South African Universities with Free Application Options

Universities With No Application Fee for 2026
1. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Wide range of diplomas, degrees, postgrad courses, and online study options.

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

3. University of the Free State (UFS)
No application fee required. Nine faculties plus Open Distance Learning and Business School.

4. Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
Single campus in Kimberley offering courses in Economic & Management Sciences, Education, Humanities, and Natural & Applied Sciences.

5. Central University of Technology (CUT)
No fee for applying. Offers Engineering, Built Environment & IT, Health & Environmental Sciences, Humanities, and Management Sciences.

6. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Apply online without a fee for diploma and degree programmes.

7. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Online applications only, no application fee. Focus on career-focused programmes supporting rural and urban development.

8. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Applications via the online portal with no fee.

9. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
No application fee for online applications.

10. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
Free online applications; paper-based applications cost R120.

11. University of Venda (UNIVEN)
Open applications with no application fee required.

Additional Notes:

University of Pretoria: Can waive application fee if you submit an affidavit (police-authorized).

University of Cape Town (UCT): No application fee, but you must pay for the National Benchmark Tests.

University of Stellenbosch: Applicants from government schools can apply without an application fee.