UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA) 2027 APPLICATIONS
UNISA 2027 Applications
Planning to study at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2027? Find important information about UNISA applications, closing dates, courses, admission requirements, application fees, documents and how to apply.
UNISA is South Africa's largest open distance learning university, allowing students to study through distance education.
UNISA 2027 APPLICATION DATES
UNDERGRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS:
Applications open: 17 August 2026
Applications close: 9 October 2026
HONOURS DEGREES & POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMAS:
Applications open: 17 August 2026
Applications close: 9 October 2026
MASTER'S & DOCTORAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Applications open: 1 September 2026
Applications close: 20 November 2026
IMPORTANT:
Some Master's and Doctoral programmes have different closing dates.
UNISA does not accept late applications or documents submitted after the closing date.
UNISA COLLEGES & COURSES
UNISA offers qualifications across a wide range of study areas, including:
• Accounting Sciences
• Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
• Economic and Management Sciences
• Education
• Human Sciences
• Law
• Science, Engineering and Technology
• Graduate School of Business Leadership
Popular study areas include:
• Accounting
• Business Management
• Economics
• Education
• Law
• Policing
• Criminology
• Psychology
• Communication
• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Environmental Management
• Tourism Management
• Public Management
• Finance
• Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• Social Work
Always check the specific qualification for its admission and APS requirements.
UNISA ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission requirements depend on the qualification.
Applicants should check:
• National Senior Certificate requirements
• Required Grade 12 subjects
• Minimum marks
• Academic Points Score (APS)
• Mathematics requirements
• Mathematical Literacy requirements
• English requirements
• Programme-specific requirements
IMPORTANT:
The minimum APS differs depending on the college and qualification.
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not automatically guarantee admission.
UNISA uses a selection process based on academic requirements, APS and available spaces.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Applicants should prepare:
• South African ID or passport
• Grade 11 final results for current Grade 12 learners
• Grade 12 results, where available
• National Senior Certificate, if already completed
• Academic records, where applicable
• Qualification certificates, where applicable
• SAQA evaluation for applicable foreign qualifications
• Other programme-specific documents
IMPORTANT:
Documents must be uploaded individually and must be clear and legible.
Each file must not exceed 2MB.
Accepted formats include:
• DOC
• TIF
UNISA APPLICATION FEE
Online application fee:
R160
The application fee is:
• Non-refundable
• Payable by first-time applicants
• Due before the application closing date
IMPORTANT:
You must first receive a UNISA student number before paying the application fee.
Use your UNISA student number and the application fee allocation number as the payment reference.
HOW TO APPLY TO UNISA
1. Choose your qualification.
2. Check the admission and APS requirements.
3. Prepare your documents.
4. Visit the UNISA online application system.
5. Complete the application.
6. Upload the required documents.
7. Submit the application.
8. Wait for your UNISA student number.
9. Pay the R160 application fee if applicable.
10. Send/upload proof of payment as instructed.
11. Make sure your application is fully complete.
12. Track your application status.
HOW MANY QUALIFICATIONS CAN I APPLY FOR?
Applicants can apply for a maximum of THREE qualifications.
You must rank your choices in order of preference.
IMPORTANT:
Once the application has been submitted, you cannot normally add or change your three proposed qualifications.
Choose your qualifications carefully.
UNISA STUDY & REGIONAL CENTRES
UNISA operates through a network of regional centres across South Africa.
UNISA students can access academic and student support services through the relevant regional centre.
UNISA is primarily an open distance learning institution, meaning students do not attend traditional daily campus classes in the same way as students at contact universities.
UNISA & NSFAS
Eligible South African students can apply for NSFAS funding, subject to the applicable NSFAS requirements.
UNISA students may qualify for funding for approved qualifications.
IMPORTANT:
University admission and NSFAS funding are separate processes.
Being accepted by UNISA does not automatically guarantee NSFAS funding.
UNISA PROSPECTUS
The UNISA prospectus provides information about:
• Courses and qualifications
• Admission requirements
• APS requirements
• Colleges
• Subject requirements
• Programme information
• Application procedures
• Student funding
• Registration information
Always check the latest UNISA information before choosing a qualification.
IMPORTANT UNISA APPLICATION ADVICE
• Undergraduate applications open on 17 August 2026.
• Undergraduate applications close on 9 October 2026.
• Honours and Postgraduate Diploma applications close on 9 October 2026.
• Master's and Doctoral applications close on 20 November 2026.
• Apply early.
• Check your APS before applying.
• You can choose a maximum of three qualifications.
• Rank your choices carefully.
• Upload all required documents before the closing date.
• Pay the R160 application fee if you are a first-time applicant.
• Keep your UNISA student number safe.
• Check your email regularly.
• Track your application status.
• Do not pay anyone promising guaranteed admission.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When do UNISA 2027 undergraduate applications open?
Applications open on 17 August 2026.
When do UNISA 2027 undergraduate applications close?
Applications close on 9 October 2026.
When do UNISA Honours and Postgraduate Diploma applications close?
Applications close on 9 October 2026.
When do UNISA Master's and Doctoral applications open?
Applications open on 1 September 2026.
When do Master's and Doctoral applications close?
Applications close on 20 November 2026, although some programmes may have different application periods.
How much is the UNISA application fee?
The online application fee is R160 for applicable first-time applicants.
How many qualifications can I apply for at UNISA?
You can apply for a maximum of three qualifications and rank them according to preference.
Can Grade 12 learners apply to UNISA?
Yes. Learners completing Grade 12 in 2026 can apply for admission to study at UNISA in 2027.
Does meeting the minimum APS guarantee admission?
No. UNISA uses a selection process based on academic requirements, APS and the number of available spaces.
Does UNISA accept late applications?
No. UNISA does not accept late applications or supporting documents submitted after the closing date.
When will I receive feedback after applying?
UNISA states that applicants can expect feedback approximately four to six weeks after the closing date for applications.
What happens if I receive a UNISA offer?
First-time applicants must complete the First-Year Experience MOOC before accepting their offer. You must then accept or decline the offer within the prescribed period.
APPLY TO UNISA FOR 2027
Choose your qualification → Check APS → Prepare documents → Apply online → Receive your student number → Pay R160 if applicable → Complete your application → Track your application.
ApplySmart SA
Helping South African students make smarter university, college and bursary decisions.
Last updated: August 2026
DISCLAIMER
ApplySmart SA is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the University of South Africa. Application dates, fees, requirements and programmes may change. Always verify the latest information with UNISA before applying.