Late applications · 2027 entry · National
Yes - 1,247 programmes are still open.
1137 close within 60 days. Across 21 institutions. Spaces fill before deadlines, so apply on the official portal as soon as you can.
There is no single national late-application system in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal’s public universities apply through the CAO; UNISA and every other university run their own portals - each with its own closing date and late rules. Some open a late window while space lasts (often at a higher fee); others close hard. AskSmarty shows the published closing date and status for each programme so you can move fast.
Still open now
Soonest-closing first · 1,247 open total30Sep 26
Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Design / Graphic Design
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Fine Art
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Interior Design
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Accounting Bridging Course
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Dip ICT: Applications Development (4 year Foundation programme)
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Bachelor of Applied Science in Biotechnology
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Bachelor of Applied Science in Food Science and Technology
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electronic Engineering
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Dip Business & Information Management
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Industrial Engineering
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Dip Management Sciences: Business Law
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Dip ICT: Business Analysis
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Clothing Management
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
B Child & Youth Care
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Accounting
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Consumer Sciences in Food and Nutrition
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Internal Auditing
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Drama
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Taxation
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Chemical Engineering
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Dip Public Administration: Local Government
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
B Health Sciences: Homeopathy
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Hospitality Management
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
B Health Sciences: Emergency Medical Care
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology in Internet of Things (IoT)
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Degree
Closing soonApply now
30Sep 26
Diploma in Management Accounting
DUT · KwaZulu-Natal · Diploma
Closing soonApply now
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Reserved · in-content unit · empty at launch
Institutions with open programmes
NMU
199 open programmes
Eastern Cape
UFS
169 open programmes
Free State
TUT
125 open programmes
Gauteng
Wits
103 open programmes
Gauteng
WSU
84 open programmes
Eastern Cape
Eduvos
84 open programmes
National
UNISA
80 open programmes
National
UNIZULU
73 open programmes
KwaZulu-Natal
UFH
49 open programmes
Eastern Cape
DUT
48 open programmes
KwaZulu-Natal
UKZN
39 open programmes
KwaZulu-Natal
Univen
35 open programmes
Limpopo
Late application questions
Sometimes. Some institutions open a late-application window if they still have space, usually with a higher application fee and fewer programme choices. Only the institution can confirm a late window - AskSmarty shows the published closing date, and you should check the official site for the specific programme before relying on a late round.
It changes every cycle and depends on whether a programme still has space, so there is no fixed national list. Use the live "still open now" list on this page (sorted soonest-closing first) and confirm on each institution's official site. Distance options like UNISA often have a longer window than contact universities.
Yes for some programmes. A number of qualifications have a mid-year (Term 2 / Term 3) start with their own later closing date. Filter the deadline tracker for programmes that are still open to see current mid-year options.
Consider a Higher Certificate as a bridging route into a diploma or degree, look at private colleges (often more flexible entry than public universities), or UNISA distance programmes. You can also plan ahead and apply early for the next cycle. Re-run the APS calculator with "Open only" to see what you can still apply for right now.
Often, yes. Many institutions charge a higher fee for late or walk-in applications, and some waive fees only during the standard window. The application fee is shown on each university page. AskSmarty never takes payment - you pay the institution directly on its official portal.
AskSmarty is an independent national guide - not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any university, college, or the CAO. Closing dates are drawn from official prospectuses and updated 19 Sept 2026. A late window is never guaranteed; always confirm on the institution’s official site before relying on it. We never take payment - you apply on the official portal.