Top 26 South African Universities Accepting Applications For 2028
Are you planning to study at a South African university in 2028? It is important to prepare early by checking when applications are expected to open, the closing dates for your chosen programmes, and the application fees you may need to pay.
South Africa has 26 public universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in fields such as education, engineering, health sciences, business, law, agriculture, science and technology.
Applications for the 2028 academic year are expected to open between March and June 2027, depending on the university. Some institutions may accept applications until September, October or November 2027, while competitive programmes may close earlier.
This guide provides the expected 2028 application dates and estimated application fees for all 26 public universities in South Africa. The estimates are based on the previous application cycle and are intended to help prospective students plan ahead.
Expected 2028 University Application Dates and Fees
The table below summarises when applications are expected to open and close, together with the estimated application fees. Dates may differ by qualification, faculty and applicant category.
| University | Expected opening date | Expected closing date | Estimated application fee |
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | 1 April 2027 | 31 July 2027 for undergraduate applications | R100 for South African/SADC applicants; R300 for applicants outside SADC |
| University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | 1 March 2027 | 30 September 2027 for most programmes | R100 for South African applicants |
| Stellenbosch University (SU) | 1 April 2027 | 31 July 2027 for many programmes | About R100 for South African applicants |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | 1 April 2027 | 30 June 2027 for many programmes | Confirm the fee with the university |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | 1 April 2027 | 31 October 2027, subject to programme availability | Free for online applications |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | 1 March 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many undergraduate programmes | About R210 for on-time South African applications; other categories differ |
| North-West University (NWU) | 1 June 2027 | 31 August 2027 for many programmes | About R150 for South African applicants |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | 1 April 2027 | 31 August 2027 for many programmes | Free |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | 1 April 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many programmes | About R240; confirm the 2028 fee |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | 11 May 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many programmes | Online application generally free; confirm any applicable fee |
| Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | 1 April 2027 | 30 September 2027 for eligible programmes | Free for South African applicants; international fees may apply |
| University of the Western Cape (UWC) | 1 April 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many programmes | Free |
| Rhodes University | 1 April 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many programmes | About R100 |
| Sol Plaatje University (SPU) | 1 April 2027 | 30 September 2027; some applications may remain open later | Free |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) | 1 April 2027 | 31 July 2027 for many undergraduate programmes | About R300 |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | 1 March 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many programmes | CAO application fee may apply |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | 1 June 2027 | 30 November 2027, subject to programme availability | Confirm the fee with the university |
| University of Venda (UNIVEN) | 1 May 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many programmes | About R100 |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | 1 May 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many programmes | Confirm the fee with the university |
| Central University of Technology (CUT) | 1 April 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many programmes | Free |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) | 1 March 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many programmes | CAO application fee may apply |
| University of Zululand (UNIZULU) | 1 March 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many programmes | CAO application fee may apply |
| Vaal University of Technology (VUT) | June 2027 | 30 September 2027 for many programmes | About R100; confirm the fee |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | 1 June 2027 | 31 October 2027 for eligible South African applicants | Generally free; confirm the 2028 policy |
| University of Fort Hare (UFH) | 1 June 2027 | 31 October 2027 for many programmes | Free online application; confirm other application options |
| University of South Africa (UNISA) | Expected from August 2027, depending on qualification | Qualification-specific; some postgraduate windows may extend into 2028 | About R135; confirm the fee for your qualification |
These dates and fees are estimates based on previous application information, not confirmed 2028 announcements.
When Will South African Universities Open Applications for 2028?
Most South African universities are expected to open applications during the first half of 2027. However, April 1, 2027, is the expected opening date for many universities accepting applications for the 2028 academic year.
Universities expected to open in March 2027
The following universities may begin accepting applications in March:
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
Universities expected to open in April 2027
The following universities are expected to open applications in April:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- North-West University (NWU) may open later than April, based on its previous cycle
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Rhodes University
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
Universities expected to open from May to June 2027
These institutions may open applications later in the application season:
- University of Venda (UNIVEN)
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- Vaal University of Technology (VUT).
Which South African Universities Have Free Applications?
Some public universities have offered free online applications in the previous application cycle. These include:
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU), for eligible South African applicants
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU), subject to the applicable application policy
CAO Application
Applicants applying to institutions such as UKZN, DUT, MUT and UNIZULU may need to apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). In that case, the CAO application fee may apply even if the university does not charge a separate application fee.
Which Universities Close Applications First?
Some universities close applications as early as June or July, especially for competitive qualifications. Based on previous application schedules, prospective students should pay particular attention to:
- University of Pretoria
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- North-West University
- Wits University.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply to a South African University?
Application fees differ between institutions and applicant categories. Some universities allow applicants to apply online for free, while others charge a fee. International applicants may pay a different amount from South African citizens.
Based on previous application information, fees can range from free to several hundred rand, depending on the university and application route.
Before paying an application fee:
- Visit the official university website or application portal.
- Check the fee for your applicant category.
- Confirm whether the fee is refundable.
- Use only the official payment instructions provided by the institution.
- Keep your proof of payment if a fee is required.
Do not use old banking details or assume that a previous year’s fee remains unchanged.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for 2028?
Although requirements vary, prospective undergraduate applicants should prepare the following documents where applicable:
- A certified copy of your South African identity document or passport.
- Your latest school results, such as Grade 11 results or available Grade 12 results.
- Academic transcripts or certificates if you have already completed another qualification.
- Proof of payment if the university charges an application fee.
- A study permit or other required immigration documents for international applicants.
- Any additional documents required for your chosen programme.
Applicants who are still in Grade 12 can often apply using their available school results. However, they must meet the university’s final admission requirements before they can be admitted.
Postgraduate applicants may need to submit degree certificates, academic transcripts, a CV, a research proposal or other documents, depending on the qualification.
How to Apply to a South African University for 2028
Follow these steps to prepare your application:
Step 1: Choose your university and programme. Research the qualifications you are interested in and check their admission requirements.
Step 2: Check the expected dates. Use the table above to plan ahead, but confirm the official dates once the university publishes its 2028 information.
Step 3: Prepare your documents. Make sure your school results, identity documents and other required records are available.
Step 4: Complete the online application. Apply through the university’s official portal or the relevant central application service, where applicable.
Step 5: Pay the application fee if required. Confirm the correct amount and payment method before making a payment.
Step 6: Submit your application before the deadline. Do not wait until the last day, especially if you need to upload documents or resolve payment issues.
Step 7: Track your application status. Check your email, SMS messages and application portal for updates or requests for additional information.
Final Advice for Students Applying for 2028
If you intend to study at a South African university in 2028, start preparing during 2026 and plan to submit applications as soon as the relevant portals open in 2027.
Apply early, consider more than one suitable programme, and keep a record of every application you submit. Most importantly, check the official university website for confirmed dates, fees and admission requirements before applying.
The dates and fees in this article are intended to help you plan ahead. They should be updated when the universities publish their official 2028 application announcements.