Closing dates for 2026 university applications

University applications for the 2026 academic year are already open across most of South Africa’s higher education institutions, but with each university setting its own deadlines, staying on top of closing dates is critical. Many students mistakenly assume they have until the end of the year to apply. In reality, deadlines vary widely by institution and programme – and late applications are typically not accepted for high-demand courses. That’s why, in this article, the team at FundiConnect has compiled key application closing dates and advice to help learners submit on time.

Issued by FundiConnect

18 Jun 2025

Closing dates for 2026 university applications

Key university application closing dates for 2026

Here are some of the major deadlines for some of South Africa’s institutions currently confirmed for 2026 intake:

University of Cape Town (UCT): 31 July 2025
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits): 30 September 2025
University of Johannesburg (UJ): 31 October 2025
Stellenbosch University: 31 July 2025
University of Pretoria (UP): 30 June 2025
Nelson Mandela University: 30 September 2025
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN): 30 September 2025
Durban University of Technology (DUT): 30 September 2025
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT): 30 September 2025

Deadlines are even earlier for certain programmes such as Medicine, Health Sciences, and Fine Arts. Prospective students should check course-specific requirements and close dates on each university’s official website.

Why early applications matter

Early application allows students to:

Secure placement in popular programmes
Apply for university residence or accommodation in time
Meet scholarship and funding deadlines (including NSFAS and institutional bursaries)

Leaving applications to the last minute can lead to rushed submissions, incomplete documentation, or missed opportunities.

Required documents

To apply, students generally need:

A certified copy of their ID or passport
Final Grade 11 results (or latest academic transcript)
Proof of residence
Proof of application fee payment (if applicable)

Some programmes may also require portfolios, letters of motivation, or NBT results. It's recommended to start compiling documents well in advance to avoid delays.

Applying for funding

Many funding opportunities have the same deadlines as university applications. NSFAS, for example, is expected to open applications in the second half of 2025, with closing dates typically near the end of the year.

For students needing private education finance, Fundi offers a range of tailored solutions, including study loans, device financing, and accommodation support.

Your application checklist

To stay ahead:

Review all university and programme deadlines
Apply early – don’t wait for final matric results
Double-check required documents for each institution
Track funding application windows
Use trusted resources like FundiConnect to navigate the process

For more information, visit www.fundiconnect.co.za. You can also follow FundiConnect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.

FundiConnect is South Africa's largest online student support platform, providing students with information about institutions, studies, careers, funding, products, and career resources.