Applications for the 2026 academic year at most South African universities are now closed. Key deadlines for institutions like Wits, UJ, UCT, and UNISA passed between July and October 2025.
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However, many Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College applications for 2026 are still open.
This guide provides a complete overview of the 2026 admission status, your next steps, and a full directory of institutions to help you plan.
2026 Application Timeline: Key Deadlines
While most university deadlines for 2026 have passed, you must know these dates to understand your current status.
- University Applications (2026): Most opened in April 2025 and closed between July 31 and October 31, 2025.
- TVET College Applications (2026): Many colleges have different intake periods (semesters or trimesters). Applications for the first semester of 2026 are open at many colleges.
- CACH System (2026): The Central Applications Clearing House will open in January 2026, after 2025 Matric results are released. This is your most important next step if you missed the deadlines.
- University Applications (2027): The next application cycle (for 2027 entry) will begin around April 2026 for most universities.
Missed the Deadlines? How to Use the CACH System
If you did not apply to a university, or if your application is unsuccessful, you must use the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH).
CACH is a free service from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It provides a second chance for students.
- You sign up on the CACH portal (http://cach.cas.ac.za/).
- You enter your personal details and your 2025 Matric results.
- Universities, TVET colleges, and SETAs with open spaces can access this database and make you an offer.
The CACH system is your primary option for securing a university spot for 2026.
Read the full guide: How to Use the CACH System
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply to a SA Institution
Use these steps to apply to a TVET College now or to prepare for the 2027 university application cycle.
- Research Courses and Institutions: Decide what you want to study and which institutions offer that program. Use the lists below as a starting point.
- Check Admission Requirements: Every course has specific requirements. You must check the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) and required subjects (e.g., Mathematics, Physical Sciences).
- Calculate Your APS: Your APS is the points total calculated from your Matric subjects. It is the most important factor for university admission.
- Gather Your Documents: You will need certified copies (not older than 6 months) of:
- Your ID document
- Your latest Matric results (Grade 11 results if you are still in Matric)
- Proof of residence
- Apply Online: All institutions use an online application portal. You must create an account, fill in your details, and upload your documents.
- Pay the Application Fee: Most universities charge a small, non-refundable application fee. Most TVET College applications are free.
- Check Your Status: After applying, you must log in to the portal regularly to check your application status.
Calculate Your Admission Point Score (APS)
Your APS is the key to your university application. Before you apply, you must know your score to see which programs you qualify for. Each university may calculate this slightly differently.
Use the tool here: APS Score Calculator
Where to Study: South Africa’s Post-School Institutions
South Africa has a wide range of public and private institutions.
List of Public Universities in South Africa
These are the 26 public universities in the country.
Traditional Universities (Academic & Research-Focused):
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- North-West University (NWU)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- Rhodes University (RU)
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
- University of Stellenbosch (SUN)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Comprehensive Universities (Offer both diplomas and degrees):
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of Venda (Univen)
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- University of Zululand (UniZulu)
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
Universities of Technology (UoTs) (Vocational & Technology-Focused):
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
List of Public TVET Colleges
There are 50 public TVET Colleges in South Africa, spread across all nine provinces. These are excellent options for practical, career-focused qualifications.
Gauteng:
- Central Johannesburg TVET College
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College
- Sedibeng TVET College
- South West Gauteng TVET College
- Tshwane North TVET College
- Tshwane South TVET College
- Western TVET College
KwaZulu-Natal:
- Coastal KZN TVET College
- Elangeni TVET College
- Esayidi TVET College
- Majuba TVET College
- Mnambithi TVET College
- Mthashana TVET College
- Thekwini TVET College
- Umfolozi TVET College
- Umgungundlovu TVET College
Western Cape:
- Boland TVET College
- College of Cape Town
- False Bay TVET College
- Northlink TVET College
- South Cape TVET College
- West Coast TVET College
Eastern Cape:
- Buffalo City TVET College
- Eastcape Midlands TVET College
- Ikhala TVET College
- Ingwe TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College
- King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
- Lovedale TVET College
- Port Elizabeth TVET College
Limpopo:
- Capricorn TVET College
- Lephalale TVET College
- Letaba TVET College
- Mopani South East TVET College
- Sekhukhune TVET College
- Vhembe TVET College
- Waterberg TVET College
Free State:
- Flavius Mareka TVET College
- Goldfields TVET College
- Maluti TVET College
- Motheo TVET College
Mpumalanga:
- Ehlanzeni TVET College
- Gert Sibande TVET College
- Nkangala TVET College
North West:
- Orbit TVET College
- Taletso TVET College
- Vuselela TVET College
Northern Cape:
- Northern Cape Rural TVET College
- Northern Cape Urban TVET College
Private Higher Education Institutions
In addition to public universities, many registered private institutions offer accredited degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Popular private institutions include:
- The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) (e.g., Varsity College, Rosebank College)
- STADIO Holdings (formerly Embury, LISOF, and Southern Business School)
- Cornerstone Institute
- South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)
- AFDA (The School for the Creative Economy)
- Netcare Education (for nursing)
- Ukwazi School of Nursing
Nursing Education Institutions (Nursing Schools)
You can study nursing at a university, a public nursing college, or a private nursing college. All programs are accredited by the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
Provincial Public Colleges:
- Gauteng: Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College, S G Lourens Nursing College
- KwaZulu-Natal: KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing
- Limpopo: Limpopo College of Nursing
- Mpumalanga: Mpumalanga College of Nursing
- Eastern Cape: Lilitha College of Nursing
- Western Cape: Western Cape College of Nursing
Key Application Guides (How to Apply)
Use these guides for detailed steps on applying, or to learn how to check your application status for 2026.
- University of Johannesburg (UJ) Online Application 2026
- Wits (University of the Witwatersrand) Application 2026
- University of South Africa (UNISA) Application 2026
- TVET College Online Application 2026
Checking Your 2025 Matric Results
All your 2026 offers will be conditional until your final Matric results are released in January 2026. You will need these official results to finalize your admission and to use the CACH system.
- Find out how to get your results: How to Check Matric Results Online