Late Applications 2027 South Africa: Who’s Still Open?

Young South African student applying for university on a phone at night

Yes, you can still apply for 2027 — but only at a few places, and time is short. For late applications 2027 South Africa, the two public universities we could confirm as still open are the University of Johannesburg (closes 31 October 2026) and the University of Mpumalanga (closes 30 November 2026). NSFAS funding applications are also still open.

This guide shows you what's still open, what's closed, and what to do tonight.

Which public universities still accept 2027 applications?

Most public universities closed on 30 September 2026. We checked each date on the university's own website. We only list the ones we could confirm.

✅ Confirmed open

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

Undergraduate applications close 31 October 2026 at 12:00 (midday, not midnight) (2027 intake — last checked 14 Oct 2026).
Apply on the UJ undergraduate page.

University of Mpumalanga (UMP)

Undergraduate applications close 30 November 2026 (2027 intake — last checked 14 Oct 2026).
Application fee: R200 for South Africans (non-refundable).
Apply on the UMP online applications page.

⚠️ Reported open, but not yet confirmed

Walter Sisulu University (WSU): news sites say 31 October 2026. We could not confirm this on WSU's own site yet. Not yet confirmed. Phone WSU before you rely on it.

❌ Already closed (examples)

Tshwane University of Technology: 30 September 2026 (TUT closing dates).
Nelson Mandela University: late window closed 30 September 2026 (NMU closing dates).
Stellenbosch University: 31 July 2026.

Tip: Some universities fill up a course before the closing date. Apply as soon as you can.

What happened to CACH? (It's now CAS)

You may have heard of CACH — the Central Application Clearing House. It helped late students find open spaces.

CACH no longer runs. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) stopped it from the 2026 academic year. It was replaced by the Central Application Service (CAS) (SAnews, 14 Jan 2026).

What we know about CAS:

It helps you find study options at universities, TVET colleges and other places.
WhatsApp help line: 081 308 4196 (SAnews, 19 Jan 2026).
When CAS opens for 2027 late applicants: not yet confirmed. DHET's CAS page gives no 2027 dates yet.

Need free career advice? Call the Khetha Career Helpline on 086 999 0123 (DHET).

TVET colleges: is it too late?

The main window for public TVET colleges for 2027 closed on 30 September 2026 (2027 intake — last checked 14 Oct 2026). This comes from the Minister of Higher Education's NSFAS launch speech on 18 September 2026.

But don't give up:

Each college runs its own system. Some may still have spaces.
Phone or visit your nearest TVET college this week. Ask: "Do you still have space for 2027?"
Many TVET courses also have a mid-year intake. Ask the college for the date.

NSFAS 2027: dates and who qualifies

NSFAS pays for study at public universities and TVET colleges. You must apply to the college or university AND to NSFAS separately.

When does NSFAS close?

⚠️ The official sources don't agree. Use 31 October 2026 to be safe.

NSFAS's own statement (22 Sept 2026) says applications close 31 October 2026 and that there will be no extension (gov.za).
The Minister's launch speech (18 Sept 2026) said 18 November 2026 (gov.za).

(2027 intake — last checked 14 Oct 2026.) Don't wait to find out which is right. Apply now.

How to apply

Online at nsfas.org.za, or on the NSFAS app (Android and Apple) (gov.za).
NSFAS contact centre: 08000 67327.

Who qualifies?

According to the government's Khetha NSFAS page:

You are a South African citizen.
Your household earns R350 000 a year or less.
If you have a disability: household income up to R600 000 a year.
If you get a SASSA grant, you qualify — and you don't need proof of income.
You usually can't get NSFAS if you already have a qualification.

Earn too much for NSFAS but not enough to pay fees? Ask about the "missing middle" loan scheme (SAnews). See our funding page for bursaries too.

Private colleges: more than one start date

Many private colleges take students a few times a year. So if you missed January, you might start mid-year.

Examples we checked on the colleges' own websites:

Regenesys lists intakes in February, March, July and October for most programmes.
International Hotel School runs more than one intake a year (the school lists March and July on its course pages).

⚠️ Before you pay a private college anything:

Check it is on DHET's register of private colleges on dhet.gov.za.
DHET also publishes a list of bogus colleges. Avoid them.
Most private colleges are not funded by NSFAS.

Step by step: what to do tonight

Pick 2 places to apply. UJ and UMP are the confirmed options. Look at UMP on ThinkEducation.
Apply to NSFAS if you need money for fees — today.
Get your documents ready (list below). Scan them on your phone as clear PDFs.
Phone your local TVET college about spaces.
Message CAS on WhatsApp (081 308 4196) for help finding other options.
Write down every reference number you get.

Documents to prepare now

Your South African ID (or birth certificate if you don't have an ID yet).
Your latest school results (Grade 11 final or Grade 12 June/trial results).
Proof of payment of any application fee (UMP: R200).
Parents' or guardian's ID copies.
Proof of household income (payslips or an affidavit) — not needed if you get a SASSA grant.
NSFAS consent form, signed where asked.
Disability form if it applies to you

Not sure what to study yet? Browse our careers guide — then come back and apply.

Which universities are still open for 2027 applications in South Africa?

As of 14 October 2026, we confirmed the University of Johannesburg (closes 31 October 2026 at midday) and the University of Mpumalanga (closes 30 November 2026). Walter Sisulu University is reported to close 31 October 2026 but is not yet confirmed.

What is the NSFAS 2027 closing date?

NSFAS's own 22 September 2026 statement says 31 October 2026, with no extension. The Minister's launch speech said 18 November 2026. Apply before 31 October 2026 to be safe.

Is CACH open for 2027?

No. CACH was stopped from the 2026 academic year. It was replaced by the Central Application Service (CAS). You can WhatsApp CAS on 081 308 4196.

Can I still apply to a TVET college for 2027?

The main public TVET window closed on 30 September 2026. Some colleges may still have space, so phone or visit your nearest college. Many also have a mid-year intake.

Can I apply for NSFAS before I get accepted?

Yes. You apply to NSFAS and to your university or college separately. Don't wait for an acceptance letter before applying for NSFAS.

What if I miss every deadline?

Look at private colleges with mid-year intakes (check they are DHET-registered), plan a mid-year TVET start, or use the year to upgrade your marks and apply early for 2028.

Didn't Apply Yet? Late Applications for 2027 Study in South Africa