How to apply to university in South Africa.

The application process step by step

Applying to varsity is stressful, but taking it one step at a time makes it manageable. Work through the list below in order, and save every reference number you get.

1. 1

   Calculate your APS for the universities on your shortlist

   Each SA university uses its own APS formula. Use the NavyBlue APS Calculator to see your score at every university so you can target a realistic mix of safety, target and reach choices.

   Open the relevant tool →
2. 2

   Decide on direct application or CAO

   Most universities take applications via their own portal. UKZN, DUT, MUT, UNIZULU, MANCOSA and Eduvos use the Central Applications Office (CAO), one application covers all six.

   Open the relevant tool →
4. 3

   Gather your supporting documents

   Certified ID, latest school report (Grade 11 or first half of Grade 12), proof of payment of the application fee. International applicants also need a passport, study visa where applicable, and a USAf exemption letter.

5. 4

   Pay the application fee

   Most fees sit between R100 and R600. UCT, UJ, UP and UKZN waive fees for SA citizens applying online. CAO charges R250 SA / R300 international (R470/R580 after 1 November).

6. 5

   Submit before the deadline

   Most universities open applications between March and May, and close between June and September. Early-closing programmes (Medicine, Actuarial Sciences, BCom CA) close even earlier. Apply early.

   Open the relevant tool →
7. 6

   Apply for residence and funding separately

   Most universities run residence applications as a separate process. NSFAS opens in September and closes in January. Bursary deadlines vary by funder.

Direct application vs CAO

Two routes exist. Pick the right one for the universities on your shortlist.

Documents you need

Standard checklist for South African applicants. International applicants add a passport and study visa.

• Certified copy of your ID. Certified within the last 3 months by a Commissioner of Oaths, Notary Public or your local SAPS station.
• Latest school report. Grade 11 final or Grade 12 first term marks if you're still in matric. Final NSC certificate when available.
• Proof of application fee payment where applicable. Save the reference number, you'll need it.
• Programme-specific items for selection programmes: portfolio (architecture, fine art, design), audition (drama, music), motivation letter (some BSc and BCom streams), interview (medicine, social work).
• International applicants: certified copy of passport bio-data page, study visa where applicable, USAf (Universities South Africa) exemption letter, and any qualification translations into English.

Application fees per university

Approximate fees for the 2027 intake. Check the official university admissions page for exact details before you pay.

Residence and funding applications

These run separately from your academic application. Apply for them in parallel, not after.

Key dates

Application windows vary by university and by programme. Selection programmes (medicine, actuarial sciences, BCom Accounting Sciences) close earliest.

Common application mistakes

• Applying to only one university. Apply to 3 to 5 with a mix of safety, target and reach choices.
• Missing the deadline. Selection programmes close earliest. Apply at least a month before close.
• Uncertified or expired document copies. Certifications must be within 3 months at most universities.
• Confusing Maths Literacy with Pure Mathematics. Most BSc, BEng and BCom Accounting programmes need Pure Maths.
• Forgetting residence and NSFAS deadlines. These are separate processes that close at different times.
• Submitting the wrong file format (HEIC photos, password-protected PDFs). Use PDF or JPG, max 2 MB per file.
• Not following up. Check your application status weekly. Universities sometimes need extra documents.
• Skipping the NBT when required. UCT, Wits Health Sciences, Stellenbosch and others need it. Book early, slots fill up.