Each year, South African universities open limited late application windows to fill remaining spaces in specific programmes. While late applications offer a second chance, they are not open to everyone. Understanding who qualifies is crucial before submitting an application.
Late applications are offered after universities have processed their main intake and confirmed available spaces. These opportunities are competitive and programme-specific, meaning meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Here is a clear breakdown of who qualifies to apply during university late applications in South Africa.
Who Qualifies to Apply During University Late Applications?
Matriculants Who Meet Minimum Admission Requirements
The primary group eligible for late applications are candidates who have completed Grade 12 and meet the minimum admission requirements for the programme they wish to apply for. Universities will only consider applicants whose National Senior Certificate (NSC) results meet the institution’s and faculty’s entry criteria.
This includes the required Admission Point Score (APS), subject combinations, and minimum achievement levels. For example, some programmes require Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy, or specific pass levels in subjects such as Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, or languages.
Late applications are not a way to bypass academic requirements. If a programme requires Mathematics at level 4, applicants with Mathematical Literacy or a lower pass level will not qualify, even during the late application period.
Applicants Who Were Not Accepted Earlier
Students who applied during the main application cycle but were not offered a place may still qualify for late applications if they now meet the requirements for other programmes that still have space. This often applies to applicants who were initially unsuccessful due to limited space rather than poor results.
In some cases, universities encourage such applicants to change programmes or apply for alternatives with available capacity. However, acceptance depends entirely on space availability and competition.
Gap-Year Students With Valid Results
Taking a gap year does not disqualify a student from applying during late applications. Applicants who completed matric in previous years and still meet current admission requirements may apply, provided the university accepts older results.
Some programmes may prioritise current matriculants, while others accept gap-year applicants without restriction. Applicants in this category must ensure their results are certified and that they meet any updated entry requirements.
Students With Improved Results
Candidates who have rewritten matric subjects, upgraded their results, or completed supplementary exams may qualify for late applications if their new results meet the minimum requirements. Universities will consider the most recent valid results available at the time of application.
However, not all institutions accept pending results during late applications. In many cases, finalised and officially released results are required before an application can be processed.
Applicants Seeking Diplomas or Extended Programmes
Late applications are more common for diploma, higher certificate, and extended curriculum programmes than for highly competitive degrees such as Medicine, Engineering, or Law. Applicants who narrowly missed degree requirements may still qualify for diplomas or extended programmes within the same faculty.
Extended programmes are specifically designed to support students who meet the minimum requirements but need additional academic support in their first year. These programmes are often available during late application periods.
TVET College Graduates and Alternative Qualification Holders
Applicants who hold National Certificates (Vocational), NATED qualifications, or relevant diplomas from TVET colleges may qualify for late applications, particularly for diplomas or selected degree programmes that recognise these pathways.
Universities assess such applications individually, considering subject relevance, levels achieved, and institutional articulation agreements. Meeting minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission.
Applicants Who Can Apply Immediately and Provide Documents
One key requirement during late applications is readiness. Applicants who qualify must be able to submit a complete application immediately. This includes certified copies of identity documents, final matric results, academic transcripts, and any additional documents required by the institution.
Incomplete applications are often rejected outright due to time constraints. Universities processing late applications typically do not allow extended deadlines for outstanding documents.
Who Does Not Qualify for Late Applications
Not everyone is eligible during late application periods. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements, those seeking programmes that are already full, or those applying for highly selective courses with no remaining capacity will not qualify.
In addition, late applications are not suitable for applicants who still need to write matric for the first time or who do not yet have qualifying results, unless the university explicitly states otherwise.
A Limited and Competitive Opportunity
Late applications are best viewed as a final opportunity rather than a guaranteed second intake. Universities clearly state that late applications are subject to space availability and institutional approval. Meeting the requirements places an applicant in the pool but does not secure admission.
Prospective students are strongly advised to monitor official university websites, apply as soon as late applications open, and consider alternative institutions or programmes to increase their chances.
For many, late applications provide a vital second chance to access higher education. Knowing who qualifies — and acting quickly — can make the difference between securing a place and waiting another academic year.