The University of South Africa (UNISA) teaches by distance learning, so its year does not run on campus terms. It runs on application and registration windows, two semesters and examination sessions, and each qualification uses these in its own way. When we checked on 5 November 2026, UNISA had not yet published the 2027 registration dates for undergraduate and honours qualifications. This page explains the dates that UNISA has confirmed for 2027 and how the semester system works, using 2026 as a guide.
Confirmed 2027 dates
- Undergraduate applications: the 2027 window ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026 and is now closed.
- Master's and doctoral registration: 9 January to 31 March 2027, with MCompt, MBA, MBL and DBL closing on 31 January 2027. UNISA says these dates may change.
- Master's of Business Administration applications: 1 September to 20 November 2026.
- Short learning programmes: applications open on 23 November 2026, and UNISA says it will publish 2027 information shortly.
How admission works for 2027
UNISA warns that you will not be accepted automatically for 2027. Places depend on your results, on the qualification's minimum admission point score and on the spaces available. If you receive an offer, it will be for a particular period, usually semester 1 of 2027. You must register for the period for which you were admitted. If you do not register for 2027, you have to apply again in the next application period.
The semester pattern, with 2026 as a guide
UNISA modules run in semesters, and a student can start in the first semester or, for selected qualifications, in the second. In 2026 UNISA's second-semester registration opened on 29 June and closed on 23 July, and the minimum payment was due on 31 July. The balance for second-semester modules was due on 15 August. The 2027 dates will be published on UNISA's registration pages, so treat these as an example of the timing.
Why UNISA's calendar looks different
A contact university has one start date and one end date for everyone. UNISA has several, because students study at their own pace and register in different windows. For that reason, always look up the dates for your own qualification level, rather than relying on a single page of dates.
What to do now
- If you applied before 9 October, check your application status regularly and watch for your offer.
- When you receive an offer, accept it online before the stated date.
- Read the registration instructions for your qualification level on the UNISA website, because undergraduates, honours students and postgraduates each have different windows.
- Prepare your registration fee, since UNISA charges per module and requires a minimum payment.
- Apply for funding early, because bursary providers ask for a registration or offer letter.
See UNISA application status, UNISA fees, the UNISA semester 2 intake and the myUnisa student portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does UNISA registration open for 2027?
Master's and doctoral registration runs from 9 January to 31 March 2027. Undergraduate dates were not yet published when we checked.
Are UNISA undergraduate applications for 2027 still open?
No. The window ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026.
Will UNISA accept me automatically?
No. Admission depends on your results, the qualification's requirements and the places available.
Does UNISA have a second-semester intake?
Yes, for selected qualifications. See the UNISA semester 2 intake page for details.