Last updated: 14 October 2026
Are you looking for a college that is still accepting applications in South Africa? You may still have an opportunity to study in 2027!
Although many institutions have already closed their main application periods, some universities and TVET colleges are still accepting applications for selected programmes. This guide helps prospective students find available opportunities, check deadlines and access official application websites.
Important: This article focuses mainly on applications for the 2027 academic year. Application dates can change, and a college being open for applications does not necessarily mean that registration is currently open.
We will update this page monthly to help South African learners and prospective students find the latest available study opportunities.
Colleges and Universities Still Open for 2027 Applications
The following is our October 2026 update. Always confirm the deadline for your chosen qualification on the institution’s official website before applying.
| Institution | Province | Current application information |
|---|---|---|
| Thekwini TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | 2027 applications advertised as open; check the deadline immediately |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | Gauteng | Undergraduate applications close 31 October 2026 at 12:00 |
| University of Fort Hare (UFH) | Eastern Cape | Reported October deadline; verify the programme and application status |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | Eastern Cape | Reported October deadline; verify the programme and application status |
| Sol Plaatje University (SPU) | Northern Cape | Reported October deadline; verify the programme and application status |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | Mpumalanga | Reported deadline of 30 November 2026; confirm your qualification’s status |
UJ’s official admissions page confirms its undergraduate closing date. The additional university dates above have been reported in current application round-ups and should be confirmed directly with each institution. Thekwini TVET College’s official website advertises applications for the 2027 academic year.
Please note: This is a list of institutions to check, not a guarantee that every course is still accepting applications. Some qualifications close earlier than others, and some institutions may stop accepting applications once spaces are filled.
1. Thekwini TVET College
Thekwini TVET College is a public technical and vocational education institution in KwaZulu-Natal. It offers vocational learning opportunities for students interested in developing practical and career-focused skills.
The college’s official website advertises applications for the 2027 academic year.
What to do:
Visit the official website.
Check which programmes are accepting applications.
Review the admission requirements.
Confirm the closing date before submitting your application.
Apply or check availability: Thekwini TVET College
Because the reported October deadline is approaching, contact the college directly if the application portal does not clearly show whether your chosen programme remains available.
2. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
The University of Johannesburg is a public university in Gauteng offering undergraduate qualifications across several faculties.
According to UJ’s official admissions information, applications for undergraduate study in 2027 close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00.
Who should consider applying?
Learners who meet the admission requirements for their preferred qualification, as well as eligible applicants applying to continue or change their studies.
How to apply:
Visit UJ’s official admissions website.
Read the 2027 undergraduate prospectus.
Check the admission requirements for your chosen course.
Complete the online application.
Monitor your application status and follow any instructions from the university.
Apply here: UJ Undergraduate Admissions
Do not wait until the last day. Some qualifications may have specific requirements or earlier closing dates.
3. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
The University of Fort Hare is a public university in the Eastern Cape.
Current application round-ups report an October 2026 deadline for 2027 undergraduate applications. However, prospective students should verify the latest dates and availability directly with the university.
How to proceed:
Visit the official UFH website.
Find the admissions section.
Check whether your chosen qualification is still accepting applications.
Follow the university’s application instructions.
Official website: University of Fort Hare
Do not assume that all qualifications remain open simply because the general application period has not ended.
4. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Walter Sisulu University is based in the Eastern Cape and offers qualifications in various academic and professional fields.
The university has been listed among institutions with October deadlines for 2027 applications. Check the official admissions portal for the current status of your chosen programme.
How to apply:
Visit the university website.
Explore available qualifications.
Confirm the closing date and admission requirements.
Submit your application through the official process.
Official website: Walter Sisulu University
5. Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
Sol Plaatje University is located in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.
The university has been reported as having October 2026 deadlines for 2027 applications. Applicants should confirm which programmes remain open and whether any additional requirements apply.
Official website: Sol Plaatje University
Check the university’s admissions information before preparing your application documents.
6. University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
The University of Mpumalanga is another institution worth checking if you are planning to study in 2027.
Current application listings report a closing date of 30 November 2026 for undergraduate applications. However, programme-specific deadlines and availability may differ.
