How to Apply to University in South Africa 2027

Start here

Which applicant are you?

Your starting point shapes the rest of the journey. Most people here are in Grade 12, but the route looks different if you're rewriting matric, mature-age, international, transferring, NCV-qualified, postgraduate or returning to study. Pick your situation below for the right entry point.

Current Grade 12 learner

Apply with Grade 11 final results. Universities issue a conditional offer until your final NSC results are out.

Next step

Matric rewrite candidate

Second Chance Programme (under 21) or Amended Senior Certificate (21+). Apply concurrently with rewrite registration.

Next step

Mature applicant (23+)

Apply for a Mature Age Exemption Certificate from the USAf Matriculation Board or via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Next step

International applicant

SAQA evaluation + Foreign Conditional Exemption Certificate from USAf, then a study visa (BI-1738) after acceptance.

Next step

Transfer student

Standard application plus a credit-transfer submission to the destination faculty's RPL or transfer committee.

Next step

NCV (Level 4) graduate

TVET Level 4 qualifies for Bachelor's-track entry at many universities and Diploma articulation at UoTs.

Next step

Postgraduate applicant

Honours, Masters and PhD applications. Identify a supervisor for research-track programmes before applying.

Next step

Returning learner

Re-registration after a break in study. Contact your previous registrar's office about special permission.

Next step

What documents do I need to apply to university in South Africa?

Most South African universities ask for the same core set: a certified copy of your ID (or passport and study permit), your latest school results, which is your Grade 11 final or Grade 12 mid-year report while you wait for matric results, and proof of payment of the application fee where one is charged.

Many also want a certified copy of a parent or guardian's ID for funding, and proof of residence. Certification must usually be within the last three months. Residence and NSFAS are separate applications with their own deadlines, so do not assume applying to study also applies you for a place to stay or for funding.

The journey

Three stages, in order

Every applicant works through these three stages, from research and comparison, through submitting the application, to responding to offers and registering.

Step 1