10 Universities Open for 2027 Applications in South Africa

Universities Open for 2027 Applications in South Africa (Official List)

Planning to study at university in 2027? The good news is that several South African universities are open for 2027 applications academic year.

Whether you're currently in Grade 12, taking a gap year, or looking to continue your studies, applying early gives you a much better chance of securing a place in your preferred programme. 

Some high-demand qualifications such as Medicine, Health Sciences, Architecture and certain Engineering programmes close months before the general application deadline, so waiting until the last minute isn't always the best idea.

To make things easier, we've compiled a list of universities currently accepting 2027 applications, including their opening dates, closing dates, official application portals, and a few important things every applicant should know.

List of Universities Open for 2027 Applications

*Some qualifications have earlier closing dates. Always check your chosen programme before applying.

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

Location: Johannesburg
Number of campuses: 4

The University of Johannesburg continues to be one of South Africa's most popular universities thanks to its wide range of undergraduate qualifications and modern campuses.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 April 2026 and are scheduled to close on 31 October 2026 for most undergraduate programmes. One advantage of UJ is that undergraduate online applications are free for South African applicants, making it easier to apply to more than one institution.

Popular faculties include:

• Engineering

• Business and Economics

• Education

• Health Sciences

• Law

• Humanities

• Science

• Art, Design and Architecture

Apply here for UJ Application 2027  

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

Location: Pretoria
Number of campuses: 7

TUT remains one of the country's largest Universities of Technology, offering career-focused qualifications that combine classroom learning with practical industry experience.

Applications opened on 1 April 2026, with most undergraduate programmes closing on 30 September 2026.

If you're considering studying at TUT, don't forget to read our detailed TUT 2027 Applications Guide, where we explain admission requirements, APS scores, required documents, and the complete online application process.

Have a look at: TUT Online Applications Guide for 2027

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

Location: Johannesburg
Number of campuses: 5

Wits was one of the first universities to open applications for the 2027 academic year.

Applications opened on 1 March 2026.

However, some programmes close much earlier than others:

• Health Sciences – 30 June 2026

• Architecture – 30 June 2026

• Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology – 30 June 2026

• Film & Television – 30 June 2026

Most other undergraduate programmes close on 30 September 2026.

If you're interested in studying at Wits, applying early is highly recommended because many programmes receive thousands of applications every year.

Apply here for Wits 2027 Application 

University of Limpopo (UL)

Location: Polokwane
Number of campuses: 1

Application Fee: R200

The University of Limpopo has also opened applications for the 2027 academic year.

The university offers qualifications in:

• Health Sciences

• Management and Law

• Humanities

• Science and Agriculture

Closing dates

Apply here for Limpopo University Online Application

Stellenbosch University (SU)

Location: Stellenbosch
Number of campuses: 5

Stellenbosch University is internationally recognised for its research, academic excellence, and graduate employability.

Applications opened on 1 April 2026, while many undergraduate programmes close on 31 July 2026, making Stellenbosch one of the universities with the earliest deadlines.

Apply here for University of Stellenbosch 2027 application 

University of the Western Cape (UWC)

Location: Bellville
Number of campuses: 1

UWC officially opened applications on 1 April 2026.

General undergraduate applications close on 30 September 2026, while Dentistry and Oral Health applications close earlier on 31 August 2026.

The university recommends applying well before the closing date instead of waiting until the final week.

Apply here for UWC 2027 Application 

University of the Free State (UFS)

Location: Bloemfontein
Number of campuses: 3

Applications for UFS opened on 1 April 2026.

One thing many students like is that undergraduate applications are free, allowing applicants to apply without paying an application fee.

Most undergraduate applications close on 30 September 2026.

Apply here University of the Free State Online Application

University of Venda (UNIVEN)

Location: Thohoyandou
Number of campuses: 1

UNIVEN is currently accepting applications for the 2027 academic year.

The university offers programmes across several faculties including:

• Education

• Science

• Agriculture

• Management

• Health Sciences

Applicants should monitor the university's admissions page for programme-specific closing dates.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

Location: Cape Town
Number of campuses: 6

CPUT officially opened undergraduate applications on 11 May 2026.

Most certificate, diploma and degree programmes close on 30 September 2026, although several qualifications—including Emergency Medical Care and Dental Assisting—have earlier deadlines.

Always check your specific qualification before submitting your application.

Applying Through the Central Applications Office (CAO)

If you're planning to study at participating universities or colleges in KwaZulu-Natal, you'll likely apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Instead of completing multiple university applications, the CAO allows you to apply to several participating institutions using one application.

This saves time and makes it much easier to keep track of your applications.

Documents You'll Need

Before starting any university application, prepare these documents:

• Certified copy of your South African ID

• Latest Grade 11 or Grade 12 results

• Final National Senior Certificate (if available)

• Proof of payment (where required)

• Supporting documents requested by your chosen programme

Having everything ready before you begin can make the application process much smoother.

Submitting your application well before the closing date gives you enough time to fix any issues, upload missing documents, and respond to requests from the admissions office.

Your future starts with one application—so don't wait until the last minute.

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