South African Universities That Closed Applications for 2027
Applying to university is a big step, and knowing when to submit your application is crucial. For the 2027 academic year, many South African universities have already passed their main undergraduate application deadlines. Some closed as early as May, June, July, or August, while others had a deadline of September 30, 2026. It’s important for students to understand that application closing dates are not the same for every institution or every program.
This article looks at some of the major South African universities that have closed their normal undergraduate application periods for 2027. It also highlights that not all universities have closed, and there are still options for prospective students.
Universities That Closed Applications by September 30, 2026
Several prominent South African universities had their undergraduate application deadlines on or before September 30, 2026. It’s important to note that program-specific and postgraduate deadlines can differ from these general undergraduate dates.
| University | Main 2027 Undergraduate Closing Date | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| University of Pretoria (UP) | 30 June 2026 | Veterinary Science closed 31 May |
| North-West University (NWU) | 31 August 2026 | Selection programmes closed 30 June |
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | 31 July 2026 | No late undergraduate applications |
| Stellenbosch University (SU) | 31 July 2026 | Undergraduate application deadline |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) | 31 July 2026 | Postgraduate applications closed 31 August |
| University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | 30 September 2026 | Several selection programmes closed 30 June |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | 30 September 2026 | Some programmes closed earlier |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | 30 September 2026 | Medicine and international applications closed 30 July |
| University of Venda (UNIVEN) | 30 September 2026 | Main undergraduate deadline |
| University of the Western Cape (UWC) | 30 September 2026 | Dentistry and Oral Health closed 31 August |
| Central University of Technology (CUT) | 30 September 2026 | No late or walk-in applications |
| Rhodes University | 30 September 2026 | Late SA applications may be considered at Registrar’s discretion |
University of Pretoria (UP)
The University of Pretoria had an early application deadline for its 2027 undergraduate programs. Applications opened on April 1, 2026. The deadline for Veterinary Science was May 31, 2026, and for all other undergraduate programs, it was June 30, 2026. This means general undergraduate applications for UP have been closed for some time.
North-West University (NWU)
North-West University also closed its undergraduate applications before the end of September. The application period for 2027 opened on June 1, 2026. Selection programs had a deadline of June 30, 2026, while general undergraduate programs and residence applications closed on August 31, 2026. Postgraduate applications have a different deadline, closing on November 30, 2026.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
UCT opened its 2027 undergraduate applications on April 1, 2026, with a strict closing date of July 31, 2026. Importantly, UCT states that applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Students who missed this date should not expect a general late application period for undergraduate studies.
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University’s undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake also closed in July. For example, the official information for Engineering programs indicated that undergraduate degree applications ran from April 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026. Prospective students needed to apply within this official period.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
SMU opened its 2027 applications on April 1, 2026. The deadlines were July 31, 2026, for undergraduate programs and August 31, 2026, for postgraduate programs. SMU focuses on health sciences, and applicants could apply for two study choices. The undergraduate application deadline has already passed.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Wits University had two main undergraduate closing dates for 2027. Highly competitive programs, including those in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Architectural Studies, and others, closed on June 30, 2026. All other undergraduate programs and residence applications closed on September 30, 2026.
University of the Free State (UFS)
The University of the Free State opened its 2027 applications on April 1, 2026. The final closing date for many undergraduate programs was September 30, 2026. However, some selection programs had earlier deadlines, so applicants needed to check the specific deadline for their desired qualification.
University of Limpopo (UL)
The University of Limpopo set September 30, 2026, as the closing date for most qualifications. However, some specific categories closed earlier. The MBChB (Medicine) and international student applications closed on July 30, 2026. All other qualifications had a closing date of September 30, 2026.
University of Venda (UNIVEN)
UNIVEN’s undergraduate applications for 2027 opened on May 1, 2026, and closed on September 30, 2026. The university’s online application process is free. Students who missed this deadline should rely on official UNIVEN announcements for any further opportunities.
