Closing Dates for University Applications in South Africa
The university application process can be very complex due to its time specific deadlines. These closing dates for application can differ to a large extent, based on the program and level of study you have in mind. But guess what? Missing these dates means missing out on studying a course from the campus of your dreams. But worry no more, Future Skills has compiled an articleto help you keep track of these dates and ensure your application process sails smoothly.
Important Points
Before we go into dates, here are a couple of things to take note of:
Multiple Deadlines: Different programs at the same university may have different application dates.
Early Applications: Applications should be made as early as possible. Some programs fill very quickly, and applications may be considered on a first come, first serve basis.
Application Documentation: Ensure that all documentation is ready and timeously submitted, like academic records and identification documents or payment for application fees.
South Afirca’s Top Universities and Submission Deadlines
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Undergraduate Programmes: Closing dates for most undergraduate applications is 31st July each year. Note: Certain programmes, specifically in the case of the Health Sciences, might have an earlier deadline.
Postgraduate Programmes: These deadlines offer a wide variation across faculties and individual programmes. generally, they are between the period from mid-October to early December.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Application for undergraduate studies: Applications close on 30 June of the year of study:.
Postgraduate Programmes: Deadlines for these differ from programme to programme. A student would have to check with the faculty on the requirements.
Stellenbosch University
Applications are generally closed for every semester by 31 July.
Last application date for postgraduate programmes could be as early as 30 June in the case of certain faculties whilst for others, closing dates are later on in the year.
Undergraduate programs: Closing dates is 30 September but for certain programs such as Veterinary Science, application closes even earlier. Postgraduate programs: The closing dates vary across departments but for most courses, application closes anytime between July and November.
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Undergraduate Programs: Applications will normally close on 30 September.
Postgraduate programs: General closing dates for all applications will be as follows: Most are in October and in December.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Generally, the deadline for Undergraduate Programs is 30 September.
Postgraduate Programs: Deadlines vary rather significantly and is dependent more on the school or department.
University of South Africa (UNISA)
However, applications usually close on 30 September for first semester intake and mid-April for second semester intake for Undergraduate Programs.
Postgraduate courses: These generally have different deadlines but many of them seem to close in mid November for the following year of academic study.
Rhodes University
Undergraduate Programs: Applications are normally closed on 30 September.
Postgraduate Courses: Deadlines are different for each department but are generally between September and November.
Tip for Candidates
Early Preparation: Document gathering and application preparation should be done early in the process.
Regular Updates: The student is to keep checking the university website for any updates or change in deadlines.
Online Applications: Most universities have an online application portal. Familiarize yourself with them early so that you do not end up facing any last-minute problems.
Knowing the applications deadlines is very important to preventing the failure to apply to most South African universities. Keeping yourself updated on when the deadlines to the application submissions are will go a long way in ensuring your place in your programme of choice. It should be noted that admission requirements and deadlines differ across all universities or faculties.