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How to Apply to Unisa for the 2026 Academic Year

We are excited to announce the opening of the 2026 application period at the University of South Africa (Unisa). We encourage you to start preparing early to increase your chances of securing a place in your preferred programme.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the Unisa application process—especially helpful if you’re applying for the first time.

About Unisa

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and one of the longest-standing dedicated distance education universities in the world. Unisa offers flexible, accessible, and internationally recognised qualifications to students across South Africa and around the globe.

At Unisa, you can pursue undergraduate diplomas, higher certificates, postgraduate diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university also offers short courses—some as brief as six months—and provides both online and in-person learning options to suit its diverse student body.

Key Dates

Opening Date:
The 2026 application cycle opens on 18 August 2025 at midnight. This date applies to all qualification levels.

Closing Date:
Applications must be submitted by 10 October 2025 at 12:00 PM (noon). To be considered for admission, you must complete your online application, upload all required supporting documents, and pay the application fee before the deadline.

🕒 Tip: The earlier you apply, the better your chances of acceptance!

Who Can Apply?

Unisa welcomes applications from anyone starting a new qualification, including:

New applicants to Unisa
Current Unisa students wishing to change programmes or specialisations
Applicants who previously applied but were not accepted or did not register after receiving an offer
Students completing a higher certificate or other qualification and seeking further undergraduate study

Required Application Documents

You must upload certified copies of the following documents:

School qualifications (e.g., Senior Certificate, NSC)
Official tertiary academic record(s), if applicable
Identity document (ID or passport)
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Sworn translations of documents not in English or Afrikaans

📌 Note: Documents must be uploaded by the application deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Upload Guidelines

To ensure your documents are successfully uploaded:

Save files in PDF, DOC, or TIF format
Each file must be under 2MB
Only black-and-white scanned copies are accepted
Upload each document separately; do not combine multiple documents into one file

Application Fee

The non-refundable application fee is R150.00
Pay only after receiving your student number
Email your proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za
This fee applies to first-time applicants only

Qualification Selection

You may apply for up to three qualifications, in order of preference. If accepted into more than one, you will be allowed to register for only one.

Unisa will notify you of the outcome of your application and indicate which qualification you’ve been accepted for.

Admission Requirements

Admission is subject to you meeting the specific requirements of your chosen qualification. If you don’t qualify, consider alternative study options. Be sure to download the latest prospectus for detailed requirements.