As the 2025 academic year approaches, several South African universities are offering late application opportunities for prospective students who may have missed the initial deadlines. Below is a comprehensive list of these institutions, along with their respective late application periods and key details:
1. University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Late Application Period: 13 January 2025 – 27 January 2025
- Eligibility: Selected undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees, and postgraduate diplomas.
- Application Process: Online applications via the UNISA portal.
- Additional Information: UNISA is renowned for its accessible distance learning programmes, making it ideal for students requiring flexible study options.
- UNISA Prospectus
- UNISA APS Calculator
2. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Late Application Period: 14 January 2025 – 19 January 2025
- Application Process: Online applications only; subject to available spaces in programmes.
- Additional Notes: UJ provides a user-friendly late application portal with real-time updates on available programmes.
- UJ Prospectus
- UJ APS Calculator
3. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Late Application Period: Until quota is met
- Application Process: Online applications only; no walk-ins accepted.
- Additional Information: Late applications are limited to programmes with unfilled spaces.
- TUT Prospectus
- TUT APS Calculator
4. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Late Application Period: November 2024 – 13 January 2025 (specific dates to be confirmed)
- Application Process: Online applications for select programmes.
- Pro Tip: Monitor the CPUT website regularly for updates, as late application deadlines can close suddenly if spaces fill up
- CPUT Prospectus
- CPUT APS Calculator
5. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Late Application Period: January 2025 until quota is met
- Application Process: Online applications, depending on the programme.
- Considerations: Applying online is recommended
- DUT Prospectus
- DUT APS Calculator
6. University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- Late Application Period: January 2025 until the quota is met
- Application Process: Online applications; specific programmes may accept late applicants based on space availability.
- Tip: Check the UMP website for detailed information on available programmes and application procedures
- UMP Prospectus
- UMP APS Calculator
7. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- Late Application Period: Available till targets are reached.
- Application Process: Online applications via the CAO.
- Note: Late applications are subject to space availability in specific programmes.
- MUT Prospectus
- MUT APS Calculator
8. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Late Application Process:
- Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum requirements for your desired programme, including the required APS points.
- UKZN Prospectus
- UKZN APS Calculator
- Programme Availability: Late applications are not accepted for certain programmes, including:
- College of Health Sciences programmes
- Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree
- Education Studies (Bachelor of Education or Postgraduate Certificates in Education)
- Application Steps:
- Download and complete the Late Application Form.
- Attach certified copies of your ID and Matric certificate.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of R420.
- Compile all documents into a single PDF.
- Submit your application through the Freshdesk Portal.
- Additional Information: After submission, track the progress of your application online.
- Some applications available:
- B Architectural Studies
- B Com (General)
- B Com (Accounting)
- All Engineering programs
- Change of minds are open for the following programmes:
- All programmes in the College of Law and Management Studies excluding LLB and B Bus Admin
- All programmes in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science
Important Considerations for Late Applicants:
- Limited Availability: Late applications are subject to space availability; applying early within the late application window increases your chances of acceptance.
- Application Process: Most institutions prefer or exclusively accept online applications during the late application period. Ensure you have reliable internet access and all necessary documents ready for upload.
- Required Documents: Commonly required documents include certified copies of your ID, academic transcripts, and, for postgraduate applicants, degree certificates.
- Application Fees: Some universities may require a non-refundable application fee. See each university's applications here.
Understanding the Central Application Clearing House (CACH)
For students who have not secured a place at a post-school higher education institution, the Central Application Clearing House (CACH) offers a valuable opportunity. Managed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), CACH is a free service designed to match applicants' National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam results and study preferences with available places in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Key Details about CACH:
- Application Period: 20 January 2025 – 31 March 2025
- Eligibility: Learners who have completed Grade 12 from 2000 onwards are eligible to sign up.
- Application Process:
- Visit the official CACH website: https://cach.cas.ac.za/
- Complete the online sign-up form, providing accurate personal and academic information.
- No documents are required during registration, as CACH receives matriculation results directly from the Department of Basic Education.
Missing the initial application deadlines doesn't have to mean missing out on higher education in 2025. By taking advantage of the late application opportunities provided by these institutions, you can still pursue your academic goals. Act promptly, ensure all your documents are in order, and submit your applications within the specified timeframes to enhance your chances of success.
NOTE: UniApplyForMe does NOT assist with late applications. 2026 Applications Assistance will begin in March 2025.
