UNISA 2026 Admission Timeline Now Released

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has officially confirmed the opening date for 2026 applications, sending a wave of excitement among prospective students across South Africa and beyond. As one of Africa’s largest open distance learning institutions, Unisa continues to be a top choice for learners seeking flexible and affordable higher education in South Africa.

If you’re planning to apply, here’s everything you need to know about the application dates, available qualifications, admission requirements, application fee, payment methods, and the general steps to apply online.

When Do Unisa Applications for 2026 Open?

Unisa has confirmed that applications for the 2026 academic year will open on 18 August 2025. This date applies to:

First-time undergraduate applicants
Returning students applying for new qualifications
Postgraduate diploma candidates
International students

Closing Date

The official application closing date is 10 October 2025; however, some qualifications may close earlier once they are full. Therefore, it’s recommended to apply early. Applications will be accepted until the programme closes. If space is still available after the deadline, UNISA may consider late applications.

Who Can Apply?

You are eligible to apply to UNISA for any programme of your choice if you fall into one of the following categories:

New applicants who have never registered at Unisa before
Returning students who want to change their qualification or field of study
Current students needing to apply for the next level of study (e.g., from Higher Certificate to Diploma)
International students meeting admission requirements
Matriculants from 2024 and previous years who meet the APS requirements

Qualifications Offered at Unisa

Unisa offers a wide variety of qualifications across its eight colleges, including:

Higher Certificates
Diplomas
Advanced Certificates
Bachelor Degrees
Postgraduate Diplomas
Honours Degrees
Master’s and Doctoral Degrees

Some of the popular fields include:

Education
Law
Accounting
Business and Economics
Health Sciences
Engineering and Technology
Social Work
Psychology
Public Administration
Information Technology

Colleges Within Unisa

Unisa comprises the following academic colleges:

College of Accounting Sciences
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
College of Economic and Management Sciences
College of Education
College of Graduate Studies
College of Human Sciences
College of Law
College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Each college offers a wide range of qualifications designed to meet diverse academic and career interests.

Admission Requirements for 2026

Unisa’s admission requirements differ based on the qualification level. Below is a general guide:

Undergraduate Requirements:

Higher Certificate: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching and learning.
Diploma: NSC with 50% in four subjects and 30% in the language of instruction.
Bachelor’s Degree: NSC with at least an APS score of 20–24 or more, including a minimum of 50% in key subjects relevant to your chosen programme.

Postgraduate Diploma and Honours:

Relevant undergraduate qualification with sufficient academic performance (usually at least 60% average in final-year modules).

Master’s and Doctoral Studies:

An appropriate Honours or Master’s degree from an accredited institution
A research proposal may be required for doctoral applications

Note: Admission is not guaranteed even if you meet the minimum. Unisa uses a points-based selection system and programme capacity as part of its final decision.

Required Documents for All Applicants

Prepare and upload these certified documents (certification must be within the last 3 months):

South African ID or passport (international applicants)
NSC/matric certificate or latest school results
Previous academic records if transferring
Marriage/divorce certificate (if applicable)
Proof of residence
SAQA evaluation (for foreign qualifications)
Proof of application fee payment

How to Apply at Unisa (UNISA Application Steps)

The application process is fully online. Follow the steps below to apply to UNISA as soon as possible:

Visit the UNISA website: www.unisa.ac.za
Click on “Apply for Admission”
You will be redirected to the Comprehensive Admission Portal 2026
Select your qualification level (Undergraduate or Postgraduate)
Choose your desired programme (you must select at least two study choices)
Create a myUnisa account
Log in using your username and password
Complete your personal profile
Fill in all required fields (marked with a red asterisk *)
Upload all the required supporting documents
Submit your application by clicking the Finish button
Check your email for your UNISA student number
Pay the application fee online using your student number as the reference

Application Fee

After applying, a non-refundable application fee of R135 must be paid. Payment is only required once you have received a student number, and it applies to first-time applicants only.

Mode of Payment

Approved Payment Methods: Payment should be made through Unisa’s approved banking details and using the correct UNISA student number reference

Bank deposit: Using Unisa’s official bank account
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): Via banking apps or online banking
Debit/Credit Card payments: Available via Unisa’s secure online platform
International bank transfers: For applicants outside South Africa.

For EFT and international transfers, use UNISA’s official banking details listed on their website under “Payment Information”.

International Student Application Process

UNISA welcomes applications from students outside South Africa. Here’s how to apply:

Check Qualification Eligibility: Not all qualifications are available to international students.
SAQA Evaluation: You must submit a certificate of evaluation from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for foreign academic records. Apply early at www.saqa.org.za.
Study Visa: Once accepted, you’ll need to apply for a South African study permit or visa.
Application Process: The process is the same as for local students — fully online.
Language Requirements: If English is not your first language, you may need to prove proficiency.

Tip: International applicants are advised to apply as early as possible, as there may be additional processing times.

Why Choose Unisa?

As Africa’s largest open distance learning institution, UNISA offers several advantages. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Flexible online learning from anywhere in the world
One of the most affordable higher education institutions in Africa
Access to a wide range of accredited qualifications
Great for students balancing work, family, or other commitments

Conclusion

The Unisa 2026 application window opens on 18th August 2025, and the countdown has begun. Whether you’re a first-time student, a working professional seeking to upgrade your skills, or an international learner, Unisa offers flexible, affordable, and high-quality education that suits your lifestyle.

Be prepared with your documents, apply early, and secure your space before applications close on 10th October 2025.

Contact Details

🎓 General & Admissions Enquiries

Toll-free number (South Africa): 0800 203 785
- Options:
  1. Applications & registrations
  2. myLife/myUnisa
  3. Library
  4. Exams
  5. General enquiries
Student Communication Centre hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–19:00, Sat 08:00–14:00