South African universities
All 26 public universities in South Africa, starting with the country's top-ranked. Aim high: learners from Limpopo study at every one of them.
Dates below are from the 2026 application round (for study in 2027). Applications for 2028 usually open between April and June 2027.
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University of the WitwatersrandWits
Usually closes 30 September
Health Sciences and some selection courses: 30 June -
University of PretoriaUP
Usually closes 30 June
Veterinary Science and some programmes: 31 May -
University of KwaZulu-NatalUKZN
Usually closes 30 September
Apply through the CAO. Medicine: 30 June -
Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU
Usually closes 30 September
MBChB, Pharmacy and Radiography: 30 June
Apply by early August for the best chance -
University of South AfricaUNISA
Usually open mid-August to early October
Short window: about 7 weeks -
University of LimpopoUL
Usually closes 30 September
MBChB (medicine): 30 July. Application fee R200 -
University of VendaUniven
Usually closes 30 September
No application fee for the 2027 round -
Tshwane University of TechnologyTUT
Usually closes 30 September
Some programmes close 15 June or 31 July, or once full -
Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyCPUT
Usually closes 30 September
Some programmes close in July -
Durban University of TechnologyDUT
Usually closes 30 September
Apply through the CAO
Some programmes close 31 August -
Central University of TechnologyCUT
Usually closes 30 September
Some programmes close earlier. No late applications -
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversitySMU
Usually closes 31 July
Every programme, including MBChB. No late applications -
University of Fort HareUFH
Usually closes 31 October
A late fee applies after the closing date -
University of ZululandUniZulu
Usually closes 30 September
Apply through the CAO. Check your programme in the CAO handbook -
Mangosuthu University of TechnologyMUT
Usually closes 30 September
Apply through the CAO. Late applications until 30 November, with a late fee -
Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU
Usually closes 31 October
Health Sciences applicants need their June results -
University of MpumalangaUMP
Usually closes 30 November
2027 applications are open until 30 November 2026. Usually opens in June
Other good routes
KwaZulu-Natal: apply through the CAO
UKZN, DUT, MUT and UniZulu take applications through one Central Applications Office form.
cao.ac.zaTVET colleges
Practical and trade qualifications, often with NSFAS funding. Vhembe TVET College has campuses close to Malamulele.
Vhembe TVET CollegePay for your studies
Apply for NSFAS and bursaries in the same year you apply to university.
Bursaries and closing dates