South African universities accepting late applications is not a new trend. Supposing you missed the application window, the late application gives applicant another chance to apply to their universities of choice. In this article, we are going to take you through South African universities that accept late applications. We will also take you through the steps to apply to these universities.
So relax; if you missed the first chance to apply to a university, you can apply now with these late applications.
What Are Late Applications?
As the late explicably says, late applications. These are applications to universities and colleges that are sent late. This application window is opened after the university or college officially closes its application date. Most universities in South Africa open their application window in the middle of the year or around September or October. However, after that application is closed and the deadline has passed, another application window is opened to potential students who were unable to apply the first time. This is usually between November and February, depending on space availability in specific courses.
Key Things to Note About Late Applications
If you are applying to any university or college late, there are certain key things you have to note before applying. Here is a list of some of them;
- You should note that no courses will be available if you are applying late. You should bear this in mind before taking the step to apply.
- Also, note that it is almost always first come, first serve. This means that although everyone is applying late, those applicants who applied early in the late application phase are usually attended to and given admission before those who applied later.
- The applications are mostly done online. Although some universities accept that people apply physically, most late applications are done online.
- Late applications are mostly for those who missed the deadline when the application window was first opened.
Do South African Universities Accept Late Applications?
The answer is yes; South Africa has many universities that accept late applications. These universities offer this late application option to make it easier for applicants who do not meet the first deadline to apply and increase their chances of starting their tertiary education.
Here is what you need to know;
- Not all universities in South Africa accept late application
- These late applications come after the first application window has been closed
- Late application comes about when school management notices vacancies in faculties after the first admission phase.
Why Do Universities Accept Late Applications
There are several reasons why universities will accept late applications. Below are some of these reasons;
- To fill available spaces, more often than not, universities accept late applications to fill the available spaces that have been left after the first lap of admissions. This makes it easier for potential applicants who were not able to get into a university after the deadline.
- To accommodate late decisions: Students do not always make earlier decisions when it comes to applying to universities. Sometimes, many of them do not even know if they want to apply or not. With late applications, people or students who dragged their feet and, as a result, were unable to apply for the first time can apply when the late applications window is opened.
- To offer a second chance: it is one thing not to decide on whether you want to apply to any university or not, and it is another if there is a reason behind the delay. Some students are not able to apply because of personal reasons, some of which are financial constraints. With the late applications, students who found themselves in such situations are given a second chance to apply again.
- To respond to Matric results: Matric results sometimes come late when most universities have closed their first lap of admissions. With the late applications, students who receive their matric results late will be able to apply and get into their dream university.
- To increase enrolments: universities are also businesses, and just like any other business, they are there to make money. For this reason, when universities decide to open late applications, it gives people the chance to apply again, thereby increasing their profit margin by enrolments.
Benefits of Applying Late
Applying to a university late comes with a host of benefits. Here are a few of them discussed;
- Late applications offer applicants the opportunity to meet their dreams of entering the tertiary educational system. With late applications, you do not have to wait for a whole year to enter the university
- There is less competition when it comes to late applications. This is because late applications are mostly for less popular courses. So, although the popular courses are full, you will still get a space in an equally good course.
- With late application, you will have enough time to make your application look better. This is because you will not be in a rush to finish and complete your application.
- By the time late applications open, you may have more clarity about your career goals and can make better-informed decisions.
- Late applications give you more options. You will have a variety of better universities with a diverse range of courses to apply to.
It must be noted that not all universities accept late applications. This means that you have to make enquiries before waiting to apply late lest you will have to wait a whole year.
South African Universities Still Accepting Late Applications
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
Deadline: April 14 – May 9, 2025
Programmes: Limited undergraduate, honours degrees, and postgraduate diplomas
How to apply: Online via the UNISA application portal
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Deadline: February 28, 2025
Programmes: Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology, among others
How to apply: Online via the Central Applications Office (CAO)
- University of Mpumalanga
Deadline: Master’s and Doctoral Programmes: January 30, 2025
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Deadline: January 16 – January 24, 2025
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
Deadline: applications open
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Deadline: open for late application
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Deadline: Opened for late applications
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
Deadline: Opened for late applications
- Rhodes University (RU)
Deadline: Opened for late applications
Important Tips for Late Applications
When applying late, there are things you need to keep in mind.
