Apply at UNISA For 2026

Apply at UNISA For 2026

The University of South Africa’s (UNISA) 2026 application cycle opens on 18 August 2025, offering students a chance to join a top South African university. Applicants should prepare required documents in advance and explore the diverse programs available. Early submissions are advised to ensure a smooth application process.

Prospective students who wish to pursue or begin a new qualification must complete and submit a new application form within the specified deadline. To kick start your applications, click HERE NOW!!

When Do UNISA 2026 Applications close?

Although the closing dates may vary, UNISA has announced that new applications for 2026 will close on 10 October 2025 for undergraduate qualifications, including higher certificates, diplomas, postgraduate certificate, and bachelor’s degrees. Applications submitted after the closing date may be declined or rejected.

Breakdown of Submission Dates

Undergraduate qualifications: 10 October 2025
Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas: 10 October 2025
Short Learning Programmes (SLPs): 5 January – 13 February 2026
Master’s & doctoral qualifications: 2 September and 21 November 2025

Ideal Candidates

You are considered an ideal candidate for UNISA 2026 admission if you are:

Applying for the first time
Returning students who did not register in the previous academic year
International applicants from outside South Africa
Students changing qualifications or applying for a new programme

UNISA Admission Requirements for 2026

Before applying, ensure you meet the academic and admission requirements for your chosen qualification. UNISA assesses applications based on three key factors:

Meeting the minimum academic requirements
Minimum APS (Admission Point Score)
Availability of space in the qualification

General Requirements:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification
Meet the specific APS score for your desired course
English proficiency

Download the 2026 prospectus for detailed entry requirements.

Apply Online: UNISA Application Portal

All 2026 applications must be submitted through the UNISA online application platform. Walk-ins and manual submissions will not be accepted.

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

A valid email address
A laptop, iPad, tablet, or smartphone
A phone number
A stable internet connection

How to Apply for UNISA New Applications 2026

All applications must be submitted online via the official UNISA application portal. Follow these steps:

Visit the official website: www.unisa.ac.za
Click on “Apply for Admission”
Select your qualification type (e.g. Undergraduate, Honours, Postgraduate, etc.)
Review the admission requirements
Complete the online application form
Upload required documents
Submit and await confirmation
Check your email for your student number

UNISA Application Fee for 2026

You must pay a non-refundable application fee of R150.00 once you receive your student number from UNISA, after submitting your application for undergraduate, honours, or postgraduate qualifications.

Required Supporting Documents

Make sure to upload clear certified copies of the following:

South African ID or Passport (for international applicants)
Senior Certificate / Grade 12 results
Proof of previous qualifications (if applicable)
Marriage certificate (if your surname has changed)
Sworn translations (if documents are in a foreign language)

After You Apply: What Happens Next?

Once you’ve submitted your application, you will receive an acknowledgment via email or SMS. Please note that this is not an acceptance message.

You will receive feedback on your application within 10 working days after the closing date. You can track the status of your application on the same online portal used to apply.

Programmes and Courses of UNISA

Some of UNISA’s most popular programmes include:

Accounting Sciences

Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting
Diploma in Accounting Sciences
Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences
Bachelor of Commerce in Internal Auditing
Advanced Diploma in Taxation

Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Diploma in Animal Health
Bachelor of Environmental Management
Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences
Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation

Economic & Management Sciences

Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management
Diploma in Small Business Management
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences
Advanced Diploma in Marketing

Education

Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching
Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Diploma in Grade R Teaching
Advanced Diploma in Inclusive Education

Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Theology
Diploma in Public Relations
Bachelor of Arts in Government, Administration and Development

Law

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Higher Certificate in Law
Diploma in Criminal Justice
Advanced Diploma in Security Management
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology

Science, Engineering & Technology

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Diploma in Information Technology
Higher Certificate in Physical Sciences
Advanced Diploma in Engineering: Civil

You can get the full list of the courses offered on the official website.

UNISA Financial Aid and Scholarships

UNISA offers various funding options to assist students in pursuing their studies:

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

Available to qualifying South African students who are registering for their first undergraduate qualification. NSFAS covers tuition, study materials, and living allowances for approved applicants.

UNISA Bursaries and Scholarships

The university provides a range of merit-based and need-based bursaries. These include:

Merit bursaries for top-performing students
Postgraduate bursaries for Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies
Departmental and donor-funded bursaries

Visit the UNISA financial aid webpage for application details, eligibility criteria, and closing dates.

External Funding Opportunities

Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and bursaries offered by external organizations, NGOs, and private companies. Each opportunity has specific requirements and deadlines, so it’s important to research and apply early.

CPUT Accommodation Options

CPUT provides a variety of housing solutions to support student life both on and off campus:

On-Campus Residences

CPUT’s on-campus residences offer safe, affordable, and well-equipped living spaces. Facilities include study areas, Wi-Fi, security, and recreational spaces to support both academic success and social interaction.

Off-Campus Housing (NSFAS-Accredited)

Off-campus housing options that are accredited by NSFAS undergo regular quality checks. These are ideal for students who prefer living independently while still accessing university support services.

Private Accommodation

Numerous private housing providers near CPUT campuses offer flexible leases and pricing options. Students can choose from shared apartments, student housing complexes, or individual units based on their preferences and budget.