This guide provides a complete list of application fees for all 26 public universities in South Africa for 2027. Discover which universities are free to apply, which require payment, and how the CAO system works.
| # | University Name | Application Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cape Peninsula Univ. of Tech (CPUT) | Free (Online) R100 (Manual) | R100 for manual applications. |
| 2 | Central Univ. of Tech (CUT) | Free | No application fee. |
| 3 | Durban Univ. of Tech (DUT) | R250 | Apply through the CAO (KZN system). |
| 4 | Mangosuthu Univ. of Tech (MUT) | R250 | Apply through the CAO. |
| 5 | Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | Free | Online applications only. |
| 6 | North-West University (NWU) | Free | For South African citizens. |
| 7 | Rhodes University (RU) | R100 | Standard fee. |
| 8 | Sefako Makgatho (SMU) | R300 | Health sciences focus. |
| 9 | Sol Plaatje University (SPU) | Free | No fee. |
| 10 | Stellenbosch University (SU) | R100 | Fee waivers available. |
| 11 | Tshwane Univ. of Tech (TUT) | R240 | Non-refundable. |
| 12 | University of Cape Town (UCT) | R100 | SADC applicants also pay. |
| 13 | University of Fort Hare (UFH) | Free (Online) R120 | Manual fee applies. |
| 14 | Univ. of the Free State (UFS) | Free | No online fee. |
| 15 | Univ. of Johannesburg (UJ) | Free (Online) R200 | Manual fee applies. |
| 16 | Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | R250 | Via CAO. |
| 17 | University of Limpopo (UL) | R200 | Non-refundable. |
| 18 | University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | R200 | EFT payment. |
| 19 | University of Pretoria (UP) | R300 | Waivers possible. |
| 20 | Univ. of South Africa (UNISA) | R135 – R150 | Varies yearly. |
| 21 | University of Venda (UNIVEN) | R100 | Online fee. |
| 22 | Univ. of the Western Cape (UWC) | Free | No fee. |
| 23 | Univ. of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | R100 | SA citizens. |
| 24 | University of Zululand (UniZulu) | R250 | Via CAO. |
| 25 | Vaal Univ. of Technology (VUT) | R100 | Standard. |
| 26 | Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | Free (Online) R100 | Manual routes may charge. |
Exciting news for aspiring engineers and scientists across South Africa! The application period for the 2027 Sasol Bursary Programme is officially open. This is a prime opportunity for ambitious stude...
Read More →Aspiring Chartered Accountants, your journey towards a rewarding career can begin now! The Thuthuka Bursary programme has officially opened its applications for the 2027 academic year. This is a uniqu...
Read More →Are you a young South African with a passion for agriculture and a dream of gaining international experience? Applications are now open for the Areyeng Brazil Summer School 2026, offering a unique, fu...
Read More →Are you a driven South African student aiming for a career in engineering or science? Securing funding for your tertiary education can be a significant hurdle, but the Sasol Bursary Programme offers a...
Read More →Are you a student from the Sekhukhune District in Limpopo with dreams of pursuing higher education in fields critical to South Africa's resources sector? Southern Sphere Platinum is offering a signifi...
Read More →Are you passionate about shaping South Africa's future through better roads and transport infrastructure? The South African Road Federation (SARF) is offering a valuable opportunity for students looki...
Read More →