- The first thing to keep in mind is to make sure you act quickly. Do not forget that you are already applying late, so if you make any delays, you will have yourself to blame. If you don’t act quickly and late applications are closed, you’d have to wait a whole year before applying again.
- Make sure to prepare all documents. You do not have room to make delays or wait. Once late applications are opened, prepare your documents and apply.
- You have to check all programs’ availability as well. Not all programmes will be available for late applications, so there is a need for you to do a background check to determine if your preferred course is available or not.
- Make sure to adhere to all application processes. Fill out the forms completely with all the right details.
How To Submit A Strong Application to Universities Still Accepting Late Applications
If you are looking at submitting a strong application for universities still late applications;
- You have to act quickly and meet deadlines. The moment you hear wind, that means applications have been opened. Do not forget that you are already applying late, so if you make any delays, you will have yourself to blame. If you don’t act quickly and late applications are closed, you’d have to wait a whole year before applying again.
- Make sure to prepare all documents. You do not have room to make delays or wait. Once late applications are opened, prepare your documents and apply.
- You have to check all programs’ availability as well. Not all programmes will be available for late applications, so there is a need for you to do a background check to determine if your preferred course is available or not.
- Make sure to adhere to all application processes. Fill out the forms completely with all the right details.
Financial Aid Options For Late Applicants
If you are applying late, there are some bursaries and financial aid you can apply to.
1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
Who can apply;
- South African citizens
- Students applying to public universities or TVET colleges
- Total household income under R350,000 per year (or R600,000 for students with disabilities)
2. Institutional Bursaries and Scholarships
- UJ Merit Bursaries
- Wits University Financial Aid
- TUT Academic Bursaries
3. Funza Lushaka Bursary (For Teaching Students)
It covers Tuition, accommodation, books, and a living allowance.
4. Private Bursaries and NGOs
Several organizations still accept late or rolling applications:
- Sasol Bursary
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
- Feenix (a crowdfunding platform for tuition)
- Student Hero (loan and bursary assistance)
5. Student Loans
There are chances that you will not get into any bursaries or grants; if that fails, you can opt to take a student loan as the last resort.
- Banks like ABSA, Nedbank, and Standard Bank offer student loans. If you are lucky, they will give you grace or arrange with you.
- Explore EduLoan (Fundi) for education-specific loans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, always remember that gaining admission into your dream university is always an exciting phase in our lives. However, if you want this to become a passing reality, there is a need to apply early and make sure that you meet the deadline.
If, for some reason, you could not apply when the application window was open, you always have the option of applying when the late application window is open. All you have to do is to be quick, get everything you need, and start your application process.
FAQs
What Are Late Applications?
As the late explicably says, late applications. These are applications to universities and colleges that are sent late. This application window is opened after the university or college officially closes its application date. Most universities in South Africa open their application window in the middle of the year or around September or October. However, after that application is closed and the deadline has passed, another application window is opened to potential students who were unable to apply the first time. This is usually between November and February, depending on space availability in specific courses.
Does UCT Accept Late Applications
No, the University of Cape Town does not accept late applications. The university has explicitly stated that all applications will be closed this July 2025, so anyone who does not apply during this time will have themselves to blame. Essentially, they would have to wait for next year to apply.
Does UJ Allow Late Applications
Yes, the University of Johannesbery accepts late applications. However, their applications were closed in January. If you want to know when their late applications portal will be opened, you would have to check their website.
Does NWU Accept Late Applications
No, North-West University (NWU) does not accept late applications. All undergraduate applications for the 2025 academic year were closed on 31 August 2024
Is UWC Open For Late Applications
No, the University of West Cape does not accept late applications, and this applies to both post-graduate and undergraduate. If you wish to apply to this university, you have to apply within the specified time frame, that is, when the application window is open.