Categories: University Application

Apply to UNISA 2026: Everything You Need to Know

The management of the University of South Africa (UNISA) wishes to inform all parents, students, and guardians that the 2026 application cycle is now open. The online portal for capturing and uploading candidates’ details has also been activated.

If you are interested in applying to UNISA, seize this opportunity to get more details from this article as we guide you through the process.

Qualifications

At the University of South Africa (UNISA), you have the opportunity to pursue undergraduate diplomas, higher certificates, postgraduate diplomas, bachelor’s degree, master’s, and doctoral degrees. UNISA also offers short courses, some lasting as little as six months. The university provides both in-person and online learning options to accommodate its diverse student body.

Deadline

The period for this exercise (application) is from Monday, 18th August to Friday, 10th October 2025.

To be considered for admission, you must complete the online application, upload all required supporting documents, and pay the application fee before the closing date.

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply to study at UNISA if you meet any of the following criteria:

You are a new applicant to UNISA.
You are a current UNISA student seeking to change your programme or specialisation.
You previously applied but were not accepted, or you did not register after accepting an offer.
You have completed a higher certificate or other qualification and wish to pursue further undergraduate studies.

Application Materials

Ensure you have the documents below for the online application process:

School qualifications
Official tertiary academic record(s)
Identity document (ID or passport)
Marriage certificate (Optional)
Sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans

Application Steps

You can apply to UNISA online by visiting www.unisa.ac.za. To complete your application, follow these steps:

Click on “Admissions.”
Select “Apply for Admission.”
Click on “Apply Now.”
Choose your qualification type (e.g., undergraduate, honours, postgraduate).
Carefully read all the instructions provided.
Scroll down and click “Start the Process.”
Enter your national identity number.
Acknowledge the POPI Act consent by checking the box.
Click “Next.”
Key in your personal details
Fill in your address information
Indicate whether you have a disability
Click “Next” after completing each section
Select up to two study courses
Provide your academic background (names of institutions, grades/scores)
Complete all required fields
Upload all required documents (in correct format and size)
Review your application and correct any errors
Click “SUBMIT” to submit your application before the deadline
You will receive a student number after submission via Email/SMS

Upload Guidelines

The final day to upload any outstanding documents is 10 October 2025. Documents submitted after this date will not be procced by the system.

To successfully upload your documents during UNISA’s online application process, please ensure that your documents:

Are saved in PDF, DOC, or TIF format.
Do not exceed 2MB in size.
Are scanned in black and white.
Are uploaded as separate files (one file per document).”

Application Fee

UNISA charges all first-time applicants a non-refundable application fee of R150, payable in South African Rand. This fee becomes payable once you have received your student number from UNISA.

Payment Method

Payment must be made before the application closing date via UNISA’s approved banking methods, such as electronic funds transfer (EFT) or direct bank deposit. Cash payments are not accepted.

Qualification Selection

You may apply for up to three qualifications, ranked in order of preference; however, you may only register for one if all three applications are successful. UNISA will notify you of the outcome of your application and, if successful, will specify which qualification you have been accepted for and offer you a place for the period you applied for.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Unisa depends on meeting the specific entry requirements for your chosen qualification. If you do not meet these requirements, consider exploring alternative study options. Download the prospectus to explore!

Some qualifications have limited spaces. Meeting the general and/or specific admission requirements does not guarantee placement for the 2026 academic year.

Application Assessment

UNISA will assess your application after submission based on three key factors. You may be offered admission for the 2026 academic year depending on:

Whether you meet the academic admission requirements for your chosen qualification
Your minimum academic points score (APS)
The number of available spaces in the qualification you applied for.