UNIVERSITIES OPEN FOR 2026 REGISTRATION
Universities Are Open for 2026 Registrations: Here’s Where and When to Register
Introduction
The countdown to the 2026 academic year is on! Universities across South Africa have officially opened registration, giving students the chance to secure their spots for the upcoming year. Whether you’re a first-year student excited to begin your journey or a returning student ready to continue your studies, now is the perfect time to plan ahead and register early.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the key registration dates, university-specific details, and practical tips to make sure your registration process is smooth and stress-free.
3. Why Early Registration is Important
Registering early for the 2026 academic year comes with several advantages that can make a big difference in your university experience:
Secures your preferred program and modules
Popular courses and modules fill up fast. Early registration ensures you get the classes you want without being waitlisted.
Increases chances for accommodation and scholarships
University housing and bursaries are limited. Registering early gives you a better shot at securing a room on campus and qualifying for financial aid.
Avoids late fees and limited options
Waiting until the last minute can lead to higher fees, fewer course choices, and unnecessary stress. Early registration keeps everything on track.
Tip: Treat registration like booking a ticket for a popular event — the earlier you act, the better your options!
4. 2026 University Registration Dates in South Africa
Here’s a breakdown of major universities and their registration schedules for 2026:
| University | Registration Start | Registration End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | Jan 5 (continuing students) | Feb 6 | New students register from Jan 17; assisted registration available |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | Jan 2 | Feb 6 | Online registration for all students |
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | Jan 12 | Early Feb | Online registration for senior students; first-years follow shortly after |
| Stellenbosch University (SU) | Jan 12 (senior) | Early Feb | First-years register Jan 22; assisted registration continues |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | Jan 6 (returning) | Feb 7 (first-years) | First-year registration Feb 2–7 |
| University of South Africa (Unisa) | Jan 7 | Feb 20–Mar 31 | Dates vary by qualification |
| University of North West (NWU) | Jan 19 | Feb 7 | Returning students Jan 27 |
| Vaal University of Technology (VUT) | Jan 8 (postgrad) | Mar 31 | First-years Jan 19 until quotas filled; senior students Jan 23–Feb 1 |
| Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | Jan 15 | Feb 28 | Online registration; late registration closes Feb 28 |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | Jan 6–30 | Feb 6 | First-years online Jan, in-person Jan 26–30; returning students online Jan 6–Feb 6, in-person Feb 2–6 |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | Jan 12–30 | Feb 6 | First-years off-campus/online Jan 20–Feb 6; returning students Jan 12–30 |
| University of Zululand (UniZulu) | Jan 6 | Feb 13 | Online registration |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | Jan 12 | Varies | Online registration starts earlier; check detailed timetable online |
| Central University of Technology (CUT) | Jan 19 (first-time) | Feb 28 | Senior students Jan 27–30; postgrad research registration Feb 28 |
| University of Western Cape (UWC) | Jan 9 | Feb 6 | New/first-time students Jan 9–30; postgrad/returning students Jan 9–Feb 6 |
| University of Limpopo (UL) | Jan 9 | Feb 6 | First-years Jan 22–Feb 6; returning students Jan 9 |
Tip: Students should regularly check faculty-specific registration dates via university websites or email announcements, as these may vary by program.
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Register
Registering for university doesn’t have to be stressful if you follow a clear process. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for 2026 registration:
Verify your admission status and program eligibility
Before you begin, make sure your application has been accepted and you meet all the requirements for your chosen program.
Gather required documents
Have all necessary documents ready, including:
ID or passport
Academic results or transcripts
Proof of acceptance
Payment details for registration fees
Visit the university’s online portal or attend in-person registration
Most universities offer online registration, but some may require in-person assistance for first-year or returning students. Check your university’s website for details.
Pay registration fees and confirm your registration
Complete the payment process and ensure your registration is officially confirmed. Some universities provide a digital receipt or confirmation email.
Save your confirmation receipt for future reference
Keep a copy of your registration confirmation—either printed or digital. You may need it for accommodation, financial aid, or administrative purposes later.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until the last day to register. Early registration helps avoid technical glitches, long queues, or missed deadlines.
6. Scholarships, Accommodation & Financial Aid
Registering early doesn’t just secure your spot in classes—it can also give you a head start on funding and housing opportunities:
Better chances for housing and bursaries
University accommodation and bursaries are limited. Early registration often gives students priority access, ensuring you don’t miss out on on-campus housing or financial support.
Check your university portal for deadlines
Each university sets its own deadlines for scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid. Make sure to regularly monitor your student portal or university emails so you don’t miss important dates.
Apply as soon as registration opens
Some scholarships and bursaries are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying early can significantly increase your chances of receiving funding.
Pro tip: Even if you’re unsure about your financial situation, start the application process early. You can always update or submit additional documents later.
7. Conclusion
The 2026 academic year is officially underway — don’t wait until the last minute! Register early to secure your courses, modules, and accommodation, and set yourself up for a smooth and successful year ahead.
Call to action:
✅ Make a checklist of your documents, registration deadlines, and payment requirements today.
✅ Share in the comments which university you’re registering at — you might get helpful tips from other students!
Remember: early preparation today means less stress and more opportunities tomorrow.