myUnisa is the student platform of the University of South Africa (UNISA). Because UNISA has no face-to-face lectures, myUnisa is your central hub for communication and an essential study tool. Every registered student also gets a free myLife email account. The guidance below comes from UNISA's Connect online pages and its myUnisa announcements.
Claim your myUnisa account
After you register, go to the myUnisa portal and choose the option to claim your login. Enter your student number and the personal details you gave when you registered. This gives you your login details for myUnisa and the myLife email service.
Your myLife email
It can take up to 24 hours for your myLife account to become available after you claim your myUnisa account. Your myLife address is the only email account UNISA recognises for official correspondence, and it stays your official email address on record. Important notices and updates are sent only to this account, so activate it as soon as your registration is finalised.
Opening your email
You can no longer open myLife directly from inside myUnisa. Instead, go to the myLife email login and enter your full address, in the form of your student number followed by @mylife.unisa.ac.za, and your password.
If your password does not work
Reset your myUnisa password to synchronise it with your myLife mailbox. The new password then works for both myUnisa and myLife. During peak periods, it can take about 30 minutes to activate on myLife.
What else you get
- Microsoft Office 365: Word, PowerPoint, Excel and more, installable on three devices
- OneDrive: 1 TB of free online storage
- Free data: no data costs on UNISA websites with Cell C, MTN, Telkom and Vodacom
- SMS alerts: update your mobile number on myUnisa to receive alerts
Using myUnisa properly
UNISA's formal online sites are for study purposes only. Do not use them for private messages or advertising, and never give anyone else access. Misuse could stop you from studying further at UNISA.
Online etiquette
In discussion forums, respect other people's opinions, keep messages short, and avoid bad language and sarcasm.
Other channels
UNISA also shares news and academic resources on its official social media channels and on Unisa Radio, its internet radio station for students.
Getting help
For myUnisa problems, email myUnisaHelp@unisa.ac.za. For myLife problems, email MyLifeHelp@unisa.ac.za. Put your student number in the subject line. See the UNISA application status page, or read the UNISA overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my myUnisa login?
Claim your account on the myUnisa portal with your student number and personal details.
How long does myLife take to activate?
Up to 24 hours after you claim your myUnisa account.
Is my myLife email official?
Yes. It is the only email address UNISA recognises for official correspondence.