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
The general undergraduate application deadline for UWC’s 2027 intake was September 30, 2026. However, applications for Dentistry and Oral Health closed earlier, on August 31, 2026. UWC does not charge an application fee, but meeting admission requirements does not guarantee a place.
Central University of Technology (CUT)
CUT’s applications for 2027 opened in April 2026 and closed on September 30, 2026. This deadline covered undergraduate programs, Advanced Diplomas, Postgraduate Diplomas, Honours, and Structured Master’s programs. CUT explicitly states that there are no late or walk-in applications for these programs. Research Master’s and Doctoral applications close later, on March 30, 2027.
Rhodes University
Rhodes University’s normal undergraduate application closing date is September 30. While late applications from South African applicants may be considered at the Registrar’s discretion, this is not guaranteed. International applicants should pay close attention to the deadline, as late international applications cannot be considered.
Which Universities Closed Before September 30?
Several universities had earlier closing dates than September 30 for their main undergraduate applications:
- May 31, 2026: University of Pretoria – Veterinary Science
- June 30, 2026: University of Pretoria (most undergraduate programs), North-West University (selection programs), Wits University (Health Sciences and other selection programs)
- July 31, 2026: University of Cape Town (undergraduate), Stellenbosch University (undergraduate), Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (undergraduate)
- July 30, 2026: University of Limpopo (MBChB and international applicants)
- August 31, 2026: North-West University (general undergraduate), Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (postgraduate), University of the Western Cape (Dentistry and Oral Health)
Are All South African University Applications Closed?
No, not all South African university applications for 2027 have closed. Some institutions have later general deadlines. For example, Walter Sisulu University (WSU) lists October 31, 2026, as its general closing date for South African applicants. Other universities might accept applications into October or November, depending on the qualification.
What About UNISA?
UNISA’s application calendar differs from many traditional universities. Students should check UNISA’s current application period separately, as the September 30 deadline may not apply.
What About UJ, TUT, and VUT?
Prospective students should check the current deadlines for the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), and Vaal University of Technology (VUT). These institutions may have later closing dates or close programs individually once capacity is reached.
What About the University of Mpumalanga?
The University of Mpumalanga has later deadlines. Undergraduate programs and Advanced Diplomas close on November 30, 2026. Honours, Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s, and Doctoral programs close on January 30, 2027.
Can You Still Apply After a University Closing Date?
Whether you can apply after a university’s closing date depends entirely on the institution. UCT does not consider applications received after its deadline, and CUT explicitly states there are no late or walk-in applications. Rhodes University may consider late applications from South African applicants at the Registrar’s discretion. Some universities might reopen specific programs if spaces remain. Always check for official announcements regarding late applications for the 2027 academic year.
Beware of Fake Late Application Offers
Be cautious of scams that promise secret late applications, guaranteed admission, or ways to change unsuccessful applications. Always use official university websites and application portals. Legitimate applications follow the institution’s published admissions process.
Missed the Deadline? What You Should Do Next
If you missed a university deadline, don’t lose hope for studying in 2027. First, check which universities still have open application periods. Second, monitor official university websites for legitimate late application announcements. Third, see if institutions are reopening specific programs with available spaces. Finally, consider official placement processes if they become available. Start investigating alternatives early, rather than waiting until January.
Universities Closed for 2027 Applications: Key Takeaway
By September 30, 2026, many South African universities had reached their normal undergraduate application deadlines, with some closing much earlier. Universities like UP, UCT, Stellenbosch, and SMU closed applications in June or July. NWU closed general undergraduate applications on August 31. Wits, UFS, UL, UNIVEN, UWC, CUT, and Rhodes had their main undergraduate deadlines on September 30, though some programs at these institutions had earlier closing dates.
However, this does not mean all universities are closed for 2027 applications. Some institutions continue accepting applications into October or November. If you missed a deadline, check which universities are still open immediately. Always verify the exact deadline for your chosen qualification through the university’s official admissions information, as dates can differ for undergraduate, postgraduate, international, residence, and selection programs.
