UNISA Applications for 2027: Dates, Requirements and How to Apply

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University of South Africa (UNISA), one of the largest distance-learning universities in the world, provides flexible open distance learning (ODL) programmes to students across South Africa and internationally.

If you intend to study in 2027, applications must be submitted online during the official admission window. Admission is competitive and depends on programme capacity as well as meeting the academic requirements.

When do UNISA applications open for 2027?

For the 2027 academic year, the expected application periods are:

Undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas

  • Applications open: 18 August 2026
  • Applications close: 10 October 2026

Master’s and doctoral qualifications

  • Applications generally open: August 2026
  • Closing dates vary depending on the qualification and college.

Applicants should monitor the official UNISA website for programme-specific dates and requirements.

What are the closing dates for UNISA applications?

  • Undergraduate, honours and postgraduate diplomas: 10 October 2026
  • Master’s and doctoral programmes: usually close between late October and November 2026, depending on the qualification.

Submitting your application early is recommended to avoid system congestion close to the deadline.

Admission requirements and APS for UNISA

Applicants must meet both statutory admission requirements and college-specific criteria.

For undergraduate programmes, admission is generally based on:

  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification
  • Meeting the minimum Academic Points Score (APS) for the chosen programme
  • Meeting subject requirements where applicable

APS requirements vary depending on the qualification and college.

Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission, as placement is also determined by programme capacity and competition among applicants.

How to apply online to UNISA

Follow these steps to submit your application:

  1. Visit the official UNISA website: unisa.ac.za
  2. Click Apply for Admission.
  3. Choose the appropriate qualification level (undergraduate, honours, postgraduate, master’s or doctoral).
  4. Register using your email address and phone number.
  5. Complete the online application form.
  6. Upload the required supporting documents.
  7. Submit the application and pay the application fee once you receive your student number.

Applicants may apply for up to three qualifications, ranked in order of preference. However, only one offer of admission may ultimately be accepted.

Documents required for a UNISA application

Applicants must upload the following documents:

  • Certified Grade 12 matric certificate or equivalent qualification
  • Official tertiary academic transcripts (if previously studied)
  • South African ID document or international passport
  • Marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable)
  • Sworn translation for documents not in English or Afrikaans
  • SAQA evaluation certificate for international qualifications

Each document must generally be less than 2 MB and submitted in PDF, DOC, or TIF format.

All required documents must be uploaded before the application deadline.

UNISA application fee

UNISA charges a non-refundable application fee of R150 for online applications.

Payment is made after receiving your student number during the application process.

Applications are only processed once the payment has been successfully received.

How to check your UNISA application status

Applicants can track their application progress through the MyUNISA portal.

Typical status updates include:

  • Application received
  • Documents outstanding
  • Offer made
  • Application unsuccessful

If you receive an offer, you must accept or decline it within 10 working days. Failure to respond within this period may result in the offer being withdrawn.

UNISA will also communicate updates through email or phone contact, so ensure your contact details are accurate during the application process.

1. When do UNISA applications open for 2027?
Applications for undergraduate, honours and postgraduate diplomas open on 18 August 2026. Master’s and doctoral applications also generally open in August.
2. What is the application closing date?
Applications for undergraduate, honours and postgraduate diplomas close on 10 October 2026. Master’s and doctoral closing dates vary by qualification.
3. How many qualifications can I apply for?
Applicants can apply for up to three qualifications, ranked by preference. Only one admission offer may be accepted.
4. What documents are required?
Required documents include a matric certificate or equivalent, academic transcripts if applicable, ID or passport, and a SAQA certificate for international qualifications.
5. What is the UNISA application fee?
UNISA charges a non-refundable application fee of R150, payable after you receive your student number.
6. How is APS used in admissions?
Admission is based on APS requirements for each qualification. Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission because space is limited.
7. What happens if I receive an offer?
You must accept or decline the offer within 10 working days. If you fail to respond, the offer may be withdrawn.
8. Can I change my chosen qualifications after submitting?
No. Once your application is submitted, qualification choices cannot be changed.
9. What if my documents fail to upload?
Ensure each file is smaller than 2 MB and in PDF, DOC or TIF format. Upload all documents before the application deadline.
10. How can I contact UNISA for help?
You can call the UNISA contact centre on 0800 00 1870 or use the online help options available on the UNISA website.