The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a distance learning university, so you do not attend face-to-face lectures. Instead, you connect to the university online. UNISA has eight colleges offering a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, taught by more than 1,400 academics, as well as the Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL). The details below come from UNISA's colleges and study pages.
UNISA's colleges
- College of Accounting Sciences
- College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- College of Economic and Management Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Human Sciences
- College of Law
- College of Science, Engineering and Technology
- College of Graduate Studies
Each college publishes its own qualifications, accreditation and contact details on UNISA's website, so start with the college that matches your field. When you apply, you must meet both the statutory requirements and the college requirements for your qualification. The College of Graduate Studies supports postgraduate study across the university.
Types of qualifications
UNISA offers higher certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, bachelor's degrees, honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and master's and doctoral degrees. Each qualification has its own admission requirements and minimum APS, set out in UNISA's admission rules and on the UNISA admission requirements page.
How studying works
You study at your own pace within each semester or year, using study material and online tools. myUnisa is your central hub for communication and an essential study tool, and you receive all official communication at your free myLife email address.
How many modules to take
UNISA says the average student registers for between four and six modules a year. Each module costs between about R1,925 and R8,005, and these amounts are subject to change. Prescribed books are an extra cost. So the number of modules you take affects both your workload and your fees.
Free data and software
UNISA has partnered with Cell C, MTN, Telkom and Vodacom, so you pay no data costs when you visit myUnisa or other UNISA websites. Registered students also get Microsoft Office 365 free of charge, with 1 TB of OneDrive storage, installable on three devices.
Applying for a qualification
You apply online during UNISA's application periods, and space in some qualifications is limited. First-time students must also complete the free First-Year Experience online course before accepting an offer. See the how to apply to UNISA page.
Working while you study
Because you do not attend lectures, UNISA suits students who work or live far from a campus. But it still needs discipline, so plan a realistic study load each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many colleges does UNISA have?
UNISA has eight colleges, plus the Graduate School of Business Leadership.
Does UNISA have lectures?
No. UNISA is a distance learning university, and you study online.
How many modules do UNISA students take?
The average student registers for four to six modules a year.