If you are currently in Grade 12 or a post-matric student looking to start your degree in 2027, you must act early.
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Many high-demand programs like Medicine, Engineering, and Pharmacy have closing dates as early as May or June 2026.
2027 Application Dates and Portal Links
The following table summarizes the opening and closing dates for the 2027 intake.
| University | Status | Closing Date (General) | Application Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | Open | July 31, 2026 | Apply to UCT |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | Open | Sept 30, 2026 | Apply to UFS |
| University of the Western Cape (UWC) | Open | Sept 30, 2026 | Apply to UWC |
| Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | Open | Sept 30, 2026 | Apply to NMU |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | Open | Sept 30, 2026 | Apply to UL |
| Central University of Technology (CUT) | Open | Sept 30, 2026 | Apply to CUT |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | Open | Sept 30, 2026 | Apply to UP |
Note: Early closing dates apply for selection programs. For example, UFS closes Medical School applications on May 31, 2026, while NMU closes MBChB and Pharmacy on June 30, 2026.
General Admission Requirements for 2027
To secure a spot at a South African university for the 2027 intake, you must meet the following minimum criteria:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC): A Bachelor’s pass is required for degree studies. This typically means an achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four subjects from the designated list.
- Identification: A certified copy of your South African ID or a valid passport for international students.
- Academic Results: Grade 11 final results (stamped by your school) if you are currently in Grade 12. If you have already matriculated, you need your final NSC certificate.
- Email and Mobile: A valid, active email address and cellphone number for all official correspondence.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Select Your Courses: Most universities allow you to choose two study options (a first and second choice).
- Download the Prospectus: Visit the university website to check the specific Admission Point Score (APS) for your chosen degree.
- Prepare Documents: Scan your ID and results into PDF format. Ensure files are under 5MB.
- Complete the Online Form: Visit the portal links provided above and create a profile.
- Pay Application Fees: While some institutions like UFS and UNIVEN are free, others like UCT require an application fee payment before processing.
- Monitor Status: Use the student number sent to your email to track your application on the university’s “Self-Service” portal.
Contact Details for Top Institutions
University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Email: admissions@uct.ac.za
- Physical Address: Masingene Building, Middle Campus, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701.
University of the Free State (UFS)
- Email: applications@ufs.ac.za
- Phone: +27 (0)51 401 3000
- WhatsApp: 087 240 6370
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Physical Address: Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, 7535.
- Document Upload: http://studentdocumentupload.uwc.ac.za/
University of Limpopo (UL)
- Physical Address: University Road, Mankweng, Polokwane, 0727.
- Banking for Fees: Standard Bank, Account: 030131405, Branch: 052548.
International Student Requirements
If you are applying from outside South Africa, you must obtain a USAf Exemption Certificate. This evaluates your foreign high school results to see if they meet South African university standards. You can apply for this at mb.usaf.ac.za. Additionally, you will need a valid study visa before registration in January 2027.