law

Rhodes University (RU)

Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

Most undergraduate courses at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) are still open for late applications. The university will officially close all late applications on 15 January 2026, giving prospective students a short window to apply.

• Application fee: Free
• How to apply: Online

Don’t miss this opportunity—submit your application before the deadline to secure your place for the 2026 academic year.

University of Johannesburg 2026 Late Applications

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is among the top universities offering late applications for the 2026 academic year. Several programmes are currently open for admission, giving prospective students a second chance to secure a spot.

• Deadline: 28 January 2026
• Application fee: Free for online applications; R200 for manual applications
• How to apply: Online or manually

Act quickly to secure your place, as available courses are limited and the late application window closes on 28 January 2026.

University of the Western Cape (UWC)

• 31 August 2024: School of Government postgraduate degrees
• 30 September 2024 (excluding Bachelor of Dentistry and Oral Health, BA Honours Biokinetics, BSc Honours Biokinetics)
• Late Application is yet to be released for 2025

University of KwaZulu-Natal 2026 Late Applications

Apart from Health Sciences, all other faculties at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) are currently accepting late applications for the 2026 academic year.

• Deadline: 31 January 2026
• How to apply: Via CAO
• Late application fee: R470 for South African citizens | R580 for international applicants

2026 Late Applications at the University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is currently accepting late applications for most faculties, except for Health Sciences, for the 2026 academic year.

• Application deadline: 31 January 2026

• Application fees:

  • Undergraduate & Postgraduate (South Africa & SADC region): R100
  • Undergraduate & Postgraduate (Outside SADC region): R300
  • Graduate School of Business (GSB) – South Africa & African citizens/residents: R1940
  • GSB – Outside Africa: USD 300

Spaces are limited, so prospective students are encouraged to apply early to secure admission for 2026.

University of Limpopo (UL)

• 27 September 2026 (for both South African and International students).
• Applications submitted after the aforementioned date will be considered a late application

University of Venda 2026 Late Applications

The University of Venda (Univen) is currently accepting late applications for selected undergraduate and postgraduate courses for the 2026 academic year.

• Application fee: None – applications are completely free
• How to apply: Submit your application online

Take advantage of this no-cost application opportunity to secure your place at Univen for 2026. Apply early, as spaces are limited and late applications close soon.

University of Mpumalanga 2026 Late Applications

The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) is currently accepting late applications for a range of undergraduate courses for the 2026 academic year.

• Application fees (non-refundable):

  • South African applicants: R200
  • SADC region applicants: R400
  • International applicants (outside SADC): R550

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early, as spaces for late applications are limited.

Stellenbosch University

• All programmes of the university closed their portal on 30^th September 2025
• The University does not accept late applications

University of Zululand 2026 Late Applications

The University of Zululand (UniZulu) is currently accepting late applications for the 2026 academic year. Prospective students who have not yet secured admission can apply for a range of programmes across multiple faculties.

Faculties open for late applications:

• Humanities & Social Sciences
• Commerce, Administration & Law
• Education
• Science, Agriculture & Engineering

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as available spaces are limited. Full details on application fees and procedures can be found on the official UniZulu website.

Tshwane University of Technology 2026 Late Applications

Many undergraduate courses at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) are currently open for late applications for the 2026 academic year.

• Application fee: R240
• How to apply: Online

Take advantage of this opportunity to secure your place for 2026, as available spaces are limited and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vaal University of Technology 2026 Late Applications

Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is currently accepting late applications for selected undergraduate courses for the 2026 academic year.

• Application fee: R100
• Deadline: 26 January 2026
• How to apply: Submit your application online

Students who haven’t yet secured admission are encouraged to apply early, as available spaces are limited and courses may close once capacity is reached.

Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)

• Faculty of Engineering – first semester applications – 30 September 2024.
• Faculty of Engineering – second-semester applications – 31 May 2024.
• Faculty of Natural Sciences – 30 September 2024
• Analytical Chemistry – second-semester applications – 31 May 2024.
• Faculty of Management Sciences – 30 September 2024.
• Applications submitted after 30 September may require a late application fee

Durban University of Technology 2026 Late Applications

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is currently processing late applications for the 2026 academic year on behalf of Durban University of Technology (DUT).

• Application deadline: 30 January 2026
• How to apply: Visit www.cao.ac.za

Prospective students are encouraged to apply early, as spaces are limited and late applications close on 30 January 2026.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2026 Late Applications

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), whose applications initially closed on 30 September, has reopened some courses with available spaces for the 2026 academic year.

Prospective students can submit free online applications to secure a spot in these programmes. Late applications will close on 31 January 2026, so act quickly to ensure your place.

Related Posts:

• Which courses are still available at Unisa for 2024/2025
• Which courses are still available at CPUT for 2024/2025
• Univen Late Application For 2024/2025