How to apply to university in South Africa

There is no single national application system. KwaZulu-Natal’s public universities apply through the CAO; UNISA has its own portal; every other university and college takes applications directly. Whichever route you need, the path is the same: work out your score, choose programmes you qualify for, apply on the right official portal before the deadline, and track your status. Here is exactly how, step by step.

The five steps to apply to a South African university or college: work out your APS, choose programmes you qualify for, apply on the correct official portal (the CAO for KwaZulu-Natal universities, UNISA on its own portal, or directly for every other institution), upload your documents and pay any application fee, then submit before the deadline and track your status.

The 5 steps

1. Work out your admission score

Most universities use the APS (Admission Point Score) - your best six NSC subjects (excluding Life Orientation), each scored 1 to 7 by percentage band. Some institutions score differently: UCT uses a Faculty Points Score, Wits and Rhodes use their own composites. Use the free calculator to get your APS and instantly see the programmes you qualify for.

2. Choose your programmes (and backups)

Pick programmes you actually meet the requirements for, plus one or two backups in case your first choice is full or you miss a subject minimum. Check that each programme is still open and note its closing date - deadlines vary by university and even by programme within the same university.

3. Apply through the right portal

There is no single national system. KwaZulu-Natal public universities (UKZN, DUT, MUT, UNIZULU) apply once through the CAO - one application and one fee cover up to six choices. UNISA has its own online portal. Every other university takes applications directly on its own site. AskSmarty links the correct portal on every programme and university page.

4. Upload your documents and pay any fee

Create your applicant profile, add your programmes, upload your documents, and pay the application fee if there is one. Many institutions are free to apply to; others charge R100 to R800. The fee is shown on each university page. You pay the institution directly - AskSmarty never takes payment.

5. Submit before the deadline and track your status

Submit before the closing date - late applications are not guaranteed and often cost more. Keep your reference number and proof of payment. Then check your status on the official portal using the login you created; it moves through stages as your application is reviewed.

Start with your APS

Which application route is yours?

CAO (KwaZulu-Natal public universities)

UKZN, DUT, MUT and UNIZULU all apply through the Central Applications Office at cao.ac.za. You create one profile, choose up to six programmes across those universities, and pay a single CAO fee. This is the only province with a shared clearing house - everywhere else you apply per institution.

UNISA (distance learning)

The University of South Africa runs its own application portal and its own application window, which is usually shorter than the contact universities. Apply at unisa.ac.za, and apply early because spaces in popular qualifications fill quickly.

Direct (every other university and most colleges)

Universities like UP, Wits, UCT, Stellenbosch, UJ and TUT, and private and TVET colleges, each take applications on their own websites. You apply separately to each one, with its own profile, fee and deadline. Use each programme page here to reach the right portal.

Documents you need ready

Your ID or passport. A certified copy of your South African ID, or your passport if you are an international applicant.
Your latest results. Your Grade 11 final and Grade 12 results, or your final matric certificate if you have already finished school. Some institutions accept your most recent report while you wait for finals.
Proof of payment. If the institution charges an application fee, keep the proof of payment - you usually upload it or quote the reference.
Supporting documents. Some programmes need extras: a portfolio (art, design, architecture), an NBT result, a CV or motivation, or proof of residence. The programme page or official site lists what each one needs.

What happens after you apply

Once you submit, the institution reviews your application against the programme requirements and the available space. You will get a reference number - keep it. Watch your status on the official portal: it moves from received, to under review, to an outcome. An offer may be firm (you have met everything) or conditional (you must still meet a final-results condition). Accept your offer by the date given, or you can lose the space. If you applied through the CAO, all your choices show in one place.

AskSmarty links you to the official portal to apply and to check your status. We never process applications, never take payment, and never ask for your portal login.

Common mistakes to avoid

Missing the deadline. Closing dates differ by university and programme, and some close early (popular or selection programmes). Apply as soon as the window opens, not on the last day.
Applying to only one programme. If your first choice is full or you miss one subject minimum, a single application leaves you with nothing. Always add a realistic backup.
Assuming you qualify. Meeting the minimum APS is not the same as being admitted - popular programmes take the highest scores first. Check the specific subject requirements, not just the points total.
Paying the wrong way. Never pay an application or registration fee into a personal bank account. Legitimate institutions use a business account in the institution name. Anyone asking otherwise is running a scam.
Losing your login. You check your status with the profile you created. Save your username, reference number and password - and never share them with anyone who offers to "check" or "fast-track" your application.

Application questions

Most universities open applications around March to May for the following year and close between June and September, though selection and popular programmes can close earlier. The CAO and UNISA run their own windows. Always confirm the exact dates for your institution and programme - they change every cycle and we show the current ones on each university page.

It depends on the province. KwaZulu-Natal public universities (UKZN, DUT, MUT, UNIZULU) apply through the CAO - one application for up to six choices. UNISA uses its own portal. Every other university takes applications directly on its own site. We link the correct portal on every programme page.

Application fees range from about R100 to R800, and many universities and colleges are free to apply to. In KwaZulu-Natal the CAO charges a single fee covering up to six choices. You pay the institution or the CAO directly - AskSmarty never takes payment, and NSFAS never charges you to apply.

Sometimes. Some institutions open a late-application window while space lasts, often at a higher fee, and the CAO runs a late round around November. A late window is never guaranteed and popular programmes are usually full. See our late applications page for what is still open.

You can still apply in your matric year using your Grade 11 final results and your latest Grade 12 marks. Your admission is provisional until your final NSC results confirm you meet the requirements. Apply on time with the results you have.

Use the official portal where you applied (the CAO, UNISA, or the university site), logging in with the profile you created. AskSmarty links to the official status pages but cannot look up your status for you. Never share your login with anyone.

Where to next

Check what you qualify for See deadlines NSFAS funding