Prospective students hoping to secure a last-minute university placement for the 2026 academic year have been warned not to arrive on campus unannounced.
Several of South Africa’s major universities have confirmed that late and walk-in applications will not be considered, citing overwhelming demand and limited capacity.
Admissions processes are now focused on finalising offers made to applicants who met deadlines months ago.
No walk-ins, no late applications: Universities close the door for 2026
According to CapeTown ETC, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) said demand for first-year places far exceeds available space. The institution received more than 177 000 applications for just 4 715 first-year spots.
UWC spokesperson Gasant Abarder confirmed that no exceptions would be made for late applications or walk-ins.
He added that applicants awaiting outcomes should be patient, as the next phase of admissions depends on the release of final matric results. Offers are expected to be issued from 14 January as acceptances are tracked.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has adopted a similar position.
UCT spokesperson Velisile Bukula said admission consideration is limited to applicants who submitted complete applications by the 31 July 2025 deadline.
UCT plans to enrol approximately 4 000 first-time undergraduate students for 2026 across its six faculties, in line with Department of Higher Education and Training guidelines. To achieve this, the university uses an over-offer model, issuing around 12 000 offers to secure the final intake.
Bukula said UCT has already reached its over-offer targets and expects sufficient conditional offers to convert into confirmed enrolments once matric results are released.
Stellenbosch University has also confirmed that applications for 2026 closed in July 2025 and that no walk-ins or late submissions will be accepted.
SU spokesperson Martin Viljoen said application deadlines are necessary to ensure fair and well-managed admissions processes.
While no new applications will be considered, he noted that applicants on waiting lists may still be contacted if spaces open up after registration.
And for anyone hoping January will bring last-minute opportunities, the answer from campuses across the Western Cape is the same: Planning ahead is no longer optional.
