Applying to university? Understanding South African university application fees is essential before submitting your application.
Different universities charge different fees, and some institutions even offer fee waivers.
In this guide, we break down the 2026 university application fees, explain how to pay, and highlight which universities have no application fees in South Africa.
Before submitting your university application, it’s important to know how much the application fee is for each institution. Application fees vary across universities, with some charging as little as R100, while others require R300 or more.
Good news! Some universities have no application fees in South Africa. This means you can apply for free at certain institutions. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of South African university application fees for 2026, including payment methods and fee waiver options.
Looking for universities that allow you to apply for free online? Some South African institutions do not charge an application fee, making higher education more accessible.
Here’s a list of universities where you can apply without paying an application fee:
| University |
|---|
Most universities in South Africa require an application fee to process admissions. These fees vary by institution and are non-refundable, so it's important to pay the correct amount before submitting your application.
Below is a list of universities with application fees, along with their costs:
| University | Fee |
|---|---|
R100 for SA and foreign citizens | |
R100 for SA and foreign ctizens. SA citizens in quintile 1 – 4 schools DO NOT pay an application fee. | |
R100 for SA & SADC citizens and R300 for foreign citizens outside SADC | |
R100 for SA citizens and R700 for foreign citizens | |
R120 for SA and foreign citizens | |
R140 for SA and foreign citizens | |
R200 for SA citizens and R750 for foreign citizens outside SADC | |
R200 for SA citizens and R400 for SADC citizens and R550 for foreign citizens outside SADC | |
R200 for SA citizens and R220 for foreign citizens | |
R240 for SA and foreign citizens | |
R250 CAO application fee for SA citizens and R300 for foreign citizens | |
R250 CAO application fee for SA citizens and R300 for foreign citizens | |
R250 CAO application fee for SA citizens and R300 for foreign citizens | |
R250 CAO application fee for SA citizens and R300 for foreign citizens | |
R300 for SA citizens and $30 USD for foreign citizens. SA citizens whose household income is lower than or equal to R150 000 DO NOT pay an application fee. | |
R300 for SA and foreign citizens |
Looking for a quick and easy reference to all South African university application fees? Download our comprehensive 2025 University Application Fees Guide to access:
Once you’ve determined the university application fee for your chosen institution, the next step is making the payment correctly and on time.
Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth payment process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Most universities in South Africa offer multiple payment options. Below are the common payment methods:
Warning: Some applicants fall victim to scams where fake bank details or third-party payment services are provided.
To avoid fraud:
Some universities will not process your application without proof of payment. To avoid missing out:
Here are some common questions about South African university application fees to help you navigate the application process smoothly
No, application fees are non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful. Before paying, double-check your eligibility and university requirements to avoid unnecessary expenses.
If you accidentally overpay or underpay, you should:
✔️ Contact the university’s finance department immediately.
✔️ Provide proof of payment and your student reference number.
✔️ Follow the university’s procedure to resolve the issue.
🔹 Some universities do not refund overpayments, so always pay the exact amount stated.
Most universities require proof of payment before processing your application. However, you may not need to pay if:
✅ You’re applying to a fee-free university.
✅ You qualify for a fee waiver based on financial need.
💡 Tip: If you’re unable to afford the fee, check if the university offers a waiver application or consider applying to no-fee institutions first.
Yes, some universities charge higher application fees for international applicants. Fees can range from R300 to R1,000+, depending on the institution.
💡 Check the university’s international admissions page for the exact fee structure.
Yes! Many students apply to multiple universities to increase their chances of acceptance. However, keep in mind:
✔️ You’ll need to pay each university’s application fee separately (unless they offer free applications).
✔️ Applying early helps you avoid last-minute delays and processing issues.
Most universities charge a single application fee per institution, regardless of how many courses you apply for. However, some universities may charge additional fees for postgraduate applications or specific programmes.
Most universities require one of the following as proof of payment:
Make sure your proof of payment includes your name and reference number to avoid processing delays.
No, most universities will not process your application without proof of payment. It’s essential to pay before submission and upload your proof of payment along with your application.
If you miss the official application deadline, you may have to pay a late application fee (CAO) or risk your application being rejected. Some universities do not accept late payments at all.
No, application fees are specific to each university and cannot be transferred or used for another institution. If you decide to apply elsewhere, you will need to pay the new university’s application fee separately.
If your payment does not appear in the university’s system within the expected timeframe:
Most public TVET colleges in South Africa do not charge an application fee, but private colleges may have different policies. Always check with the specific college before applying.
It seems as if you are not on the official UniApplyForMe website, please click the button below to be direct to the correct site.
