UMP scraps its R200 application fee for 2027. Apply by 30 November
Photo: Bobbyshabangu, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Applying to the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) for 2027 is now free. The university's council has approved a no-fee application process, UMP said in a statement on Wednesday, 21 October (TimesLIVE).
Until now, South African applicants paid a non-refundable R200 fee, with R400 for SADC applicants and R550 for other international students, according to UMP's online applications page. That page still listed the fee on 22 October, but the university's statement says no application fee is payable (Hypertext).
Who gets to apply for free?
The no-fee process covers undergraduate programmes, advanced diplomas, honours, postgraduate diplomas, master's and doctoral programmes (Hypertext).
When do UMP applications close?
UMP's applications page gives these 2027 closing dates:
- Undergraduate programmes and advanced diplomas: 30 November 2026
- Honours, postgraduate diplomas, master's and doctoral programmes: 30 January 2027
Applications opened on 1 June 2026. You can choose a maximum of two programmes and apply for residence in the same online application (UMP).
What scam is UMP warning about?
The university flagged a fraudulent email demanding R3 500 to secure admission (TimesLIVE). It warned that people may try to charge for admission, application processing, preferential treatment, waiting-list places or student accommodation. "No person can guarantee admission to the university in exchange for payment," UMP said (TimesLIVE).
UMP also said it does not use WhatsApp as an official communication channel (Hypertext).
How do you apply safely?
The university's advice to applicants (TimesLIVE):
- Apply only through UMP's official application website.
- Don't pay any person or unauthorised third party for an application fee or a place.
- Never share your student number, PIN or other confidential details.
- Check any suspicious admission request directly with the university.
Application and registration queries go to [email protected]. The general switchboard is 013 002 0001 (UMP).
UMP has campuses in Mbombela and Siyabuswa (UMP). Applying to the university is separate from applying for NSFAS funding, which closes on 31 October with no extensions (Reported).
FAQ
Does the University of Mpumalanga charge an application fee for 2027?
No. UMP's council approved a no-fee application process for 2027, covering undergraduate, advanced diploma, honours, postgraduate diploma, master's and doctoral applications.
When do University of Mpumalanga applications close for 2027?
Undergraduate programmes and advanced diplomas close on 30 November 2026. Honours, postgraduate diplomas, master's and doctoral programmes close on 30 January 2027.
Is the R3 500 UMP admission fee email real?
No. UMP says an email demanding R3 500 to secure admission is a scam, and no one can guarantee admission in exchange for payment.
Does UMP use WhatsApp to contact applicants?
No. UMP says WhatsApp is not an official communication channel. Verify any admission request directly with the university at [email protected].