How do I apply to university in South Africa?

Most South African universities have their own online application portals. You apply directly on each university's website before their closing date, which is typically between July and September of your Grade 12 year. You will need your Grade 11 final results to apply provisionally.

When do South African universities close applications?

Most South African university application deadlines fall between July and October for the following academic year. Popular universities like UCT, Wits, and Stellenbosch often close as early as July or August. Always check the specific university's website for the exact date.

South African University Applications Guide 2025 – APS & Deadlines

Q: How do I apply for NSFAS?

NSFAS applications open in September and close in January on the myNSFAS portal at nsfas.org.za. You apply once and NSFAS checks your eligibility based on household income. You must also have applied to and been accepted by a NSFAS-approved institution.

How to Apply — Step by Step

Grade 12 · 2025

1

Choose your universities and courses

Research which universities offer the degree you want and check the minimum APS score and subject requirements for that specific programme. Do not assume the same course has the same requirements at every university.

Tip: Apply to at least 3 universities — one reach, one match, one safety. Application fees are usually R100–R200 per application.

2

Calculate your APS score

Your APS is calculated from your Grade 11 final results (for provisional application) or your matric results. Each subject is converted to a point value out of 7. Most universities exclude Life Orientation from the calculation or count it as half a point.

3

Apply before the closing date

Each university has its own online portal and closing date. Do not wait until October — popular universities like UCT, Wits, and Stellenbosch close as early as July or August. Late applications are rarely accepted.

Important: You apply directly on each university's website. There is no central application system in South Africa except for certain programmes.

4

Apply for NSFAS funding

If you need financial assistance, apply to NSFAS at nsfas.org.za during September to January. NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance for qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges.

Eligibility: Your household income must be below R350,000 per year for university students. Apply early — the portal gets very busy in January.

5

Receive your offer and confirm registration

Once you receive a conditional or firm offer, confirm your acceptance by the university's deadline. This usually requires a registration deposit. Once your matric results are released, your offer is confirmed or revised based on your final marks.

APS Score Conversion Table

NSC marks

NSC Mark	APS Points	Performance Level
80 – 100%	7	Outstanding
70 – 79%	6	Meritorious
60 – 69%	5	Substantial
50 – 59%	4	Adequate
40 – 49%	3	Moderate
30 – 39%	2	Elementary
0 – 29%	1	Not achieved

To calculate your APS: convert each of your best 6 subjects to points using the table above and add them together. Life Orientation is typically excluded or counted as half.

Major South African Universities

Approximate deadlines — verify on official sites

Deadlines and APS requirements change each year. Always verify on the official university website before applying. The information below is a general guide only.

University of Cape Town

UCT

Typical deadlineJuly 2025

Min APS (general)36+

LocationCape Town

University of the Witwatersrand

Wits

Typical deadlineJune 2025

Min APS (general)35+

LocationJohannesburg

Stellenbosch University

SU

Typical deadlineJuly 2025

Min APS (general)30+

LocationStellenbosch

University of Pretoria

UP / Tuks

Typical deadlineAugust 2025

Min APS (general)28+

LocationPretoria

University of KwaZulu-Natal

UKZN

Typical deadlineSeptember 2025

Min APS (general)25+

LocationDurban / PMB

University of Johannesburg

UJ

Typical deadlineSeptember 2025

Min APS (general)25+

LocationJohannesburg

Track your university applications on StudyLynk

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Frequently Asked

What is an APS score and how is it calculated?

APS stands for Admission Point Score. It is calculated from your NSC results by converting each subject mark to a point value from 1 to 7. You add your best six subjects together. Life Orientation is excluded or counted at half value depending on the university. The maximum APS from six full subjects is 42.

Can I apply to university while I am still in Grade 12?

Yes. Universities accept provisional applications using your Grade 11 final results. Your offer is conditional on achieving the required marks in matric. Once matric results are released in January, your offer is confirmed or withdrawn based on your final results.

How do I apply for NSFAS?

Apply on the myNSFAS portal at nsfas.org.za. Applications usually open in September and close in January. You must apply to and receive an offer from a NSFAS-approved institution. NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance for qualifying students based on household income.

What if my APS is too low for the course I want?

You have several options: apply for an extended or foundational programme at the same university, consider a diploma route at a university of technology and transfer later, or write supplementary exams to improve specific subject marks. Some universities also have alternative admission pathways for mature students or students with exceptional circumstances.

Is there a central university application system in South Africa?

No. Unlike some other countries, South Africa does not have one central application system for all universities. You apply directly to each university through their own portal and pay a separate application fee. Some provinces have centralised systems for certain programmes, but for most degrees you apply individually.

South AfricanUniversity ApplicationsGuide

How to Apply — Step by Step

APS Score Conversion Table

Major South African Universities

Track your university applications on StudyLynk

Frequently Asked

Related Resources

South African
University Applications
Guide