How to Apply to UNISA

You apply to the University of South Africa (UNISA) online, during set application periods. Everyone starting a new qualification must apply, including current UNISA students who want to change qualification. The application fee is R160. Here is how the process works, based on UNISA's official application pages.

You must also apply again if you applied before but did not register, or if you finished a higher certificate and want to continue. Students who plan to attend classes at a TVET college under the UNISA-TVET agreement can apply through that college or online.

Check the application period

UNISA opens separate application periods for undergraduate, Honours and postgraduate study, and it accepts applications only within those periods. In early November 2026, its pages said that undergraduate applications for 2027 had closed, so plan for the next period if you missed this one.

Before you apply

Make sure that you meet the admission requirements and minimum APS for your chosen qualification. You also need a valid email address and cellphone number, because UNISA uses them to contact you. Give only one of each, and check your email often.

Next, scan your documents and save them on your device, because UNISA does not provide scanners. You will usually need:

• A copy of your school qualification, such as your National Senior Certificate
• Official academic records from any previous tertiary studies
• A copy of your ID, or your passport if you are an international applicant
• A marriage certificate or divorce decree, if it applies
• Sworn translations of any documents not in English or Afrikaans

Upload each document as a separate black-and-white file of no more than 2MB, in PDF, DOC or TIF format.

The application steps

1. Go to UNISA's online application system and complete your application.
2. Upload your supporting documents before the closing date. UNISA does not accept documents after that date.
3. Pay the R160 application fee once you receive your student number. Use your student number and the application fee allocation number as the reference, and email the proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za.
4. Check that your application is complete.

The fee is not refundable, even if you do not qualify or UNISA cannot offer you a place. UNISA does not process applications without a fee paid on time.

After you receive an offer

First-time students must complete UNISA's free First-Year Experience online course before they can accept an offer. Then you have 10 working days to accept or decline at www.unisa.ac.za/acceptoffer. Once you accept, you cannot change your mind. Finally, register for the period that UNISA admitted you for, or you will have to apply again.