List of South African Universities with No Application Fees

Apply to Multiple Universities Without Paying Application Fees
Getting into university is highly competitive, so it’s a smart idea to apply to more than one institution in case you don’t get accepted at your first choice. However, applying to several universities can get expensive because many universities charge application fees.

Good News: Some South African Universities Don’t Charge Application Fees!
South Africa has 26 public universities, and surprisingly, quite a few do not require an application fee. This is great news if you want to keep your options open without worrying about multiple fees.

Here’s a list of universities where you can apply for free for the 2026 academic year:

Universities with No Application Fee
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Offers a wide range of courses including diplomas, degrees, postgraduate programmes, and many online courses ranging from short courses to full certificates and continuing education.

North West University (NWU)
Provides undergraduate, postgraduate, distance learning, and short courses across three campuses: Mafikeng, Potchefstroom, and Vaal Triangle.

University of the Free State (UFS)
No application fee required. UFS offers nine faculties, Open Distance Learning, a Business School, and more than 22 sports disciplines.

Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
Located in Kimberley, SPU offers courses in Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Humanities, and Natural & Applied Sciences.

Central University of Technology (CUT)
No application fee for online applications. CUT’s faculties include Engineering, Built Environment & IT, Health & Environmental Sciences, Humanities, and Management Sciences.
Note: Applications for 2026 close on 30 September 2025. No late or walk-in applications are accepted.

Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Apply online for diplomas or degrees without an application fee using NMU’s online system.

Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
WSU only accepts online applications and does not charge an application fee. The university focuses on affordable, career-focused programmes addressing rural development and urban renewal.

University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Applications are free and must be submitted online via UWC’s application portal.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
CPUT has campuses in Cape Town, Mowbray, Bellville, and Wellington. Online applications for 2026 courses are free.

University of Venda (UNIVEN)
Located in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, UNIVEN offers courses aimed at producing graduates with locally relevant and globally competitive skills.

Bonus Tip: NSFAS Funding Covers Application Fees Too!
If you qualify for NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funding, NSFAS will cover your university application fees, so you don’t have to worry about these costs.