The Chief Executive of Universities South Africa, Professor Ahmed Bawa, said so-called "walk-in" registrations can still be accommodated at universities under certain conditions.
Speaking on the DMB on Algoa FM on Tuesday morning, Bawa explained how this could happen.
"What the universities will do is provide those students with advice about how to get on to the central application system because that will be the best way for students to get into the university system," he said.
Bawa said universities will process students if there is space available.
"Everything depends on whether there are places available at universities or not and if not, then students will be directed towards the national central application system," Bawa added.
Higher Education Minister, Hlengiwe Mkize, said it is important for authorities to provide support to university management at this time, as they grapple with the implications of the new fees dispensation announced by President Jacob Zuma in December.
Speaking to the Public Broadcaster at Fort Hare University on Tuesday morning, Minister Mkhize acknowledged that the announcement has thrown up some challenges.
"It's important for us as we interpret the announcement by the president to see what are the implications, where do they come from, when we say we will extend the subsidy to cover accommodation and transport in an area like this. It is a very important time to also support campus managers during this time of the year," she said.
Meanwhile, prospective students, who meet the direct entry requirements, have until the end of the week to apply at the Nelson Mandela University.
NMU spokesperson, Zandile Mbabela, said the window period for late applications will give students, who couldn't apply in time last year, an opportunity to apply for their desired courses.
She said however that this subject to space being available in the different faculties.
"This application period is for prospective students who meet the direct entry requirement, in other words, they don't require testing, etc, and they qualify for direct entry into the specific programme," Mbambela said.
Students can download an application form online or they can visit the university for assistance.
