How to Apply to Universities in South Africa (2027): Step by Step
South Africa's research universities charge international students local tuition plus an international fee: at the University of Cape Town, students from outside Africa pay an International Term Fee of ZAR 80,400 in 2026 on top of course fees, and at Wits non-SADC undergraduates pay double the local tuition. The academic year starts in February, with 2027 undergraduate applications closing between 30 June and 31 July or 30 September 2026. A study visa costs R425, allows 20 hours of work a week and requires South African medical scheme cover.
Undergraduate and postgraduate study in South Africa
Apply to the university in the year before you start. For 2027 entry: UCT undergraduate closed 31 July 2026 and postgraduate closes 30 September 2026; Wits closes most undergraduate programmes on 30 September 2026; Stellenbosch undergraduate closed 31 July.
Pay the application fee (R300 for non-SADC applicants at UCT, R400 for international applicants at Stellenbosch).
Prove English, usually IELTS 6.5.
Undergraduates: obtain a Matriculation Board exemption through the university (R1,070 in 2026).
Accept the offer and pay the initial fees; UCT wants an offer by 15 November for international applicants.
Apply for a study visa with the acceptance letter and South African medical scheme cover; applicants from Bangladesh apply through VFS in New Delhi.