Universities Opening and Registration Dates 2024

As South African universities brace themselves for the commencement of the 2024 academic year, the air is thick with anticipation, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both returning and first-time entering students. The recent release of registration dates by various institutions is a monumental step, offering students a comprehensive roadmap to embark on their educational journey with clarity and purpose.

New Registration Periods

The structured approach to registration continues to be a cornerstone of the university calendar. Returning students have been allocated a registration window from 2 January to mid-February 2024, ensuring a seamless transition into the academic year. On the other hand, first-time entering students are set to initiate their registration process from 3 January to 15 February 2024, providing them with ample time to navigate the administrative landscape.

University Registration Dates: New Students

The following are key registration dates for new students at various South African universities:

University of Cape Town (UCT): 29 January – 9 February

Stellenbosch University: 25 January – 8 February

University of Pretoria: 25 January – 1 March

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits): Communication for registration will be sent upon acceptance of a firm offer.

University of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN): 5 – 10 February

University of the Western Cape (UWC): 22 January – 2 February

Rhodes University: 3 & 4 February

Unisa (University of South Africa): 10 January – 12 February

University of Johannesburg (UJ): 19 January – 9 February

North West University (NWU): 22 January – 9 February

University of the Free State (UFS): 6 – 9 February

Nelson Mandela University (NMU): 15 January – 29 February

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT): 29 January – 9 February

University of Zululand: 29 January – 2 February

Vaal University of Technology (VUT): 10 – 12 January / 22 – 26 January

Central University of Technology (CUT): 24 January – 29 January

Walter Sisulu University (WSU): 22 – 26 January

University of Limpopo: 26 January – 2 February

University of Mpumalanga: 5 – 9 February

Sol Plaatje University: 5 February – 16 February

Durban University of Technology (DUT): 15 January – 9 February

Sefako Makgatho University: 22 January – 2 February

University Registration Dates: Returning Students

Returning students also have specific registration periods, varying across faculties:

University of Cape Town (UCT): 2 January – 9 February

Stellenbosch University: 15 January – 8 February

University of Pretoria: 3 January – 1 March

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits):

• Faculty of Science: 2 January – 9 February
• Faculty of Commerce Law and Management: 3 January – 11 February
• Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment: 2 January – 19 February
• Faculty of Health Sciences: Registration dates differ for courses
• Faculty of Humanities, including School of Education: 2 January – 20 February

University of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN): 9 January – 23 February

University of the Western Cape (UWC): 10 January – 9 February

Rhodes University: 22 January

Unisa (University of South Africa): 10 January – 12 February

University of Johannesburg (UJ): 15 January – 9 February

North West University (NWU): 29 January – 9 February

University of the Free State (UFS): 29 January – 12 February

Nelson Mandela University (NMU): 15 January – 29 February

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT): 15 January – 2 February

University of Zululand: 5 – 9 February

Vaal University of Technology (VUT): 15 January – 2 February

Central University of Technology (CUT): 30 January – 2 February

Walter Sisulu University (WSU): 10 January – 2 February

University of Limpopo: Returning students will register on the specified date for their respective faculties.

University of Mpumalanga: 12 -16 February

Sol Plaatje University: 22 January – 16 February

Durban University of Technology (DUT): 15 January – 9 February

Sefako Makgatho University: 9 – 19 January

Unpublished Registration Dates

Certain universities, including Tshwane University of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and University of Venda, have not yet disclosed their 2024 registration dates. Students at these institutions are advised to check directly with the respective authorities for the latest information.

Matric Results Impact

With Matric results scheduled for release on 19 January 2024, first-time entering students can expect timely communication regarding their acceptance into the university of their choice. This crucial information will serve as a catalyst for initiating the registration process and preparing for the upcoming academic year.

Consulting the Academic Calendar

To ensure a seamless transition into the 2024 academic year, students are strongly encouraged to consult their university’s academic calendar. This comprehensive resource provides detailed information on crucial dates, holidays, and academic events, empowering students to stay well-informed and organized throughout the academic year. As South Africa embarks on this educational journey in 2024, the release of registration dates stands as a beacon, guiding students towards a successful and fulfilling academic experience.