Universities

Where to apply, when to apply, and what each institution actually requires. We link straight to the official admissions pages so the info stays current.

APS, cutoffs & deadlines

Every university calculates APS slightly differently and runs its own application portal. Browse the universities below and follow each apply link — that's where the live cutoffs, fees and closing dates live.

South African universities

University of Cape Town

UCT
Cape Town
Apply

Stellenbosch University

SU
Stellenbosch
Apply

University of the Witwatersrand

Wits
Johannesburg
Apply

University of Pretoria

UP
Pretoria
Apply

University of Johannesburg

UJ
Johannesburg
Apply

University of KwaZulu-Natal

UKZN
Durban / Pietermaritzburg
Apply

Rhodes University

RU
Makhanda
Apply

North-West University

NWU
Potchefstroom / Mahikeng / Vanderbijlpark
Apply

University of the Free State

UFS
Bloemfontein
Apply

Nelson Mandela University

NMU
Gqeberha
Apply

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

CPUT
Cape Town
Apply

Tshwane University of Technology

TUT
Pretoria
Apply

Durban University of Technology

DUT
Durban
Apply

University of South Africa

UNISA
Distance learning
Apply
Applying smart

One application is a gamble. Most students who get accepted apply to three or more.

1

Pick 3-5 universities: 1 stretch, 2 likely, 1 safe.

2

Apply early — many close 30 June for the following year.

3

Check each university's specific subject requirements per course.

4

Visit virtual open days. They're free and surprisingly useful.

5

Use the Universities South Africa central application service (uSAf) where available.


Need help paying?Find bursaries
Sources: each university's official admissions site
APS, cutoffs and fees change every year — always confirm on the university's own site.