Universities That Are Still Open for 2027 Applications in South Africa

For learners planning to study at university in 2027, there is still time to submit applications at several South African universities. However, applicants should act quickly because many institutions have September 2026 closing dates, while some programmes have already closed or have earlier deadlines.

As of 21 September 2026, the following universities have application opportunities that are still open for at least some 2027 programmes.

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1. University of South Africa (UNISA)

University of South Africa remains an important option for students looking for distance-learning opportunities.

For 2027 undergraduate qualifications, UNISA states that applications opened on 17 August 2026 and close on 9 October 2026. Applicants can apply for a maximum of three qualifications.

This makes UNISA one of the universities where prospective students still have additional time to submit their applications.

Application deadline: 9 October 2026
Study mode: Primarily distance learning
Application: Online

2026 UNISA Short Learning Programmes Registration

2. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

Cape Peninsula University of Technology opened applications for the 2027 intake on 11 May 2026.

For South African citizens and permanent residents, several undergraduate application categories have a closing date of 30 September 2026. However, some programmes, including certain health-related qualifications and education programmes, had earlier closing dates.

Applicants should therefore check whether their specific qualification is still accepting applications before submitting.

General deadline for many programmes: 30 September 2026
Application: Online

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3. Central University of Technology (CUT)

Central University of Technology has a 2027 application cycle running from April until 30 September 2026 for undergraduate programmes and several postgraduate categories.

CUT specifically states that there are no late applications or walk-in applications, making it important for applicants to submit before the deadline.

Closing date: 30 September 2026
Location: Free State
Application: Online

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4. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

University of KwaZulu-Natal is accepting 2027 undergraduate applications.

The university lists 30 September 2026 as the closing date for most undergraduate programmes. Medicine had an earlier deadline of 30 June 2026, so applicants interested in medicine cannot rely on the general September deadline.

UKZN also confirms that applications for new undergraduate applicants are open.

General undergraduate deadline: 30 September 2026
Important: Medicine closed earlier
Application route: Central Applications Office (CAO) for first-time undergraduate applicants

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5. University of the Free State (UFS)

University of the Free State opened its 2027 applications on 1 April 2026.

The university's application information indicates that undergraduate and honours applications for many programmes run until 30 September 2026, although certain programmes have earlier closing dates.

UFS also states that its online application is free and applicants can select two study options.

General application period: 1 April – 30 September 2026
Application fee: Free
Application: Online

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6. North-West University (NWU)

North-West University also has opportunities for undergraduate applicants before the September deadline.

NWU's published application information states that the undergraduate closing date is 30 September, although applicants who need pre-admission testing have an earlier deadline of 30 July. International applications are also considered up to 30 September, subject to the university's requirements.

General undergraduate deadline: 30 September 2026
Important: Some programmes have additional or earlier requirements

Admissions At North West University 2027

7. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

Tshwane University of Technology is another institution with 2027 application opportunities.

TUT's current information indicates that the university is encouraging applicants to apply before 30 September 2026, while its academic calendar lists 30 September as the closing date for applications for admission for January 2027, excluding international applications and specified programmes.

Some qualifications were closed earlier, so applicants should check the availability of their chosen programme before applying.

Important deadline: 30 September 2026 for applicable January 2027 applications
Location: Gauteng and other campuses

Apply For Admissions At Tshwane University Technology 2026

University Of Johannesburg (UJ)

University of Johannesburg Free Online Admissions Applications: Apply to Study at UJ

2027 University Applications Still Open: Quick Guide

Important: A university being open does not necessarily mean every qualification is still available. Universities frequently have different closing dates for medicine, nursing, teaching, engineering, health sciences, residence applications and other high-demand programmes.

What Grade 12 Learners Should Do Now

If you are currently in Grade 12 in 2026, you do not necessarily need your final matric results before submitting a 2027 university application. Universities generally allow current matric learners to apply using available school results, subject to the institution's requirements.

Before submitting an application:

1. Check the admission requirements

Look at the minimum APS/points score, required subjects and minimum marks for your chosen qualification.

For example, meeting the general university admission requirements does not automatically mean that you meet the requirements for a particular degree.

2. Choose your qualification carefully

Think about the career you want to pursue and then identify qualifications that can lead towards that career.

Avoid selecting a programme simply because it is popular. Check the actual subjects, duration, admission requirements and career opportunities associated with the qualification.

3. Prepare your documents

Applicants may need documents such as:

• South African ID or passport
• Grade 11 results
• Grade 12 results available at the time of application
• National Senior Certificate, if already completed
• Previous academic records, where applicable
• Proof of residence or other supporting documentation where required

4. Apply before the deadline

Do not wait until the final day.

Online application systems can experience heavy traffic close to closing dates, and an incomplete application may not be considered.

5. Apply for funding separately

Submitting a university application and applying for financial assistance are often separate processes. Students who need financial support should also investigate NSFAS, university bursaries, external bursaries and scholarships and check their individual deadlines.

Don't Wait Until Matric Results Are Released

One of the biggest mistakes prospective students can make is waiting for their final Grade 12 results before starting the university application process.

For the 2027 academic year, many university application deadlines fall in September 2026, which means learners who wait until January 2027 may miss the normal application cycle.

Universities also have limited spaces in many programmes. An applicant can meet the minimum admission requirements but still not be guaranteed a place because admission may depend on programme capacity and selection criteria.

Final Word

The 2027 university application season is already well underway, and several South African institutions still have applications open as of 21 September 2026. UNISA has an undergraduate deadline of 9 October 2026, while many other universities have 30 September 2026 deadlines.

Prospective students should check the official university application portal, confirm that their chosen programme is still open, prepare all required documents and submit their applications as soon as possible.

For more education, university application, bursary and career opportunities, visit: www.skillsdaily.co.za 

Application dates can change and individual programmes may have earlier deadlines. Always verify the final closing date and admission requirements directly with the university before submitting an application.