When do university applications open and close in South Africa?

Most institutions open undergraduate applications between March and May for the following academic year. Closing dates run from the end of June to the end of October, and health sciences programmes usually close first. Unisa has a short application window of only a few weeks. Always confirm the dates on the institution's own admissions page.

Can I apply before I get my matric results?

Yes. Applications are assessed on your Grade 11 final results, and you receive a conditional offer. The offer is confirmed or withdrawn once your final NSC results are released in January.

How much does it cost to apply?

It varies by institution: some charge a non-refundable application fee, some run fee-free periods, and KwaZulu-Natal institutions share one CAO handling fee. The application fee is separate from the registration fee you pay before classes start.

What documents do I need to apply?

A certified copy of your ID, your latest school results, proof of payment where a fee applies, and often a parent or guardian's ID. Art, design and music programmes may also ask for a portfolio or audition.

What is APS and how is it calculated?

The Admission Point Score converts your NSC percentages into points, normally across your best six subjects excluding Life Orientation. Every university has its own APS table and its own minimum per programme, so the same results can score differently at two institutions.

What if I do not get accepted anywhere?

Ask about extended or bridging programmes, apply to a TVET college for an NC(V) or National Diploma, register with Unisa for distance study, or improve your marks through the matric rewrite or Second Chance programme and reapply the following year.

Do I have to apply for NSFAS separately?

Yes. NSFAS is a separate application on the NSFAS website and does not happen automatically when you apply to a university. Applying for funding does not guarantee a study place, and a study place does not guarantee funding.

Are agents who charge to submit my application legitimate?

No public university requires you to pay an agent. You can apply yourself, free of charge in many cases, on the official portal. Never pay a person who promises a guaranteed space — that is a common scam.

University guide

University guide for South Africa: how to apply, documents and fees

This section explains the whole application process in plain English — when to apply, what documents you need, what it costs, how funding works, and which of the 26 public institutions commonly offer the career you want. We are an independent site: you always apply on the institution's own portal.

Reviewed: 12 Sept 2026Updated: 12 Sept 2026

How to apply, step by step

1
Check the requirements in Grade 11
Universities admit on your Grade 11 final results first, then confirm with your matric results. Compare your marks with the minimum APS and subject requirements of each programme before the application opens.
2
Get your documents certified
You normally need a certified copy of your ID (or birth certificate and passport), your latest school results, and a parent or guardian's ID if you are under 18. Certified copies are usually accepted for six months.
3
Apply online, to more than one institution
Apply to at least three institutions and list a second-choice programme. KwaZulu-Natal institutions are applied for together through the Central Applications Office; everywhere else you apply on each university's own portal.
4
Write the National Benchmark Tests if required
Several universities and most health sciences faculties require the NBTs. Book and pay early — test dates fill up, and results take a few weeks to reach the university.
5
Apply for funding and residence at the same time
NSFAS applications are separate from your university application and usually open in September. Apply for residence in the same window, because places run out before registration.
6
Track your application and respond to offers
Log into the portal regularly. Offers are often conditional on your final matric results, and you normally have a short deadline to accept. If you are not accepted, ask about bridging, extended-degree or TVET options.

Documents you need

Scan every document before the portal opens. Most applications are rejected for missing or uncertified documents, not for bad marks.

Certified copy of your ID
Or your birth certificate plus passport if you do not have an ID yet. Certify at a police station, post office or Home Affairs.
Your latest school results
Grade 11 final report when you apply, then your Grade 12 statement of results when it is issued.
Parent or guardian ID
Usually required if you are under 18, and for funding applications.
Proof of payment of the application fee
Where a fee applies. Keep the reference number — many portals will not submit without it.
Proof of residence
A municipal bill or a letter from your ward councillor or traditional authority.
Study permit and passport
International applicants only, plus SAQA evaluation of a foreign school certificate.
NBT results
Where the faculty requires the National Benchmark Tests.
Portfolio, audition or CV
Art, design, drama, music and some sport programmes ask for extra evidence.

Fees and what they cover

Every institution publishes its own fee booklet, and amounts change each year. These are the cost items to plan for — check the current rands on the institution's fees page.

Application fee
A once-off, non-refundable fee per institution. Some universities run fee-free application periods, and the CAO charges a single handling fee for several KZN choices.
NBT test fee
Paid to the NBT service per test session where a faculty requires it.
Registration fee (upfront payment)
Paid before you can register in January. NSFAS-funded students are usually exempt, but only once funding is confirmed.
Tuition fees
Charged per module or per programme and published in each institution's fee booklet. Degrees generally cost more than diplomas.
Residence and meals
Charged separately from tuition, with a deposit before you move in.
Books, devices and data
Budget for prescribed books, a laptop and data. NSFAS pays a learning-material allowance to qualifying students.
Travel
Daily transport if you live at home, or trips home during recess.

No public university needs an agent to submit your application, and nobody can sell you a guaranteed space. If someone asks for cash for a place, it is a scam — apply yourself on the official portal.

Funding and official links

Which universities offer my career?

Choose a field, or type the job you want. Programme names differ between institutions, so always confirm on the official prospectus before you apply.

Career field

Or search a career

26 institutions are listed on this page.

Questions learners ask

Next steps

Career guide — subjects, marks and salaries for 46 careers.
Career earnings table — compare what each career pays before you choose a degree.
Admin guides — ID documents, certified copies and proof of residence you will need to apply.

Plain English SA Forms is an independent website. We are not a university, not an agent and not connected to any government department, and we cannot submit or track an application for you.