University Application Dates 2027 and NSFAS
When applications for 2027 open and close at 22 universities, plus NSFAS funding.
NSFAS applications for 2027
Close 31 October 2026
Closing date: Saturday, 31 October 2026. No extensions.
Apply at nsfas.org.zaAdd the NSFAS closing date to your calendar
A reminder on the day applications close. Works with Google, Apple and Outlook calendars.
Gauteng
- University of the WitwatersrandCloses Wed, 30 September 2026 · opened 1 MarchDates
Health Sciences, BAS, Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, BA Film & TV: 30 June 2026
Work out your Wits score - University of PretoriaCloses Tue, 30 June 2026 · opened 1 AprilDates
Veterinary Science: 31 May 2026
Work out your UP score - University of JohannesburgCloses Sat, 31 October 2026 · opened 1 AprilDates
Closes at 12:00. Online applications are free.
Work out your UJ score - Tshwane University of TechnologyCloses Wed, 30 September 2026Dates
Some Humanities and Science qualifications: 15 June 2026
Some Arts & Design and Economics & Finance qualifications: 31 July 2026
TUT publishes a list of qualifications that still have space after closing.
- Vaal University of TechnologyCloses Fri, 30 October 2026 · opened 21 MayDates
Some programmes, including BEd Senior Phase & FET: 31 July 2026
VUT’s website also shows 30 September in one place, so confirm with VUT before you rely on 30 October.
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversityCloses Fri, 31 July 2026 · opened 1 AprilDates
Western Cape
- University of Cape TownCloses Fri, 31 July 2026 · opened 1 AprilDatesWork out your UCT score
- Stellenbosch UniversityCloses Fri, 31 July 2026 · opened 1 AprilDatesWork out your Stellenbosch score
- University of the Western CapeCloses Wed, 30 September 2026 · opened 1 AprilDates
Dentistry: 31 August 2026
No application fee.
- Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyCloses Wed, 30 September 2026 · opened 11 MayDates
Several health programmes: 30 June 2026
Emergency Medical Care, BEd and others: 31 July 2026
KwaZulu-Natal
- University of KwaZulu-NatalCloses Wed, 30 September 2026 · opened 1 MarchDates
Medicine (MBChB): 30 June 2026
Apply through the CAO.
Work out your UKZN score - Durban University of TechnologyCloses Wed, 30 September 2026 · opened 1 MarchDates
Apply through the CAO.
- Mangosuthu University of TechnologyCloses Wed, 30 September 2026 · opened 1 MarchDates
Late applications until 30 November 2026
Apply through the CAO.
Eastern Cape
- Rhodes UniversityClosing date not confirmedCheck
Rhodes says online applications for 2027 have closed. We couldn’t confirm the exact closing date on its website.
- Nelson Mandela UniversityCloses Mon, 3 August 2026Dates
MBChB and Nursing: 30 June 2026
Late applications until 30 September 2026
- Walter Sisulu UniversityCloses Sat, 31 October 2026 · opened 1 JuneDates
- University of Fort HareCloses Sat, 31 October 2026 · opened 1 MayDates
North West
- North-West UniversityCloses Mon, 31 August 2026 · opened 1 JuneDates
Selection programmes closed earlier.
Free State
- Central University of TechnologyCloses Wed, 30 September 2026Dates
No late or walk-in applications.
- University of the Free StateClosing date not confirmed · opened 1 AprilCheck
Health Sciences: 31 May 2026
We couldn’t confirm the general closing date on the UFS website.
Limpopo
- University of LimpopoCloses Wed, 30 September 2026 · opened 1 AprilDates
MBChB: 30 July 2026
Northern Cape
- Sol Plaatje UniversityCloses Sat, 31 October 2026Dates
Dates come from each university’s own website, checked in October 2026, and NSFAS’s NSFAS media statement, 22 September 2026. Programmes can close earlier than the general date, so check the programme you want.
How it works
Most South African universities take applications for the following year from about April until June or September. Selection programmes such as Medicine, Veterinary Science and some health sciences usually close earliest, often on 30 June.
Apply with your Grade 11 results (or Grade 12 June results). Universities make provisional offers and confirm them when matric results come out in January. KwaZulu-Natal universities (UKZN, DUT and MUT) take applications through the Central Applications Office.
Work out your score for Wits, UP, UJ, UCT, Stellenbosch or UKZN, or use the general APS calculator.
Questions
When do NSFAS applications for 2027 close?
NSFAS applications for 2027 opened on 18 September 2026 and close on Saturday, 31 October 2026. NSFAS has said there will be no extension.
Which universities are still open for 2027 applications?
In mid-October 2026, applications were still open at UJ, VUT, WSU, Fort Hare, Sol Plaatje. Most other universities closed between June and September.
What if I missed the closing date?
Some universities accept late applications or publish a list of programmes that still have space (TUT and MUT, for example). After results are released, the government’s Central Application Service helps applicants who don’t have a place.
When do applications for 2028 open?
Most universities open applications for the following year between March and June, so applications for 2028 should open around April 2027.