Typical application season
Most South African universities open undergraduate applications between April and June of your Grade 12 year and close between the end of July and the end of September. Selection programmes such as medicine, health sciences, architecture and some engineering courses often close earlier. TVET colleges usually run intakes in the second half of the year for January, with some trimester and semester intakes during the year.
Dates change every year, so treat these as a guide and always confirm on the institution's official website or prospectus.
A simple timeline
- Grade 11 (end of year): shortlist programmes and note requirements.
- January–March (Grade 12): gather and certify documents; book the NBT if required.
- April–June: submit applications as soon as portals open — early applicants are often assessed first.
- July–September: check statuses weekly, respond to document requests, apply for NSFAS when it opens.
- January: accept your offer and register before the registration deadline.
Why apply early?
Popular programmes fill up, and some universities make offers on a rolling basis. Applying early also gives you time to fix problems — like a missing document or a wrong ID number — before the closing date.
This guide is general information only. Requirements, fees and dates change — always confirm with the official institution or NSFAS before applying.