The University of South Africa (UNISA), Africa’s largest university by student enrollment, offers open distance-learning programmes to domestic and international students. 

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Applications for the 2026 academic year must be submitted online during specific application windows, and admission is subject to program capacity and compliance with admission criteria.

When do UNISA applications open for the 2026 academic year?

  • Undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees, and postgraduate diplomas: open from 18 August 2025 and close on 10 October 2025.
  • Master’s and doctoral qualifications: application window opens in August 2025; closing dates vary by qualification and college.

What are the closing dates for all qualifications?

  • Undergraduate, honours and postgraduate diplomas: close on 10 October 2025.
  • Master’s and doctoral programmes: generally close in late October or November 2025, depending on specific offerings.

What are the admission requirements and APS for UNISA?

  • Applicants must meet statutory and college-specific requirements, including a minimum Academic Points Score (APS) based on final Grade 12 results. APS thresholds vary by qualification and faculty.
  • Admission is competitive and space-dependent; meeting APS does not guarantee placement.

How do I apply online to UNISA?

  1. Visit unisa.ac.za → Apply for admission and select your qualification level.
  2. Complete registration using your email and phone. Upload requested documents including ID/passport, academic records, and any other qualification-specific documents.
  3. You may apply for up to three qualifications, ranked by preference. Only one offer can be accepted.

What documents must I upload?

Applicants must upload (each file < 2 MB, PDF/DOC/TIF):

  1. Certified Grade 12 matric certificate or equivalent
  2. Official tertiary transcripts (if applicable)
  3. RSA ID document or international passport
  4. If married/divorced: copy of marriage or divorce certificate
  5. Sworn translation for documents not in English or Afrikaans
  6. SAQA evaluation certificate for international qualifications
    All documents must be submitted by the application closing date.

Is there an application fee and how much is it?

A non-refundable fee of R150 is required for online applications, payable after receiving your student number.

Apply early to avoid technical delays and ensure your application is processed.

How do I check my UNISA application status?

  1. Use the MyUNISA or application portal to track outcomes such as “Received”, “Offer Made”, or “Rejected”.
  2. If selected, you must accept or decline your offer within 10 working days, otherwise it will lapse.
  3. UNISA communicates via email and calls; ensure you use valid contact details during application.
1. When do UNISA applications open?
Applications open on 18 August 2025 for undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate diplomas. Master’s and PhD openings start in August as well. See unisa.ac.za/apply.
2. What is the closing date?
All undergraduate, honours and diploma applications close on 10 October 2025. Master’s and doctoral deadlines vary by qualification.
3. How many qualifications can I apply to?
You may apply to up to three qualifications, ranked by preference. Only one offer can be accepted.
4. What documents are required?
Matric certificate or equivalent, transcripts and degree certificates (if any), ID/passport, SAQA certificate for foreign qualifications, and any relevant personal certificates.
5. What is the application fee?
A non‑refundable fee of R150 must be paid after receiving a student number.
6. How is APS calculated and used?
Admission is based on APS thresholds per qualification; demographic and contextual data may also factor into selection. Meeting APS does not guarantee placement.
7. What if I accept an offer?
You must accept or decline within 10 working days of the offer. Failure to accept results in forfeiture of the place.
8. Can I change my chosen qualifications later?
No—changes are not possible after application submission. Ensure your order of preference reflects your true priority.
9. What if my documents fail to upload?
Ensure each file is ≤ 2 MB and in PDF, DOC or TIF format. Upload before the application deadline.
10. Who can I contact for help?
Call UNISA at toll‑free 0800 00 1870 or visit online chat via unisa.ac.za.