Categories: University Admissions 2023

How to Apply Online at UNISA For 2026

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has launched an online application portal for the 2026 academic cycle, open to both domestic and international students. Applications will be accepted from August 19 to November 22, 2025, depending on the qualification. It’s important to note that UNISA does not process applications sent via email, fax, or postal service. To apply, simply visit the UNISA website and follow the instructions for submitting your application.

Prospective students aged 16 and above with a Grade 12 qualification who wish to study for a diploma, higher certificate, postgraduate diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s, or doctorate are required to apply as soon as possible.

Important Dates for UNISA 2026 Applications

To apply for a course or program at UNISA, it’s crucial to note the following application deadlines, as they vary by course and qualification:

UNISA Undergraduate Application Dates: August 19 to October 11, 2025.
UNISA Honours and Postgraduate Diplomas Application Dates: Same window as undergraduate programs, August 19 to October 11, 2025.
UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Programs Application Dates: Opens on September 14 and closes on November 10, 2025.

Late applications will not be processed. The UNISA online application portal can be accessed through www.unisa.ac.za using a mobile phone or laptop. Remember to have your ID documents ready, such as a South African ID or passport for international students

Do Unisa Applications Require an application fee For 2026

The Unisa application fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee for first-time or fresh candidates. For the 2026 intake, new applicants must pay an R135 fee via the UNISA online system. The application form for the 2026 academic year will not be processed until the R135.00 fee is paid.

What You May Need to Apply to UNISA for 2026

The University of South Africa accepts students based on three conditions. These are:

UNISA selects the best applicants for various qualifications based on minimum Admission Point Scores and academic requirements. However, meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission. Space availability also plays a role in the selection process, and the “first come, first served” principle does not apply.

Required Documents: Include the documents below when submitting your Unisa online applications for the 2026 admission year

A citizen of South Africa

A Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate (certified copy)
Official tertiary academic record(s) (if applicable) (not obtained from the Internet)
ID document (Certified and scanned into pdf)
Marriage certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree (if applicable)
Sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans

Applicants with international qualifications

Copy of your school qualifications.
Copy of your tertiary academic qualifications (if applicable)
Copy of your passport
Copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree (if applicable)
Original sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans
M30 form – Application for a Certificate of Conditional Exemption (ONLY for admission to bachelor’s degree studies) (PDF 157KB) and supporting documents if you are applying for a certificate of exemption.

How to Apply Online at UNISA For 2026

The processes below are intended to assist new students who are applying to the University of South Africa for the first time. Follow the steps below to complete the online application:

Go to www.unisa.ac.za and fill out the online application form.
Choose your Qualification and apply for it.
Read and comprehend all instructions from Step 1 to Step 3.
Select the “Apply for Admission” link.
Select first-time Applicants to Unisa/Returning Applicants
Enter your passport or identification number.
Fill out the whole online application form.
Upload those documents that apply to you.
A student number would be generated automatically following a successful application.
Proceed to pay the Unisa Application Fee for 2026.
Follow up on your status after six to eight weeks of the closing date
If your application for admission to the 2026 semester 1 academic year is successful, Unisa will give you a place for the period for which you applied, as well as the qualification for which you are being offered a space.
You must accept or decline Unisa’s offer within the time frame specified (10 days from the date of the offer).