Matric or studying towards it? See which South African universities and TVET colleges are open for 2027, when they close, what it costs, and exactly which documents you need. Apply early — popular courses fill up fast.
Your APS (Admission Point Score) is what universities use to decide if you qualify for a course. Select your 6 best subjects and enter your marks — we'll calculate your APS and show you the courses and universities you can apply to.
💡 Select your 6 best subjects (exclude Life Orientation — most universities don't count it). APS points: 80–100% = 7, 70–79% = 6, 60–69% = 5, 50–59% = 4, 40–49% = 3, 30–39% = 2, 0–29% = 1.
⚠️ Important: This is a guide based on your APS band. Every course and university sets its own APS cut-off and required subjects (e.g. Medicine and Engineering often need an APS of 38+ AND high marks in Maths & Physical Science). Popular courses fill up fast and need marks above the minimum. Always confirm the exact requirements on each institution's official website before applying.
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) pays for your university or TVET college studies if your household earns below R350,000 per year — or if your parent or guardian receives a SASSA grant. NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, and a personal allowance. Apply at myNSFAS.nsfas.org.za — applications open around August and close in January. NSFAS is free to apply for. Never pay anyone to process your application.
Apply early — Medicine, Engineering and Law close months before the general deadline. Always verify on the official university website.
| University | General Closing | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| UCT | 31 July 2026 | uct.ac.za |
| Stellenbosch University | 30 June 2026 | sun.ac.za |
| Wits University | 30 September 2026 | wits.ac.za |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | 31 August 2026 | up.ac.za |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | 30 September 2026 | uj.ac.za |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | 30 September 2026 | ukzn.ac.za |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | 30 September 2026 | ul.ac.za |
| North-West University (NWU) | 30 September 2026 | nwu.ac.za |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | 30 September 2026 | tut.ac.za |
| University of Fort Hare (UFH) | 30 September 2026 | ufh.ac.za |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | 30 September 2026 | wsu.ac.za |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | 31 August 2026 | cput.ac.za |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | 31 August 2026 | dut.ac.za |
| 🔴 UNISA (Distance Learning) OPEN NOW | 17 Aug – 9 Oct 2026 | Apply Now → |
Your Admission Point Score determines which programmes you qualify for. Use the calculator above to calculate yours. APS of 27+ = Bachelor's degree entry. APS 20–26 = Diploma programmes. APS 15–19 = Higher Certificate.
| Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 90 – 100% | 7 |
| 80 – 89% | 6 |
| 70 – 79% | 5 |
| 60 – 69% | 4 |
| 50 – 59% | 3 |
| 40 – 49% | 2 |
| 30 – 39% | 1 |
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