2025 Universities with no Application Fee

South Africa is home to 26 public universities. Usually when applying to universities, you often need to budget for application fees.

Interestingly, there are certain universities in the country that do not require an application fee. Considering that application fees can be quite costly, it is beneficial to be aware of the universities that waive this requirement. Here is a list of South African universities that do not ask for an application fee:

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

The University of Johannesburg (UJ offers a wide range of course, from diplomas to degrees to postgraduate courses. UJ also offers a wide range of online courses. These range from short courses to full certificates, continuing education programmes, degrees and postgraduate courses.

North West University (NWU)

North West University (NWU offers Undergraduate studies, Postgrad studies, Distance Learning and Short Courses. NWU has three campuses, namely: Mafikeng Campus, Potchefstroom Campus and the Vaal Triangle Campus.

University of the Free State (UFS)

The University of the Free State (UFS does not need an application fee to be paid to apply.

UFS has nine faculties for prospective students to choose from. Along with these faculties, they also offer Open Distance Learning and Business School. Students can also participate in more than 22 different sport disciplines.

Sol Plaatje University

Sol Plaatje Universit doesn't need an application fee to apply. SPU has only one campus located in the Civic Centre in Kimberly. They offer courses in Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Humanities and Natural & Applied Sciences.

Central University of Technology (CUT)

Those wanting to apply to study at the Central University of Technology (CUT) need not worry as you won't be asked to pay an application fee.

CUT offers a variety of departments at their campuses. Courses are offered for the following faculties: Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Health and Environmental Sciences, Humanities and Management Sciences.

Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

Applications to study towards a diploma or degree qualification at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) must be done by using NMU's online application syste, and require no application fee.

Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

WSU accepts online applications only and no application fee is needed.

At WSU, students are provided with affordable, appropriate, career-focused and professional programmes that address rural development and urban renewal with primary emphasis on science, technology and development studies.

University of the Western Cape (UWC)

Applications to study at the University of the Western Cape (UWC)don't require an application fee. Students must apply online via the university's online application portal.