Top 26 South African Universities Accepting Applications For 2026

Top 26 South African Universities Accepting Applications For 2026

Do you want to study at one of South Africa’s top universities in the 2026 academic year? If that is the case, the application window has now opened! The best universities in South Africa are accepting applications for the 2026 intake from April 1 until November 30, 2026. We have compiled a list of the top 26 universities currently accepting applications to help you make an informed selection and apply as soon as possible.

Apply to World-Class Universities

Numerous respectable universities in South Africa are well-known throughout the world. Numerous degrees are available from these universities, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, diploma, and even honors programs.

Every university in the country offers a variety of high-quality courses employing cutting-edge technology. It is strongly advised that you obtain the prospectus of your preferred university and learn about all of the courses and the requirements for admission. The prospectus will provide extensive information about the university and everything you need to know

SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES PROSPECTUS FOR 2025

Apply Now for Your Dream South African University in 2025-2026

We encourage you to apply to any of these 26 prestigious South African universities and pursue your academic goals. This is your chance to gain admission to world-class institutions and unlock a world of possibilities.

Top 26 South African Universities Accepting Applications for 2025

Click on the links to apply as soon as possible

• University of the Western Cape:
  • Dentistry: May 11, 2025
  • Other programs: September 30, 2025
• Mpumalanga University: June 1, 2025 – January 30, 2026
• Stellenbosch University: April 1, 2025
• University of Cape Town: April 2 – July 31, 2025
• University of Pretoria:
  • Veterinary programs: May 31, 2025
  • Other programs: June 30, 2025
• 5University of the Witwatersrand: Open March 1, 2025
  • Teaching & Nursing programs: July 31, 2025
  • Other programs: September 30, 2025
• University of KwaZulu-Natal: April 1 – September 30, 2025
• North-West University:
  • BEd & PGCE programs: June 28, 2025
  • Other programs: August 30, 2025
• Nelson Mandela University:
  • MBChB, BPharm & BRad programs: June 30, 2025
  • Other programs: August 2 or September 30, 2025
• Sol Plaatje University: April 1 – September 30, 2025
• Tshwane University of Technology: Application Opens on March 1 every year
  • Specific programs: June 15, 2025
  • Other programs: September 30, 2025
• University of the Free State: April 1 – September 30, 2025
• Vaal University of Technology:
  • South African applicants: April 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
  • International applicants: April 1, 2025 – January 26, 2025
• University of Venda: April 1 – September 30, 2025
• University of Fort Hare: June 1 – November 30, 2025
• University of Johannesburg: April 1 – October 31, 2025
• Rhodes University: April 1 – November 30, 2025 (deadline at noon)
• Central University of Technology (expected to be open in May and close in September 2025)
• University of Limpopo:
  • General Application Opens on April 1, 2025
  • Medical Degrees (MBBS): September 28th, 2025
  • All Undergraduate Programs (except MBBS): October 30th, 2025
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education: October 31st, 2025
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology: CPUT typically starts on May 15th and ends on September 30th, 2025.
• Durban University of Technology: The application portal is NOW open and active until 30 November 2025
• Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) 
  • Undergraduate: Applications open in April 2025 and close in July 2025.
  • Postgraduate: Applications open in April 2025 and close in September 2025.

Universities with deadlines to be announced later:

• University of South Africa (Unisa)
• University of Zululand
• Mangosuthu University of Technology