South African Higher Education Application Guide
This is the question I get asked most every April: "okay, I know my APS, now what do I actually do?" Here's the answer, broken down by province.
Universal Application Checklist
Before applying anywhere, ensure you have clear, digital copies (PDF or JPEG) of these essential documents:
- Certified Copy of your ID: Must not be older than 3 months.
- Final Grade 11 Results: Signed and stamped by your school principal (if you are currently in Grade 12).
- Matric Certificate / NSC Results: If you have already completed high school.
- Parent/Guardian ID Copy: Often required for financial agreements or if you are under 18.
- Proof of Residence: Required by specific institutions for regional placement scoring.
KwaZulu-Natal: Applying via CAO
If you intend to study at public institutions in KZN, you do not apply to them individually. Instead, you use the Central Applications Office (CAO) system to apply to multiple places at once.
Target Institutions: UKZN, DUT, MUT, UNIZULU, and various KZN TVET colleges.
- Get a CAO Handbook: Download it from the official CAO website to locate your specific course codes.
- Create an Account: Click "Apply Now" on the CAO portal to generate a unique CAO profile number.
- Submit Program Choices: Enter up to 6 different course choices across different universities in order of your preference.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the standard administration fee (usually around R250) online or at any EasyPay vendor.
Gauteng, Western Cape & Other Provinces
For institutions outside of KwaZulu-Natal, there is currently no single central application portal. You must apply directly to each university through their respective institutional websites.
Universities like UJ, Wits, UP, TUT, and SMU require individual registrations. Most Gauteng institutions (specifically UJ and Wits) do not charge an application fee if you apply completely online, making it highly accessible to apply to more than one.
Institutions like UCT, Stellenbosch, UWC, CPUT, NWU, and UFS manage autonomous portals. Be aware that institutions like Stellenbosch or UCT often have early closing dates (frequently around July or August) for specific competitive faculties.
- Visit the official university website and navigate to the "Study / Apply" link.
- Create an applicant profile to receive a temporary student reference number.
- Upload your sorted digital documentation (Checklist above).
- Submit your submission and monitor your portal/email regularly for conditional offers.
Distance & Correspondence Learning (UNISA)
As the largest open distance learning institution in Africa, UNISA operates on its own application windows, opening and closing later than traditional walk-in varsities.
Note: UNISA strictly requires a non-refundable application fee (usually R135) to process your submission. You can select up to two qualifications choices. It is a fantastic option if you intend to complete a Higher Certificate to upgrade your APS score.
Typical Application Windows
Application dates shift slightly every year, so always confirm the exact closing date on the institution's own site. As a general guide, most public universities and the CAO follow this rhythm:
| Route | Applications Open | Typical Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| CAO (KZN) | April | 30 September |
| UJ / Wits (Gauteng, online) | April | 31 August |
| UP / TUT / SMU | April | 30 September |
| UCT / Stellenbosch (competitive faculties) | April | 31 July |
| UNISA | April | Late November |
Dates are indicative only and can move each admissions cycle, so treat "early" as safer than "on time."
Application FAQs
Can I apply to more than one university at the same time?
Yes. Outside of KZN, each application is separate and paid for individually, so there is no limit other than your budget and time. Within the CAO system you can list up to six programme choices on a single application.
Do I need my final matric results to apply?
No. Most institutions accept applications based on your Grade 11 final marks or your mid-year Grade 12 results, and then confirm your place once your final National Senior Certificate (NSC) results are released in January.
What happens if my APS score changes after final results?
Universities recalculate your APS using your final NSC results. If your score drops below the minimum for your original choice, most institutions will automatically consider you for a related programme with a lower requirement, but that's not guaranteed, so check directly with the admissions office.
Is there a way to apply for free?
Some institutions, including UJ and Wits, waive the application fee for learners who apply entirely online. Fee waivers may also be available if you can demonstrate financial hardship. Ask the admissions office directly, since policies differ by institution and year.