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UNISA 2026 Admission Application Date Now Confirmed!

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has officially announced the opening and closing dates for the 2026 academic year application cycle. This is great news for those who have been waiting for UNISA to open applications so they can apply.

In this article, we will explain when you can start your application and what steps you need to take to secure a place in your preferred courses

When You Can Apply for UNISA 2026 Admissions

Applications for the 2026 academic year at UNISA will open on Monday, 18 August 2025, and close on Friday, 10 October 2025. This applies only to students seeking undergraduate qualifications; whether domestic, international, first-time applicants, or returning students.

This 54-day application window gives prospective undergraduate students like you ample time to gather, certify, and scan your documents, complete the application form, upload all supporting materials, and pay the non-refundable and non-transferable application fee

Who Should Apply?

The UNISA 2026 application period is open to:

First-time applicants seeking admission for undergraduate qualifications
Returning students changing qualifications or specialisations
Applicants for postgraduate diplomas and honours degrees
International students looking to study through UNISA’s distance learning platform

How to Apply for UNISA 2026 Admissions

All UNISA applications must be submitted online. Follow the steps below to complete your application as soon as possible:

Visit the official UNISA website: unisa.ac.za
Click on “Admissions“
Select “Apply for Admission“
Choose your qualification type (e.g. undergraduate, honours, postgraduate)
Carefully read all the instructions
Click on “Start the Process“ at the bottom of the page
Enter your national identity number
Acknowledge and check the POPI Act consent box
Click “Next“
Complete your personal details
Fill in your address information
Indicate whether you have a disability
Click “Next“ after each section to continue
Select up to two study courses
Enter your academic background (names of institutions, grades/scores)
Complete all required fields
Upload ALL required documents
Review your application and correct any errors
Submit your application before the deadline by clicking “FINISH”

Tip: Make sure all documents are certified and ready before applications open.

Required Documents for UNISA Application

All applicants starting a new qualification at the University of South Africa must upload all the required documents, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Copy of your school qualifications (eg Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate)
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Copy of your official tertiary academic record(s) (if applicable) (internet copies will not be accepted)
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Copy of your ID document (RSA students) or ID/passport (international students)
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Copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree (if applicable)
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Sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans

Application Fee payment

With the UNISA 2026 application window officially confirmed, now is the time to start preparing. If you’re applying for the very first time, make sure to have R150 ready for the once-off, non-refundable application fee. Returning students can reapply at no cost, as the application fee only applies to first-time applicants

How to pay

Once you start your application, UNISA will assign you a student number. You must use this number as a reference when making the payment to ensure your application is properly validated. Now, follow the step below to effect the payment before the deadline

Payment Methods

You may pay it Online using your Credit/Debit Card

Visit UNISA’s secure portal at unisa.ac.za/feepayment.
Pay via Visa or Mastercard. Ensure there is sufficient funds
Transactions are real-time and require OTP verification

EFT or Bank Deposit: Allow 2–10 working days for clearance

Use either FNB or ABSA, both recognize UNISA as a beneficiary
Account details (FNB):
- Account name: Unisa Student Deposits
- Account number: 627 9963 0382 (cheque)
- Branch code: 210554
ABSA alternative: Account number 4097930634 (cheque)
Reference format (Student number, space, allocation code).