How to Apply to South African Universities: Complete Guide 2026

University applications are one of the most stressful processes South African matric students navigate — not because they are complicated, but because the consequences of missing a deadline or misunderstanding an APS requirement are so significant. Our team has gone through the admission requirements and processes for all major South African universities to write this guide. The most important thing we can tell you upfront: the deadlines are earlier than most students expect, and late applications are rarely considered for competitive programmes.

The APS score: what it is and how to calculate it

The Admission Point Score (APS) is a numerical value calculated from your NSC subject results. Most South African universities use the APS to screen applicants for minimum programme requirements. The APS calculation assigns points to each subject result: 80-100% = 7 points, 70-79% = 6 points, 60-69% = 5 points, 50-59% = 4 points, 40-49% = 3 points, 30-39% = 2 points, 0-29% = 1 point.

Most universities calculate APS from your six best subjects excluding Life Orientation (which typically contributes either 0 points or a maximum of 4 points depending on the institution). Some universities include Life Orientation; check each university's specific policy. A standard APS is out of 42 (six subjects × 7 points each, excluding Life Orientation). Some universities calculate from seven subjects — check the specific APS calculation method for each institution you are applying to.

CAO: how the central application works

The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for most South African universities through a single online portal at cao.ac.za. Rather than applying to each university separately, you complete one CAO application that can include multiple universities and programmes. The CAO application fee covers a set number of choices — additional choices incur extra fees.

CAO opening date is typically 1 April each year. The priority closing date (for best consideration) is 31 July. Late applications are accepted until 30 September but may not be considered for competitive or limited-space programmes. Applications submitted after the priority closing date are processed after all priority applications — in popular programmes this often means no spaces remain.

Which universities require NBT results

Most research-intensive universities in South Africa require NBT results alongside your NSC marks. Universities that use NBT results include UCT (required for all first-year applicants), Wits (required for some faculties), Stellenbosch University (required for some programmes), University of Pretoria (required for some programmes), and others. The NBT is not required for TVET college applications or most universities of technology.

NBT test dates run from approximately April to October each year. Register at nbt.ac.za at least 4 to 6 weeks before your chosen test date — popular centres fill up quickly. Results are released within 4 to 6 weeks of the test date. Make sure your test date allows enough time for results to be available before the university's application deadline.

Programme-specific requirements: what to check

Every programme at every university has its own specific admission requirements beyond the general APS minimum. These typically specify: minimum marks in particular subjects (e.g., 60% in Mathematics for Engineering; 50% in English Home Language for most programmes), minimum APS score for the specific programme, and sometimes NBT performance band requirements. Do not assume that meeting the general university APS minimum qualifies you for a specific programme — the programme requirements are always more specific.

The most competitive programmes in South Africa for 2026 include Medicine (MBChB) at UCT, Wits, UP, and UKZN; Engineering at UCT and Wits; Law at UCT; Commerce at UCT and Wits; Chartered Accountancy (BCom Accounting) at all major universities; and Architecture at UCT and Wits. For these programmes, meeting the minimum requirements is rarely sufficient — your marks need to be competitive relative to other applicants in that year's pool.

NSFAS: funding your studies

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance for eligible South African students to study at public universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, transport, and learning materials for qualifying students. Eligibility is means-tested based on household income — students from households with a combined gross annual income below R350,000 may qualify for full bursary funding.

NSFAS applications open in September each year for the following academic year. Apply as early as possible — the portal becomes congested near the closing date and late applications are processed after on-time ones. You will need your NSC results (or predicted results), your and your parent/guardian's ID numbers, proof of income or SASSA grant documentation, and proof of residence. Submit your NSFAS application before or simultaneously with your university application.

Timeline: when to do what

Grade 11 (last term): Research programmes and minimum requirements. Start a shortlist of universities and programmes. Register for and write the NBT if you can — some universities accept Grade 11 NBT results.

Grade 12 (April–May): CAO application opens. Apply early — before 31 July for priority consideration. Submit NBT registration for mid-year test dates.

Grade 12 (June–August): Write NBT if not already done. Mid-year results available — use them to refine your university shortlist based on your realistic performance trajectory.

Grade 12 (October–November): NSC exams. Provisional offers from universities begin arriving from September onwards — respond to offers within the stipulated deadline even if you are waiting for other offers.

January (following year): NSC results released. Final university offers confirmed. NSFAS funding confirmed. Registration at chosen institution.