Unisa offers a wide range of qualifications through distance learning, making it a flexible and accessible option for many South Africans.
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Step 1: Choose Study Level
Step 2: Choose Field of Study
Step 3: Describe Your Interest
Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?
However, before you begin with your studies, you’ll need to complete the application process and settle the application fee.
This article will guide you through the various methods of paying your Unisa application fee.
What is the Unisa Application Fee?
The Unisa application fee is a once-off, non-refundable charge required for processing your application for admission to a program.
It’s important for you to note that this fee is separate from any tuition fees associated with your chosen qualification.
How Much is the Unisa Application Fee?
The application fee for online applications at Unisa is R160.00. Only first-time Unisa applicants pay it.
Be sure to confirm the latest fee amount on the Unisa website as fees are subject to change.
When Do I Pay the Unisa Application Fee?
You can only pay the application fee after you have submitted your online application and received a student number from Unisa.
The application fee must be paid by the closing date for the application period you selected.
Applications received without the application fee settled on time will not be processed.
How Can I Pay the Unisa Application Fee?
Unisa offers several convenient methods for paying your application fee:
- Credit or debit card online: Unisa accepts card payments through its web credit card payment service.
- Go to the payment methods and banking details page on the Unisa website.
- Choose the Unisa web credit card payment option.
- Use your student number and make sure the payment is for the application fee.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the secure online payment using a credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard).
- Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT): If you prefer using online banking, you can make an EFT payment directly into the Unisa bank account.
- Use this reference: your 8-digit student number, a space, then 5370810030 (the application fee allocation number). FNB clients can also select Unisa from the list of pre-approved public beneficiaries.
- Use the following Unisa banking details for the EFT:
- Account Name: Unisa Student Deposits
- Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
- Branch Code: 210554
- Account Number: 627 9963 0382 (cheque account)
- When making the EFT payment, clearly include your student number and the application fee allocation number in the reference field. This ensures your application fee is allocated correctly.
- Cash Deposit at a Bank: While not the most recommended option due to processing delays, you can deposit the application fee in cash at any First National Bank (FNB) or ABSA Bank branch.
- No cash payments are accepted at any Unisa office.
- You will need to provide the Unisa bank details (Account Name, Bank, Branch Code, and Account Number) when making the cash deposit.
- Remember to include your student number and the application fee allocation number on the deposit slip as a reference.
Where can I find my Unisa student number and application fee allocation number?
You will receive your student number after you have successfully submitted your online application to Unisa. The application fee allocation number is the same for everyone: 5370810030.
This information will be included in the application confirmation email sent to your registered email address.
What if I don’t pay the Unisa application fee by the closing date?
Unisa will not process your application for admission if the application fee is not settled by the stipulated closing date.
Ensure you factor in processing times, especially if using EFT, to guarantee your application fee reflects before the deadline.
Is there a late fee for paying the Unisa application fee?
The application fee becomes due by the closing date for the application period. There is no separate late fee for application fee payments.
However, if the fee isn’t settled by the closing date, your application won’t be considered.
Can I pay the Unisa application fee using a cheque?
Unisa no longer accepts cheque payments for application fees or any other university fees.
You can pay by credit or debit card online, by EFT, or by cash deposit at any FNB or ABSA branch.
EFT payments can take up to 2 business days to reflect in the Unisa bank account.

