Categories: University Admissions 2023

Universities Open and Taking 2025 Applications

Universities Open and Taking 2025 Applications, Universities Open and Taking 2025 Applications, Institutions Now Open for 2025-2026 Applications

This year marks the start of application season once again, and you may be considering applying to your preferred university to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees. However, the real question is: “Are universities accepting applications for the 2025–2026 academic year?” You’re very welcome. There are still some universities accepting late applications for the 2024 academic year, so you don’t want to miss it. In 2024, take a look at these universities that are still open.

Select an ideal future with any of the universities in South Africa and start your application to study in 2025 now. The application cycle for 2025 will open on 01 April 2024 and close on 30 November 2024. But Students can apply to attend some of the universities for the 2025 academic year, as many of their application periods will be open until 30 March 2025

Article Highlights

We’ll talk about the following important topics in this article.

The Number of Universities in South Africa
General application dates
Opening and Closing Dates For Application
When to apply
Which University is open for 2025 application in South Africa
Which applications are open for 2025?
Application Documents Required
Application Fee Requirements
Entry and Admission Requirements
Steps to apply

South Africa: A Land of 26 Public Universities and Endless Opportunities

There are 26 public universities in South Africa, each with a unique character and set of advantages. Students have an abundance of options in a wide range of academic fields and locales thanks to this varied landscape. Numerous South African universities have achieved high rankings in global rankings, attesting to the caliber of their research and academic offerings. Once more, South African public universities provide outstanding value for the money when compared to many Western nations.

General University application dates in South Africa

University application dates in South Africa vary depending on the university and the program you are applying for. However, there are some general deadlines that you should be aware of.

Undergraduate applications: Most universities in South Africa accept undergraduate applications from April to October of the year preceding the year of study. However, some universities may have earlier or later deadlines.

Postgraduate applications: Postgraduate application deadlines vary more widely than undergraduate deadlines. Some universities may have rolling admissions for postgraduate programs, which means that you can apply at any time. However, most universities have specific deadlines for postgraduate applications. These deadlines are usually earlier than undergraduate deadlines, and they may be as early as April or May of the year preceding the year of study.

Opening and Closing Dates For University Application

You can apply as early as April 1st of the year before to study in South Africa for the upcoming academic year. Applications for some undergraduate programs at South African universities are encouraged to be submitted as early as possible because space is limited. After April 1st, prospective students are urged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In South Africa, the majority of universities close on October 31 of the year before the academic year. Nonetheless, some universities occasionally have earlier closing dates in June and August before the academic year.

When to apply to a university in South Africa: Application status

Domestic Students Grade 12 Students:

Most universities in South Africa accept applications between April and August of your Grade 12 year. You’ll apply using your final Grade 11 results and, if accepted provisionally, the offer becomes final based on your Grade 12 results. Some universities may offer early applications in February/March, but this is less common.

Domestic Students Grade 11:

Some universities (though not all) accept applications during your Grade 11 year, using your preliminary or mid-year results. This can help secure early offers, but you’ll still need to meet the final requirements in Grade 12.

International Students:

Applications typically open earlier for international students, around February/March in the year you wish to start. Deadlines can vary, so always check the specific university’s website for current dates.

Which applications are open for 2025?

Most universities in South Africa open their applications for the following academic year in April of the preceding year. So, for applications to the 2025 academic year, many universities are already open or will be opening soon, starting from April 2024. To find out when a specific university is open for applications, you can visit the university’s website or contact the admissions office

Application Supporting Documents Required

The required supporting documents for a South African university application can vary slightly depending on the specific university and program you’re applying for. However, some general documents are commonly required by most universities.

Certified copy of your matric certificate
Official academic transcripts
Certified copy of your ID document
Proof of payment

International students

Valid passport
Academic transcripts and certificates
Proof of English language proficiency:
Visa
Medical insurance
SAQA evaluation (for postgraduate studies only)
Letters of recommendation
Bank statements, scholarships, or sponsorship letters.

South African University Application Fees: What You Need to Know

Applying to university can be exciting, but understanding application fees can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the landscape of South African university application fees:

The Costs:

Fees vary: Application fees differ between universities and can range from free to around R700.
Citizenship matters: Some universities charge discounted fees for South African citizens compared to international applicants.
Application method matters: Some universities charge more for manual applications compared to online submissions.
Late fees: Be mindful of late application fees, which can be significantly higher than standard fees.

How to Pay:

Online payments: Most universities offer online payment options through secure portals. Accepted methods may include credit cards, debit cards, and electronic transfers.
Bank deposits: Some universities still accept bank deposits or cash deposits at specific branches. Ensure you get a receipt and reference number for proof of payment.
Third-party platforms: For certain universities, application fees can be paid through central application platforms like CAO, usually at a flat rate that covers multiple institutions

Entry and Admission Requirements

National Senior Certificate (NSC): This is the standard high school leaving qualification in South Africa. You’ll need to have passed at least 4 subjects at a rating of 4 (50-59%) or better, including English and any required subjects for your chosen degree program. Prospective students should apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Matriculation Endorsement: This confirms that your NSC meets the minimum requirements for university entrance.

International Qualifications: If you’re applying with qualifications from another country, you’ll need to get them evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to ensure they’re equivalent to the NSC.

Please note:

It should be noted that fulfilling the minimum academic requirements does not ensure admission. Notification of conditional admission will only be extended to the successful candidates. Following the closing date, unsuccessful candidates will receive notifications. The applicant’s final school year NSC or equivalent results will determine their final admission.