Categories: University Admissions 2023

Unisa Online Application 2026 | www.unisa.ac.za online

Unisa Online Application 2026 | www.unisa.ac.za online, How to Apply at University of South Africa (UNISA) For 2026

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is now accepting online applications for the 2026 academic year, with the deadline set for November 22, 2025. The application process is available on their official website or portal, where both new and returning students can apply. However, applicants are limited to submitting only one application form for the 2026 intake.

New applicants to UNISA must submit a new application for the 2026 academic year, even if they were previously unsuccessful in gaining admission. Those who were not accepted for the 2025 intake will need to apply again. All applicants need to review the details and complete their applications within the specified time frame to ensure consideration for the upcoming academic year.

Is it possible to apply TWICE to UNISA University for the 2026 intake?

The University of South Africa requires a single online application form, and applicants cannot apply more than once. However, they can apply for two courses simultaneously using the same application form, as long as they meet the course requirements with their top two course choices.

Multiple Qualifications

In the academic year 2026, students can apply online for no more than two (2) qualifications. The first two options received will be considered by the University of South Africa (NISA).

How Many Times Can You Apply to UNISA in 2026?

Undergraduate students can apply to up to two programs, with UNISA reviewing all applications. They may receive up to two conditional offers. Postgraduate applicants can only submit one course or qualification.

Do you want to change your program choice after you’ve submitted your application?

Unisa students cannot add or alter qualifications once an application is submitted. They can submit up to two qualifications, with a backup of a lower-level qualification. Changes to new qualifications/specializations can only be made during the appropriate application period.

Read: How to Complete Unisa Application Form 2026

Documents Required

To apply to the University of South Africa online, you will require the following documents:

Undergraduate Domestic Applicants
- Copy of your school qualifications (eg Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate)
- Copy of your official tertiary academic record(s) (if applicable) (internet copies will not be accepted)
- Copy of your ID document (RSA students) or ID/passport (international students)
- Copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree (if applicable)
- Sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans
Foreign UndergraduateApplicants Only
- 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 degree studies) (PDF 157KB) and supporting documents if you are applying for a certificate of exemption
Master’s & doctoral applications
- Copies of all official academic records, including all papers/modules passed, percentages obtained, and the ledger.
- A copy of your ID or valid passport.
- A research outline, CV, and any additional documents as indicated in the admission requirements for the specific qualification under the departmental focus area requirements (applicants applying for the MBA, MBL, DBL, coursework LLMs and the Coursework MCom in Industrial Psychology do not need to submit a research outline).
- RPL approval letter if you applied for admission via RPL.
- A SAQA certificate of evaluation

Explore: How Can I Apply For NSFAS At UNISA 2026

How to Apply

To apply to the University of South Africa (UNISA), go through the process below:

Go to www.unisa.ac.za to access the Unisa application tool in 2026.
Make your Qualification selection
Read through Steps 1 through 3 of the instructions.
Select “Apply for Admission” from the menu.
Before moving on to the next step, carefully read the directions on the page that opens.
Select “first-time” Applicants to/returning applicants to Unisa
Key in your passport or ID number.
Complete the form with accurate information.
Upload the relevant documents.
An automatic student number would be generated following a successful application.
Continue to process the 2026 Unisa Application fee payment.

Track Your Unisa Application Status 2026

Log in to the Applicant Portal to track your application status and make sure there is no outstanding information. Use your username (e-mail address) and password to log in.

Unisa will only provide you feedback six to eight weeks following the application closure.

Please take note that even if you meet the requirements for your preferred qualification(s), you will not necessarily be accepted to study through Unisa. According to the number of openings available for each qualification, students will be admitted. Please be aware that the tenet of “first come, first served” does NOT apply.
Your application’s outcome will be communicated to you by Unisa, and you will have 10 days to accept or reject their offer.
Before you can accept your offer and register for the 2026 semester 1 academic year, first-time applicants to Unisa will need to finish the First-Year Experience MOOC (massive open online course).