Closing Dates For 2026 University Applications
Written by: BizCommunity Editor Save to Instapaper
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.
We submit and automate press releases distribution for a range of clients. Our platform brings in automation to 5 social media platforms with engaging hashtags. Our new platform The Pulse, allows premium PR Agencies to have access to our newsletter subscribers.
Latest from
- Seven Reasons Smart Consumers Prefer Brands That Educate Rather Than Push Products or Hard-Sell
- Youth in Oil and Gas Summit Sparks Call for Pragmatic Leadership to Drive Skills and Opportunity in Namibia
- African Energy Chamber Advocates for Youth Inclusion as Pillar of Namibia’s Oil and Gas Strategy
- Shark Exhibition Showcases Innovative Solutions to Protect Both Marine Life and Human Safety in SA Waters
- Domain Parking Demystified A Strategic Tool for Brand Protection and Future Online Growth
- Toyota South Africa and Kaizer Chiefs Turn Sponsorship Into Impact With Outreach to Ethelbert Centre
- Woolworths Becomes First SA Retailer to Offer Tailored Health Cover to Thousands of Employees
- Celebrating PR With Purpose A Tribute to Storytellers Who Place Humanity at the Heart of Influence
- Tired of the Grind? Why So Many South Africans Are Unhappy at Work and Looking for Something Better
- Megapro Appoints Marc Jury as CEO as Sports Marketing Veteran Prepares to Become Majority Shareholder
- Glencore-Merafe Resources Commits to Sustainable Impact With Handover of 11 Community Projects
- The Business Show Africa 2025 Promises Game-Changing Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Startups
- Flow Launches Shoppable Audience Marketplace Giving Advertisers Instant Access to Premium First-Party Data
- CILTSA ESG Conference Unites Transport and Logistics Leaders to Accelerate Sustainable Industry Change
- South Africa Continues TO Engage The United States (US) Government ON The Reciprocal Tariffs
The Pulse Latest Articles
- Xlink: An Avant-garde, Purpose-driven Fintelco Driving Digital And Payments Interoperability On The African Continent (August 1, 2025)
- Success Is Just The Beginning For This South African Brand (July 31, 2025)
- Embassies Business Fair And Conference 2025 To Fast-track Africa’s Global Economic Integration (July 31, 2025)
- There Is A Small Business Funding Readiness Crisis In South Africa (July 30, 2025)
- Young Achievers Shine At The Top Of The Growthpoint Gems Class (July 30, 2025)