When you are planning to apply to institutions, knowing the official application closing dates is essential. It can be the difference between waiting another year and securing your spot for admission.
Numerous candidates miss out on their institution of choice every year simply because they miss the deadline.
Are you looking forward to admissions in 2026?
Then go through this article, as it will serve as a guide informing you about the application closing dates in South Africa for some of the top institutes.
Table of Contents
Application Closing Dates in South Africa: Top Institutions for 2026
The application closing dates can vary across institutions. It is essential to be aware of these dates for each institution, so you do not miss a deadline.
Here’s a list of some of the top institutions in South Africa and their application closing dates:
|
Sl. No. |
Institution |
Application Closing Dates |
|
1 |
Regenesys Education |
|
|
2 |
Nelson Mandela University |
|
|
3 |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
|
|
4 |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
|
|
5 |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
|
|
6 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
|
|
7 |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
|
|
8 |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
|
|
9 |
University of Fort Hare (UFH) |
|
|
10 |
University of Mpumalanga (UMP) |
|
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What to Expect after Submitting Your Application in South Africa?
The process after application submission within the closing dates varies across institutions. However, you will generally receive a student or reference number after submitting your application.
This number enables you to track the application status through the institute portal. Then you may be asked to do the following, depending on the course:
- Write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
- Appear for an interview
- Submit documents like motivational letters, CVs or portfolios
If you meet the requirements and other conditions are met, you will receive a firm offer. A conditional offer may be extended to you if you are awaiting your matric results.
Then you need to accept the offer within the institute’s deadline and be ready for registration.
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Tips for Applicants in South Africa
As an applicant, there are more things to keep in mind besides the application closing dates in South Africa. Given below are some tips that can help you as an applicant while you go on to apply to your targeted institute:
1. Choose a subject that you would like to study
There is a range of courses you can study at institutes in South Africa. First, be sure of what you want to study and what you want to pursue as a career.
2. Select the institutes to apply to
After you have chosen your subject to study, check which institutes provide courses for it. Research the institutes thoroughly and select the ones where you want to apply.
3. Check where you need to submit your application
There is no centralised system enabling candidates to apply to multiple South African universities. So you must know where to submit your application.
Check the official website of the institution you want to apply to. There you will find all the relevant information, including where and how to submit the application.
4. Ensure that you meet the entry requirements
Carefully review the entry requirements of your target institution to confirm that you meet them.
5. Apply before the deadline
If you are searching “when do the 2026 applications close in SA”, the deadlines vary by institution and course. Take note of and apply by the application closing dates to avoid missing any opportunity.
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Conclusion
The application closing dates in South Africa are strict for multiple reasons. These include reviewing applicants, allocating spaces in specific programmes, and managing capacity.
From your end, you need to follow the given deadline so that you do not miss out on any opportunities.
You can go through the academic programmes of Regenesys Education. We believe in providing holistic education and focus on the overall development of individuals. This includes their emotional (EQ), intellectual (IQ), spiritual (SQ) and physical (PQ) intelligence.
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Application Closing Dates In South Africa – FAQ
Are the application closing dates in South Africa the same for all institutions?
No, the application closing dates in South Africa can vary across institutions and courses.
How to check the South African university deadlines for 2026?
To check the 2026 deadlines, visit the official website of the specific university. You can also contact the admissions office of the institution.
Does Regenesys Education offer multiple intake slots per year?
Yes, Regenesys Education has multiple slots available in a year.
When is the application closing date at the University of Cape Town (UCT)?
The deadline at the University of Cape Town (UCT) for undergraduate applications was 31st July 2025.
When is the application closing date at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)?
The deadline at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for undergraduate applications was 31st October 2025.
