Important Statutory Admission Disclaimer
Meeting the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) or subject requirements does NOT guarantee admission to any South African university. Due to severe space limitations and high application volumes, admission is strictly competitive based on academic merit ranking. Early application is strongly advised. Many selection programmes (Medicine, Veterinary Science, Architecture) close as early as 30 June.
Master University Application Directory & Comparison
Compare online application fees, general closing dates, and portals for all 16 public universities:
| Institution | Location / Province | Online Fee | Health Sciences Closes | General Programmes Close | Official Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | Johannesburg, Gauteng | Free Online | 31 October | 31 October | View UJ Guide → |
| University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | Johannesburg, Gauteng | Free Online | 30 June | 30 September | View Wits Guide → |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | Pretoria, Gauteng | R300 | 30 June | 30 September | View UP Guide → |
| University of South Africa (UNISA) | National (Distance) | R135 | N/A | Late October / November | View UNISA Guide → |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | Pretoria & Regional | R240 | 31 July | 30 September | View TUT Guide → |
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | Cape Town, Western Cape | R100 | 31 July | 31 August / 30 September | View UCT Guide → |
| University of the Western Cape (UWC) | Bellville, Western Cape | Free Online | 31 August | 30 September | View UWC Guide → |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | Cape Town & Bellville | Free Online | 31 July | 30 September | View CPUT Guide → |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | Durban & Pietermaritzburg | R250 (via CAO) | 30 June | 30 September | View UKZN Guide → |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | Durban & Midlands | R250 (via CAO) | Mid-August | 30 September | View DUT Guide → |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | Mankweng, Limpopo | R200 | 31 July | 30 September | View UL Guide → |
| University of Venda (UNIVEN) | Thohoyandou, Limpopo | R100 | 31 July | 30 September / 31 October | View UNIVEN Guide → |
| North-West University (NWU) | Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, Vaal | Free Online | 30 June | 31 August | View NWU Guide → |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | Bloemfontein & Qwaqwa | Free Online | 31 May | 30 September | View UFS Guide → |
| Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | Gqeberha & George | Free Online | 30 June | 30 September | View NMU Guide → |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | Mthatha, East London, Butterworth | Free Online | 30 June | 30 September / 31 October | View WSU Guide → |
Explore Institution-Specific Admission Guides
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Auckland Park, Bunting, Doornfontein & Soweto campuses. Extensive diploma, extended degree, and bachelor programmes.
Read UJ Application Guide →University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Braamfontein campus. High-demand programmes in Medicine (MBBCh), Engineering, Actuarial Science, and Law.
Read Wits Application Guide →University of Pretoria (UP)
Renowned for Veterinary Science (Onderstepoort), Engineering (EBIT), Health Sciences, and Law.
Read UP Application Guide →University of South Africa (UNISA)
Africa's leading open distance learning institution. Ideal for working adults and learners needing bridging Higher Certificates.
Read UNISA Application Guide →Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
South Africa's largest residential university of technology, with hands-on career-focused diplomas and degrees across 6 campuses.
Read TUT Application Guide →University of Cape Town (UCT)
Africa's top-ranked academic institution. Competitive Faculty Points Score (FPS) system and strict merit thresholds.
Read UCT Application Guide →University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Strong faculties in Community & Health Sciences, Dentistry, Law, and Economic & Management Sciences.
Read UWC Application Guide →Cape Peninsula Univ. of Tech (CPUT)
Comprehensive career training in Maritime Studies, Engineering, Media & Design, and Business Informatics across Cape Town.
Read CPUT Application Guide →University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Applied via CAO. Top research institution across Howard College, Westville, Edgewood, Medical School, and Pietermaritzburg.
Read UKZN Application Guide →Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Applied via CAO. Leading qualifications in Radiography, Somatology, Accounting, Information Technology, and Engineering.
Read DUT Application Guide →University of Limpopo (UL)
Based in Mankweng. Renowned School of Medicine, Health Sciences, Agriculture, Law, and Humanities.
Read UL Application Guide →University of Venda (UNIVEN)
Comprehensive institution focusing on Science, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Law, and Education.
Read UNIVEN Application Guide →North-West University (NWU)
Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. Strong faculties in Health Sciences, Engineering, Education, and Theology.
Read NWU Application Guide →University of the Free State (UFS)
Bloemfontein & Qwaqwa campuses. Leading programmes in Medicine, Agriculture, Law, and Economic Sciences.
Read UFS Application Guide →Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and George. Features the new Medical School (Missionvale), Ocean Sciences, and Architecture.
Read NMU Application Guide →Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Mthatha, East London, Butterworth, and Komani campuses. Known for Medicine, Health Sciences, Education, and Science Tech.
Read WSU Application Guide →