2026 University Application Fees

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.

University Application Fees for 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Apply?

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.

Universities With No Application Fees

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:

Universities With Application Fees

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

Download the Complete 2026 University Application Fees Guide

Looking for a quick and easy reference to all South African university application fees? Download our comprehensive 2025 University Application Fees Guide to access:

  • Application fees for all public universities
  • List of universities with no application fees
  • Fee waiver options and financial assistance details

How to Pay University Application Fees – Guidelines & Deadlines

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.

How to Pay Your Application Fee

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:

  • Only use the official university website always ends with .ac.za to find banking details.
  • Never pay application fees through agents or third-party companies claiming to handle payments.
  • After making payment, keep your proof of payment for reference in case of any issues.

Application Fee Deadlines – Pay On Time!

Some universities will not process your application without proof of payment. To avoid missing out:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about South African university application fees to help you navigate the application process smoothly

Can I get a refund if I don’t get accepted?

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.

What happens if I pay the wrong amount?

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.

Can I apply without paying the fee?

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.

Do international students pay higher application fees?

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.

Can I apply to multiple universities at once?

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.

Do I need to pay an application fee for each course I apply to?

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.

What proof of payment should I submit with my application?

Most universities require one of the following as proof of payment:

  • Bank deposit slip (if paid at a bank)
  • Screenshot of EFT payment (if paid via online banking)
  • PDF receipt from the online payment portal

Make sure your proof of payment includes your name and reference number to avoid processing delays.

Can I pay my application fee after submitting my application?

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.

Are there penalties for late payment of application fees?

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.

Can I transfer my application fee to another university?

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.

What should I do if my payment is not reflected in the university system?

If your payment does not appear in the university’s system within the expected timeframe:

  1. Check the payment processing time on the university’s website.
  2. Contact the university’s finance or admissions office with proof of payment.
  3. Ensure that you used the correct reference number when making the payment.
Do TVET colleges require an application fee?

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.

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