If you’re planning to apply to a South African university for the 2025 academic year, it’s crucial to be aware of the application opening and closing dates, as well as the associated fees. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you navigate the application process effectively.
Western Cape Universities
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Opening Date: 2 April 2025
- Closing Date: 31 July 2025
- Application Fee: R100 (SADC applicants) / R300 (non-SADC applicants)
- Apply: UCT Applications
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Opening Date: 2 April 2025
- Closing Dates: 30 August 2025 (Dentistry) / 30 September 2025 (Other programs)
- Application Fee: Free
- Apply: UWC Applications
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Closing Date: 31 July 2025
- Application Fee: R100
- Apply: SU Applications
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Opening Date: 13 May 2025
- Closing Dates: July 2025 / September 2025 (varies by program)
- Application Fee: R100
- Apply: CPUT Applications
Gauteng Universities
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Closing Date: 1 October 2025
- Application Fee: Free (online) / R200 (manual)
- Apply: UJ Applications
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- Opening Date: 2 April 2025
- Closing Dates: 31 May 2025 (Veterinary Science) / 30 June 2025 (Other faculties)
- Application Fee: R300 (waived for households earning below R150,000/year)
- Apply: UP Applications
- University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
- Opening Date: 1 March 2025
- Closing Dates: 30 June 2025 (specific courses) / 30 September 2025 (all other courses)
- Application Fee: R100 (SA citizens) / R700 (international applicants)
- Apply: WITS Applications
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Opening Date: 1 March 2025
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: R240
- Apply: TUT Applications
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
- Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Closing Date: 31 July 2025
- Application Fee: R300
- Apply: SMU Applications
KwaZulu-Natal Universities (via CAO)
All applications for universities in KwaZulu-Natal are processed through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The R250 is charged for applications to multiple universities at once not for each individual university.
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Opening Date: 1 March 2025
- Closing Dates: 30 June 2025 (Medicine) / 30 September 2025 (Other programs)
- Application Fee: R250 (SA applicants) / R300 (international applicants)
- Apply: CAO Applications
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Opening Date: 1 March 2025
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: R250 (SA applicants) / R300 (international applicants)
- Apply: CAO Applications
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- Opening Date: 1 March 2025
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: R250 (SA applicants) / R300 (international applicants)
- Apply: CAO Applications
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
- Opening Date: 1 March 2025
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: R250 (SA applicants) / R300 (international applicants)
- Apply: CAO Applications
Eastern Cape Universities
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Closing Dates: 30 June 2025 (MBChB, BPharm, BRad) / 1 August 2025 (early applications) / 30 September 2025 (late applications)
- Application Fee: Free (SA citizens) / R500 (international applicants)
- Apply: NMU Applications
- Rhodes University (RU)
- Opening Date: 1 May 2025
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: R100
- Apply: RU Applications
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- Opening Date: 1 March 2025
- Closing Dates: 15 June 2025 / 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: Free (online) / R120 (manual SA applicants) / R500 (manual international applicants)
- Apply: UFH Applications
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- Opening Date: 2 April 2025
- Closing Dates: 30 September 2025 (MBChB) / 31 October 2025 (Other programs)
- Application Fee: R100
- Apply: WSU Applications
Limpopo Universities
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Closing Dates: 31 July 2025 (MBChB) / 30 September 2025 (Other programs)
- Application Fee: R200 (SA applicants) / R750 (international applicants)
- Apply: UL Applications
- University of Venda (UNIVEN)
- Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Closing Date: 26 September 2025
- Application Fee: Free
- Apply: UNIVEN Applications
Mpumalanga Universities
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- Opening Date: 1 June 2025
- Closing Dates: 30 September 2025 (Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching) / 30 November 2025 (Other Undergraduate Programs)
- Application Fee: R200 (South African applicants) / R400 (SADC applicants) / R550 (International applicants)
- Apply: UMP Applications
Free State Universities
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Closing Dates:
- 31 May 2025 – MBChB, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Radiation Sciences, Biokinetics, Dietetics, and Sport Coaching
- 31 July 2025 – Nursing, Social Work, and Architecture
- 31 August 2025 – International undergraduate applications
- 30 September 2025 – All other undergraduate programs and transferring students
- Application Fee: Free
- Apply: UFS Applications
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- Opening Date: 13 May 2025
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: Free
- Apply: CUT Applications
North West Universities
- North-West University (NWU)
- Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Closing Date: 30 September 2025
- Application Fee: Free
- Apply: NWU Applications
Northern Cape Universities
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- Opening Date: 1 April 2025
- Closing Date: 30 November 2025
- Application Fee: Free
- Apply: SPU Applications
Applying to university is one of the biggest steps in your academic journey, and being prepared is key. Don’t miss your deadlines. Double-check the requirements for your chosen universities and apply early especially if you’re interested in limited-space programs like Medicine, Architecture, or Education. At As VarsityPath, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way, from application to admission. Bookmark this post, share it with your friends, and start your path to varsity success today.
