How to Apply to a South African University for 2027
Applying to a South African university for the 2027 academic year requires planning ahead. Applications typically open in February or March 2026 and most close by August or September 2026. You can apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ac.za, the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) at www.cach.edu.za, or directly through the university's own online portal.
Do not wait until results are released. Apply in the first half of the year using your Grade 11 results. Most universities will request final Grade 12 results before confirming admission.
Application Routes: CAO, CACH, and Direct Applications
South African universities use different application systems:
CAO (Central Applications Office): Serves many universities including those in Gauteng and other regions. One application form covers multiple participating institutions. Visit www.cao.ac.za.
Direct Applications: Many universities also accept direct online applications through their own portals (e.g., UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UKZN). Check each university website.
CACH (Central Applications Clearing House): A clearinghouse for late applicants or those not placed during the main round. Visit www.cach.edu.za.
Typical Application Timeline for 2027
| Period | Activity |
|---|---|
| February - March 2026 | Most university application portals open |
| August - September 2026 | Most application deadlines close |
| October - November 2026 | Matric final exams written |
| January 2027 | Matric results released; provisional offers confirmed or adjusted |
| January 2027 | Registration and orientation at universities begins |
Understanding the APS (Admission Point Score)
Most South African universities use the Admission Point Score (APS) to evaluate applicants. The APS is calculated from your NSC (matric) results.
Each subject is assigned points based on your percentage mark. Life Orientation is excluded from the APS calculation at many universities. Programme-specific minimum APS scores are published by each university in their prospectus.
| NSC Level | Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 80-100% | 7 |
| 6 | 70-79% | 6 |
| 5 | 60-69% | 5 |
| 4 | 50-59% | 4 |
| 3 | 40-49% | 3 |
| 2 | 30-39% | 2 |
| 1 | 0-29% | 1 |
Documents Required for University Application
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Grade 11 final results or latest available academic results
- NSC results (once available in January)
- Proof of address
- Application fee payment confirmation (varies by institution: R100-R250 typical)
- NSFAS application confirmation if applying for financial aid
- Portfolio or test results for programmes that require them (art, music, healthcare)
Financial Aid: NSFAS
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) provides bursaries to eligible students at public universities. Applications open at www.nsfas.org.za typically from August to January each year.
Eligibility criteria: South African citizen, household income below R350,000 per year, enrolled at a public university or TVET college. NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and a travel and learning materials allowance.
What Happens After You Apply?
Universities issue conditional or unconditional offers based on your Grade 11 results. Offers are conditional on achieving the required final NSC marks. Once NSC results are released in January, universities confirm or withdraw offers.
If you do not receive an offer from your first-choice university, use CACH to apply to universities with available spaces. Many universities also have late application windows.