Looking for a university in Gauteng for 2027? Gauteng’s public universities range from research universities such as Wits and the University of Pretoria to universities of technology and Unisa’s distance learning. Most have closed their 2027 applications, but VUT and UJ are still open. Here are the closing dates and what to do if you missed the deadline.
Still open: the University of Johannesburg accepts undergraduate applications for 2027 until Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 12:00, and VUT accepts South African applicants until Friday, 30 October 2026.
Last checked: 20 October 2026.
2027 Application Closing Dates at Gauteng’s Public Universities
| University | Main campus city | 2027 undergraduate applications |
|---|---|---|
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | Johannesburg | Open until 31 October 2026, 12:00 |
| University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | Johannesburg | Closed. Health Sciences and some other programmes closed on 30 June 2026; all others on 30 September 2026 |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | Pretoria | Closed. Veterinary Science closed on 31 May 2026; all other undergraduate programmes on 30 June 2026 |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | Pretoria | Most programmes closed on 15 June, 31 July or 30 September 2026. TUT listed some qualifications as still open on 1 October 2026; check tut.ac.za. |
| Vaal University of Technology (VUT) | Vanderbijlpark | South African applicants: 30 October 2026, according to VUT’s 2027 application information (some programmes closed 31 July; international applicants 30 September); confirm with VUT. |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) | Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria | Closed on 31 July 2026 |
| University of South Africa (Unisa) | Pretoria (distance learning) | Unisa says information for the 2027 academic year will be published shortly |
Dates are from each university’s official website. Some programmes close earlier than the main deadline, and a programme can close early once it is full, so check your programme on the university’s site before you apply.
How to Apply
- Choose your programme and check its admission requirements and closing date on the university’s website.
- Apply online on the university’s own application portal. Gauteng’s universities do not use a central application office, so apply to each university separately.
- Pay the application fee if the university charges one, and upload certified copies of your ID and your latest results.
- Apply for residence separately if you need a place to stay; residence deadlines can differ from the academic deadline.
- Apply for funding at the same time. Students who need financial help can apply to NSFAS.
- Track your application on the university’s portal and respond quickly to any request for documents.
Missed the Deadline? What You Can Still Do
- Apply to UJ before 31 October 2026 if a programme you qualify for is still open.
- Use the Central Application Clearing House (CACH). The Department of Higher Education and Training runs this online service to help applicants who were not placed find space at another institution. It usually runs after the matric results are released; check the DHET website for dates.
- Consider a TVET college. See our list of accredited TVET colleges in Gauteng.
- Watch for Unisa’s 2027 application dates, which the university says it will publish shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a “University of Gauteng”?
No. There is no single university called the University of Gauteng. The province’s public universities are UJ, Wits, the University of Pretoria, TUT, VUT, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and Unisa.
Which Gauteng universities are still open for 2027 applications?
As of 20 October 2026, the University of Johannesburg is open for undergraduate applications until 31 October 2026 at 12:00, and VUT accepts South African applicants until 30 October 2026. Wits, UP and SMU have closed their main 2027 undergraduate applications, and TUT listed some qualifications as still open on 1 October 2026.
When do Gauteng universities open applications for 2028?
Most open in April of the year before you study. For 2027, UJ, UP and SMU opened on 1 April 2026. Check each university’s website from early 2027 for the 2028 dates.
