Universities Still Open for 2027 Applications in South Africa

Closing dates change, and some programmes close earlier than the university’s general date when they are full. Always confirm the date on the university’s own application portal before you rely on it. We show where each date comes from in the table below.

Universities Still Open for 2027 Applications

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

UJ’s official website states that undergraduate applications for 2027 close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. That is midday, not midnight, and 31 October 2026 is a Saturday. Programmes that are full may close earlier, so do not wait for the last morning.

Online applications at UJ are free for South African applicants. Apply at uj.ac.za/apply.

Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

WSU’s general applications for 2027 are reported to close on 31 October 2026. International applicants had an earlier deadline. WSU has campuses in Mthatha, East London, Butterworth and Komani. Check the date and the application fee on the official WSU website. Our Walter Sisulu University applications guide explains how to apply.

Sol Plaatje University (SPU)

Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley is reported to accept 2027 applications until 31 October 2026. Some sources list earlier dates for competitive programmes and residence applications, so check the date for your programme on the SPU website.

University of Mpumalanga (UMP)

The University of Mpumalanga is reported to accept 2027 undergraduate and advanced diploma applications until 30 November 2026, which makes it one of the latest closing dates this year. Applications opened on 1 June 2026. Confirm the date on the UMP website.

Universities That Have Already Closed

According to university announcements reported in the media, these universities closed their main 2027 undergraduate applications on or before 30 September 2026:

• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
• University of Limpopo (UL)
• University of the Western Cape (UWC)
• Central University of Technology (CUT)
• Rhodes University
• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
• Durban University of Technology (DUT)

Some universities consider late applications in special cases, especially when places are still available after the matric results. Contact the admissions office directly if you missed the date. Never pay an agent who promises a “guaranteed” late place.

UNISA 2027 Applications

UNISA’s application period for undergraduate studies in the first semester of 2027 was reported to run from 17 August to 9 October 2026, and UNISA does not normally grant extensions. If you missed it, watch for UNISA’s second-semester application window, which usually opens around April or May.

Did You Miss the Deadline? Your Options

If the university you wanted has closed, you still have options for 2027:

1. Apply to a university that is still open. Use the table above and apply now.
2. Apply to a public TVET college. TVET colleges offer NC(V) and N1 to N6 programmes, and many open new enrolments in January. See our guide to TVET college applications 2027.
3. Check for late places after the matric results. Some universities fill unused places in January, once results are known. Watch the official university websites and the Department of Higher Education and Training for announcements.
4. Apply for second-semester intakes. UNISA and some other institutions take mid-year applications.
5. Improve your results. If your marks did not meet the requirements, look at the matric rewrite programme and apply again for 2028.

Do Not Forget NSFAS

If your household earns R350,000 a year or less (or R600,000 for students with a disability), apply for NSFAS funding at the same time as your university application. NSFAS applications for 2027 close at the end of 31 October 2026.

You can apply for NSFAS before a university accepts you. Read our NSFAS applications 2027 guide and, once you have applied, check our NSFAS status meanings 2027.

Before You Apply: A Quick Checklist

• Work out your APS. Use our APS calculator to see which programmes you may qualify for.
• Use your Grade 11 final results and, if available, your Grade 12 June or September results.
• Prepare certified documents: your ID, your latest school report and, if needed, proof of payment of the application fee.
• Use one email address and cellphone number that you check every day. Universities send offers and requests by email and SMS.
• Apply to more than one institution so you have a backup if your first choice is full.
• Keep your reference numbers for every application.

Avoid University Application Scams

• Apply only on official university websites. Check that the web address ends in .ac.za.
• No one can sell you a guaranteed place at a public university.
• Application fees are paid only through the methods listed on the university’s own website.
• Be careful with WhatsApp or Facebook groups that ask for your ID number, matric results or banking details.

Questions About 2027 University Applications

Which universities are still open for 2027 applications?

At the time of writing, UJ (until 31 October 2026 at 12:00), Walter Sisulu University (31 October), Sol Plaatje University (31 October) and the University of Mpumalanga (30 November) were still accepting 2027 undergraduate applications. Confirm each date on the official website.

Is UJ still accepting applications for 2027?

UJ’s official closing date for 2027 undergraduate applications is 31 October 2026 at 12:00 midday.

Can I apply to university after the closing date?

Usually not through the normal process. Some universities consider late applications in special cases or fill open places after the matric results. Contact the admissions office directly.

Can I apply for NSFAS before I am accepted by a university?

Yes. You can apply for NSFAS before you receive an offer. Funding is only confirmed once you register at a public university or TVET college.

What can I do if all universities are closed?

Consider a TVET college, a second-semester intake, or improving your results for the following year.

Sources

UJ: University of Johannesburg official site. NSFAS: NSFAS 2027 applications. Other closing dates were reported by South African education news sites, including StudentRoom. Last checked: 20 October 2026. We update this page as universities announce changes.