University applications are done, now it’s all about registration, moving in, and getting ready for classes.

If you’re starting or returning to university in 2026, here’s what you need to know right now.

University Registration for 2026

Most South African universities open student registration in January.

Typical registration period:

• Early January – early February 2026

• Mostly online registration

• Assisted or on-campus support offered at some institutions

This is also the time when campuses become busy and student accommodation fills up extremely fast.

If you haven’t secured a room yet, now is the time.

When Do Classes Start?

For most universities and higher education institutions in South Africa:

Lectures and classes begin in February 2026

By the time classes start:
Orientation has already taken place
Timetables are active
Students are expected to be settled and ready

Waiting until lectures begin to look for accommodation often means:
Fewer options
Higher prices
Longer travel distances to campus

Have You Found a Place to Stay Yet?

Even though registration happens in January, student rooms are often booked weeks (or months) before that.

Why securing accommodation early matters:
? More choice (shared or private rooms)
? Better locations close to campus
? Less stress during registration week
? Time to move in and settle before classes start

2026 University Registration & Class Start Dates (South Africa)

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

Online registration: 2 Jan – 2 Feb 2026
Assisted registration: mid-Jan (varies by faculty)
Classes begin: Early Feb (exact date per faculty)

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

Registration: 12 Jan – 6 Feb 2026 (both returning & first-years)
Classes start: 9 Feb 2026 (start of academic activities)

University of Pretoria (UP)

Current students registration: from 5 Jan 2026
New students registration: from 17 Jan 2026
Assisted registration: 19 Jan – 6 Feb 2026
Classes start: 9 Feb 2026 

University of the Free State (UFS)

Registration: 2 Jan – 6 Feb 2026
Classes Start: Typically early February (institution calendar) 

University of Cape Town (UCT)

Online registration: 19 Jan – 13 Feb 2026
Assisted registration: 21 Jan – 7 Feb 2026
Classes begin: Usually mid-February 2026 

Stellenbosch University (SU)

Online registration:

• Senior/returning: 12 Jan 2026

• New first-year students: 22 Jan 2026
  Assisted registration: 26 Jan – 5 Feb 2026
  Classes start: 9 Feb 2026
  Module amendments run into late Feb. 

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

Returning student registration: from 6 Jan 2026
First-year registration: 2 – 7 Feb 2026
Classes begin: Early February (institution calendar) 

University of South Africa (Unisa)

Registration opens: 7 Jan 2026
Closes:

• Semester modules: 20 Feb 2026

• All-year modules: 20 Mar 2026

• Postgrad & honours can extend to 31 Mar 2026 

Because Unisa is distance-learning, there isn’t a single “class start date” in the traditional sense. But you must register early to access modules and content. StudentRoom.co.za

University of Western Cape (UWC)

New & returning registration: 9 Jan – 6 Feb 2026
Classes start: Early Feb (campus schedule) 

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

First-year registration: 20 Jan – 6 Feb 2026
Returning student registration: 12 Jan – 30 Jan 2026
Classes begin: Early February (campus schedule)

Durban University of Technology (DUT)

Registration generally around 12 – 20 Jan 2026 (first-years)
Returning students: Early Jan to Feb (check faculty timetable)
Classes begin: 9 Feb 2026 (Term 1 start) per official academic calendar (for most programmes)

Central University of Technology (CUT)

First-time registration: 19 – 23 Jan 2026
Senior (returning): 27 – 30 Jan 2026
Classes begin: Early Feb 2026 (per academic calendar) 

University of Zululand (UniZulu)

Registration: 6 Jan – 13 Feb 2026
Classes begin: Early to mid-Feb 2026 (institution schedule) 

Tips for Students & Renters

Most universities finish registration by early to mid-February 2026 — right before lectures begin. 
Classes typically start in early February 2026 across institutions, meaning student communities fill up fast. 

Secure accommodation now — rooms near campuses often get booked during registration week or before lectures begin.