How to apply:
Visit the official university website.
Find the 2027 admissions information.
Check your preferred course.
Confirm that applications are still being accepted.
Official website: University of Mpumalanga
What About Other TVET Colleges?
South Africa has public TVET colleges across all nine provinces. They offer practical and vocational pathways in fields such as engineering, business, hospitality, information technology and other occupational areas.
The Department of Higher Education and Training announced a September 2026 application window for public TVET colleges for the 2027 academic year, with the general window closing on 30 September 2026.
However, individual colleges may advertise different dates for particular programmes, campuses or later application rounds.
If you missed the main deadline, do not automatically assume that every opportunity is closed. Check the official websites of colleges in your province and look for notices about:
Late applications
Extended application deadlines
Programmes with remaining spaces
Second-semester intake opportunities
Occupational programmes and skills courses
Start with the official Department of Higher Education and Training website to find information about public TVET colleges.
Can I Still Apply for NSFAS Funding for 2027?
Yes. As of this article’s update date, applications for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) 2027 funding cycle are open.
The official NSFAS website lists the application period as 18 September to 31 October 2026.
NSFAS funding is separate from admission to a university or TVET college. You must complete the appropriate admission application as well as your funding application if you need financial assistance.
Apply for funding: Official NSFAS Website
Apply as early as possible and use the official website to check eligibility, required information and application progress.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Preparing your documents early can make the application process easier. Depending on the institution and qualification, you may need:
Certified copy of your South African ID or passport, as applicable
Grade 11 results if you are currently in Matric
Matric certificate or latest available results
Academic transcripts if you have studied at a college or university before
Proof of residence, if requested
Proof of application fee payment, where applicable
Additional documents specified by the institution
Requirements vary, so always follow the official application checklist.
What Should You Do If You Missed the Application Deadline?
If the normal application period has closed, there are still practical steps you can take.
1. Check for late applications. Visit the institution’s official website or contact its admissions office to ask whether any programmes remain available.
2. Consider other institutions. Compare universities, TVET colleges and registered private colleges offering qualifications in your field of interest.
3. Explore occupational programmes. Some skills and vocational programmes operate on different schedules from mainstream academic qualifications.
4. Prepare for the next intake. If no suitable opportunity is available, use the time to improve your results, prepare documents and monitor future application announcements.
5. Be careful of scams. Never pay an unofficial person who promises guaranteed admission or a place at a public institution.
How We Update This List Every Month
NextStepZA aims to keep this guide useful by reviewing application information monthly.
During each update, we will:
Check official university and college admissions pages.
Remove opportunities whose deadlines have passed.
Update closing dates and application links.
Add newly announced late applications and extended deadlines.
Distinguish confirmed information from dates that still need verification.
Last reviewed: 14 October 2026
Next scheduled review: November 2026
Application dates can change before the next review, so readers should always confirm availability directly with the institution before submitting an application.
Final Advice
If you want to study in 2027, start checking applications today. Confirm the course, deadline and admission requirements directly with the institution, prepare your documents and apply as soon as possible.
Bookmark this NextStepZA page and check back each month for updated college application opportunities across South Africa.
Your next opportunity could still be available—make sure you verify it before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thekwini TVET College is advertising 2027 applications, while some universities have October or November deadlines. Availability varies by programme, so check the official admissions website before applying.
No. Applying is the process of requesting admission. Registration normally happens after an applicant has been accepted and the institution opens registration for the relevant academic year.
UJ’s official undergraduate admissions information gives 31 October 2026 at 12:00 as the closing date. Check your course requirements and submit before the deadline.
The general public TVET college application window announced for September 2026 closed on 30 September. Some individual programmes may have different or extended deadlines, so check with the relevant college.
NSFAS has a separate application process. Check the official NSFAS requirements and submit your funding application during the published application period. You must also follow the institution’s separate admission process.
Ask the institution whether late applications or other programmes are available. You can also compare other institutions or prepare for the next intake.
Use third-party websites to discover opportunities, but submit applications through official institution portals. Never share passwords or pay an unofficial person to secure admission.