UNISA Opens 2026 Applications Today – Apply Now!

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has officially opened and activated its 2026 online application portal. The university invites all first-time applicants, returning students, and international candidates to visit the portal to apply and register for their course of interest.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the UNISA 2026 application dates, how to access and complete the online application form, eligibility criteria, required documents, and step-by-step instructions to apply successfully.

UNISA 2026 Application Dates Confirmed

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has officially confirmed the application period for the 2026 academic year:

Undergraduate qualifications: 18 August – 10 October 2025
Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas: 18 August – 10 October 2025
Master’s & doctoral qualifications: To be open in August 2025
Short Learning Programmes (SLPs)
- Applications & registrations for First semester modules: 5 January – 13 February 2026
- Applications for Year modules: Remain open until 13 March 2026

Note:

You can submit your application up until the official closing date for admissions. If a programme is not yet full by the final deadline, UNISA may consider late applications. Should the university continue to accept applications after the deadline, the admissions office will indicate this on the specific programme’s application page.

UNISA 2026 Applications: Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Both South African and international students are welcome to apply for the 2026 academic year at UNISA. However, international applicants must meet additional requirements, including submitting specific supporting documents and obtaining a valid study visa.

You are eligible to apply to UNISA for the 2026 academic season if:

You are a new applicant or a returning student changing your qualification or specialisation.
You have completed Grade 12 or hold a recognised school-leaving certificate.
You meet the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) for your chosen qualification.
You have access to a digital device and a stable internet connection, which are essential for UNISA’s open distance e-learning model.

UNISA 2026 Undergraduate Qualifications

UNISA offers various undergraduate options in 2026, including:

Higher Certificates (1 year)
Diplomas & Advanced Diplomas (2–3 years)
Bachelor’s Degrees (3–4 years)
Master’s Degrees (2-3 years)

Entry Requirements

Each programme has its own set of specific admission requirements that must be met. However, meeting these requirements does not guarantee automatic selection, as other factors are also considered during the selection process. Be sure to download the official prospectus and carefully review the full details of the admission criteria.

UNISA 2026 Application Requirements

Before applying and registering, ensure you have the following documents certified and scanned:

✔️ For South African Applicants:

Certified copy of South African ID
Matric certificate or latest academic transcript
Proof of residence (if required)
Application or registration payment proof (if self-funded)

🌍 For International Applicants:

Valid passport
SAQA certificate (foreign qualifications)
Study permit and proof of residence
Proof of language proficiency (if applicable)

TIP: All documents must be certified within the past 3 months and uploaded in PDF, JPG, or PNG format.

How to Apply at UNISA for 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Follow this step-by-step guide to submit your UNISA 2026 application online:

Go to the official site: www.unisa.ac.za
Click on “Apply for Admission.”
Select your qualification level (Undergraduate / Honours / Postgraduate)
Choose your preferred qualification and course code
Fill out the online application form
Upload all certified supporting documents
Submit the form and save your reference number
Proceed to pay the R150 non-refundable application fee. Pay HERE

Take Note: You can apply for up to two qualifications. UNISA will consider your first choice first.

About the UNISA 2026 Online Application Form.

The application form is only available online, as the university accepts applications submitted electronically. There is no need to download or submit a physical copy.
Make sure to upload all required documents clearly, and keep a digital copy of your confirmation page and reference number for your records.

After You Apply: What Happens Next

After submitting your application:

You’ll receive a reference number via email and SMS
UNISA will review your application
If accepted, you’ll be invited to register online and pay a minimum fee
If unsuccessful, you may reapply in the next cycle or choose a different qualification

How to Track Your UNISA Application Status (2026)

Track your application by following the steps below after the closing date:

Visit the UNISA Application page
Click on “Check Admission Status.”
Type in your student number (you would have received this after applying).
Provide your surname, first names, and date of birth as requested.
Click “Continue.”
The system will display your application progress, whether it’s still being processed, approved, declined, or needs more documents.