Funding
NSFAS & Bursaries: Funding Your 2027 Studies
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Read more →2027 Intake · Light from Africa – For Humanity
Apply to Sol Plaatje University — the Northern Cape's only public university.
Established in 2014 in Kimberley, SPU was the first new South African university launched since 1994. Here's exactly what you need to apply for 2027, and by when.
5Faculties
No FeeListed for 2027*
31 Oct2026 Closing Date
About the university
Light from Africa, since 2014
Sol Plaatje University was formally established in 2013 under Section 20 of the Higher Education Act, and welcomed its first students in 2014 as the Northern Cape's first and only public university. At the time, the Minister of Higher Education and Training described it as the first new university launched in South Africa since 1994 — "a powerful symbol of the country's democracy, inclusiveness, and growth."
SPU positions itself as a niche university, developing academic programmes in fields that were previously under-represented in South Africa — including heritage studies, paleo-sciences, ICT and data science, teacher education, and creative writing in African languages — reflecting the rich history of Kimberley and the wider Northern Cape.
Good to know
SPU's current application notice lists no application fee for 2027 — a real accessibility advantage. Some older guides mention a historical R100 fee, so it's worth double-checking the official portal before you pay anything, and never sending money to anyone who isn't the university itself.
Plan ahead
2027 key application dates
SPU applies one general closing date across undergraduate and postgraduate study — but competitive courses can fill up and close early, so applying sooner improves your chances.
NOW OPEN
Applications open
The SPU online application portal is open for undergraduate and postgraduate applications for 2027.
31 AUGUST 2026
Competitive programmes
Some in-demand courses have an earlier informal deadline as places fill — apply early to be safe.
31 OCTOBER 2026
General closing date
Final date for undergraduate and postgraduate applications for the 2027 academic year.
14 FEBRUARY 2027
Anticipated registration
Provisional first-time student registration date, subject to change — SPU will confirm via official channels.
Online only
How to apply to SPU
SPU applications are submitted through the university's official online application portal.
01
Before you start
- Check your programme's APS requirement — commonly around 25, though some programmes need 30 or more.
- Gather a certified copy of your ID or passport and your latest school results.
- Confirm you meet the English proficiency requirement: Level 4 or 5 in Home Language or First Additional Language.
02
Submit online
- Visit the official SPU website and open the online applications section.
- Create or log into your applicant profile.
- Complete your personal and academic information, and select your qualification.
- Upload all required supporting documents and submit before the closing date.
Checklist
Documents you'll need
- Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- Grade 11 final results, or latest Grade 12 results if you're a current matriculant
- National Senior Certificate interim or predicted results, once available
- English translations of any documents not issued in English
- Supporting documents for international applicants
Costs
Application fees
Application feeNone listed for 2027*
Estimated annual tuitionR15,000 – R35,000
Minimum entry requirementNSC with Bachelor's endorsement
⚠️ *SPU's official 2027 application page lists no fee, but requirements can change between cycles and some older guides mention R100 — always confirm on the SPU portal itself. Applying does not guarantee admission, as selection is competitive.
Where you could study
Faculties at a glance
Faculty
Economic and Management Sciences
Business, accounting and economics programmes preparing graduates for the region's economy.
Faculty
Education
Teacher training as one of SPU's founding niche areas, addressing the Northern Cape's education needs.
Faculty
Humanities
Home to SPU's distinctive strengths in heritage studies, paleo-sciences, and creative writing in African languages.
Faculty
Law
Legal education grounded in social justice, reflecting SPU's broader institutional focus.
Faculty
Natural and Applied Sciences
Mathematical and computer sciences, biological sciences and physical sciences, including a strong ICT and data science focus.
What makes SPU different
Niche academic strengths
Data Science & ICT
A key growth area aligned with the Northern Cape's digital economy.
Heritage Studies
Drawing on Kimberley's rich diamond-era and cultural history.
Paleo-sciences
Building on the Northern Cape's significance for early human origins.
Teacher Education
One of SPU's founding academic focus areas since 2014.
Creative Writing
Promoting African languages through literary and creative programmes.
Keep reading
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Read more →Common questions
Frequently asked questions
When do SPU 2027 applications open and close?
Undergraduate and postgraduate applications for 2027 are open until 31 October 2026, according to SPU's official application page. Some competitive programmes may close earlier once capacity is reached, so apply well before the general deadline.
Is there an application fee?
SPU's official 2027 application notice does not list a fee, and applying online currently carries no cost. Some older guides reference a historical R100 fee — confirm the current requirement directly on the SPU portal before paying anything.
Where is SPU located?
SPU is based in Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape, and is the only public university in the province. It was established in 2014 as the first new South African university launched since 1994.
What faculties does SPU offer?
Five faculties: Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Humanities, Law, and Natural and Applied Sciences — with particular strengths in data science, heritage studies, paleo-sciences and creative writing.
What are the minimum requirements to apply?
A valid National Senior Certificate or equivalent, an appropriate APS score (commonly around 25, higher for some programmes), and Level 4 or 5 in English Home Language or First Additional Language. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Light from Africa starts with applying.
Get your documents ready and submit your Sol Plaatje University application before 31 October 2026.
Apply to SPU Now →