List of Universities Open for Late Applications 2026: Late Enquiries & Walk-Ins

Key Takeaways: The “Late” Reality

Status: Most formal applications closed in September 2025.

The Solution: You are now looking for “Late Enquiries” or “Clearing”, not standard applications.

Golden Rule: Do NOT go to the campus gate unless the university explicitly says “Walk-Ins Allowed.” You will be turned away by security.

Best Chance: Universities of Technology and TVET Colleges have the most space left.

It happens. Maybe you didn’t apply because you thought you wouldn’t pass. Maybe you applied to only one place and got rejected. Now, you have a Matric certificate in your hand, but nowhere to go.

The good news is that “Full” is rarely “Full.”

After the Matric results are released on 13 January 2026, universities do a “headcount.” They realize that 20% of the students they accepted haven’t shown up (or failed Matric). This creates openings.

Universities rush to fill these spots using special systems called Late Enquiry Portals. This guide lists the institutions that historically open their doors in January and explains exactly how to use their specific systems.

1. The University of Johannesburg (UJ)

UJ does not allow physical walk-ins. If you go to the Kingsway or Bunting Road campus, security will send you home. You must use their digital system.

System Name: UJ Late Enquiry System / UJ Chatbot.
Opening Date: Usually opens 13 January 2026 (20:00).
Who can apply? Only students who have NOT applied to UJ yet. If you already have a student number, check your status on uLink instead.
How to apply:

Visit the official UJ website.
Look for the “Late Enquiry” link on the homepage.
Enter your Grade 12 Results (APS Score).
The system will automatically show you only the courses that still have space and for which you qualify.
If you see a course, click “Submit Enquiry.” This acts as a mini-application.
Turnaround: You often get an answer within 48 hours.

2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

Wits is highly competitive, but spaces do open up in less popular faculties (often Humanities or Science, rarely Medicine).

System Name: Wits Student Self-Service.
Process: Wits typically does not open a general “Late Application” for new users. However, they open a “Late Enquiry” register.
How to apply:

Go to the Wits Admissions website.
Register your details on the “Enquiry” form.
Crucial: If you already applied and were rejected, but your final marks are much better than your Grade 11 marks, you must appeal via the Student Self-Service Portal. Do not reapply; just update your marks.

3. University of the Western Cape (UWC)

UWC runs a very specific program for unplaced students.

System Name: Operation Sukuma.
Status: Often opens mid-January.
How it works: This is a dedicated portal for students who meet the requirements but missed the deadline.
Where to find it: Watch the UWC Facebook page closely. They release a specific link for “Sukuma” once they know how many spaces are left.

4. University of Zululand (UNIZULU)

UNIZULU is one of the few universities that sometimes processes applications manually or via a simplified online portal in January.

System Name: CAO / Direct Late Application.
Process: UNIZULU processes applications via the Central Applications Office (CAO).
Action:

Go to the https://www.cao.ac.za” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>CAO Website.
Click on “Available Programmes” (this list is updated live).
If you see a UNIZULU course listed, you can apply immediately via CAO using the “Change of Mind” form or a new application.

5. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

TUT is the largest residential university in the country and often has the most movement in January.

System Name: TUT Late Application Enquiries.
Campuses: Pretoria, Ga-Rankuwa, Soshanguve, eMalahleni, Mbombela, Polokwane.
How to apply:

TUT publishes a list of “Programmes with Space” on their website shortly after results day.
You must apply online via the i-Enabler system.
Tip: They are very strict about the APS score. If the course says “APS 24” and you have 23, the system will auto-reject you. Do not waste your time trying.

6. Durban University of Technology (DUT)

Like UNIZULU, DUT works through the CAO.

Action: Do not email the university. Go to the CAO website. Look for the “Make a Late Application” tab.
Note: DUT often has space in:
Management Sciences (HR, Business Admin)
Accounting
Tourism

7. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

WSU (Eastern Cape) usually opens a late application window for specific faculties.

Process: They generally use an online portal, but unlike the metros, contacting the specific campus admissions office (Mthatha, Buffalo City, Butterworth) can sometimes yield results if the online system is lagging.

8. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)

MUT is extremely proactive in January.

System: CAO “Late Application”.
Opportunity: They often have space in Engineering and Natural Sciences.
Advice: If you are in KZN, checking the CAO “Available Spaces” list daily is your full-time job right now.

9. Private Higher Education Institutions (The “Backup” Plan)

If public universities are full, private institutions are fully accredited and almost always open for late registration until February. NSFAS does not fund these, but they are valid options if you have alternative funding (loans/cash).

Rosebank College: Open for degrees and diplomas.
Boston City Campus: Strong focus on media and business.
Eduvos: Formerly Pearson Institute, offers IT and Science degrees.
Richfield Graduate Institute: specializes in IT and Coding.
Varsity College: Linked to the IIE, offers degrees similar to public unis.

How to Prepare Your Documents (Digital Pack)

When these portals open, speed is everything. It is “First Come, First Served.” You cannot waste time scanning documents at an internet café.

Have this folder ready on your phone/computer right now:

Certified ID Copy: PDF format (under 2MB).
Statement of Results: The official download or school scan (PDF).
Proof of Payment: If there is a late application fee (usually R100 – R500), have the slip ready.
Declaration: Some unis require a signed form stating your data is true.

FAQ: Late Applications

Q: Do I have to pay an application fee again?
A: Yes. Late applications usually carry a penalty fee or standard administration fee. It is non-refundable, even if you don’t get in.

Q: Can I apply for NSFAS now?
A: Generally, no. The NSFAS application window closed last year. However, if you are a “Sassa” student, you can sometimes register immediately at the university financial aid office. For non-Sassa students, you might have to self-fund the first year and apply for NSFAS for 2027.

Q: What is a “Walk-In”?
A: Historically, you could physically walk onto campus. This is banned at almost all major universities due to safety concerns (stampedes). “Walk-In” now refers to an “Online Late Enquiry.”

Q: What if I don’t have internet access?
A: Visit a NYDA (National Youth Development Agency) center or a public library. They often have dedicated computers for late applications during January.

Conclusion: Keep Moving

The worst thing you can do is sit at home. Every hour you wait, a seat is filled.

Check CACH (Central Applications Clearing House).
Check the CAO website (for KZN).
Check the UJ/TUT websites daily.

If you don’t get a degree spot, remember: TVET Colleges are still open for Semester 1. A Diploma is better than a gap year spent doing nothing.

Next Step:
If you cannot get into a university, you need to look at the next best option immediately.
Check the List of TVET Colleges with Open Registration for 2026

Disclaimer: Application dates and availability change hourly based on student intake. ApsScore.com cannot guarantee placement. Always use the official university portals listed above.