Are you planning to study through the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2027? As Africa’s largest open distance learning institution, UNISA offers a wide range of undergraduate, honours, postgraduate diploma, master’s, and doctoral qualifications to students across South Africa and around the world.

This guide covers everything you need to know about UNISA applications for 2027, including application dates, admission requirements, application fees, required documents, and how to apply online.

UNISA Application Dates for 2027

Current Application Status

Applications for the 2027 academic year are currently closed.

UNISA applications typically:

  • Open between August and September
  • Close between November and December

Prospective students should regularly check the official UNISA website for announcements regarding the 2027 application cycle.

Honours Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas

UNISA has reopened applications for selected honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas for limited qualifications only.

  • Opening Date: 3 June 2026
  • Closing Date: 17 June 2026

Only specific qualifications are available during this application period.

How to Apply at UNISA

Applications are completed online through the official UNISA application system.

Undergraduate Qualifications

Honours Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas

Important Information Before You Apply

Before starting your application, ensure that you have all the required information and supporting documents ready.

1. Have a Valid Email Address

A valid email address is required to receive application updates, communicate with the university, and access important information about your application.

2. Check Your Admission Requirements

Before applying, verify that you meet the admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

Undergraduate Qualifications

Scroll down to find your qualification and review the admission requirements.

Honours Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas

Scroll down to locate your qualification and review the entry requirements.

UNISA Application Fees

Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee.

Undergraduate and Most Online Applications

  • Application Fee: R150

Master’s and Doctoral Qualifications

  • Application Fee: R160

Important Payment Information

  • Pay the application fee only after receiving a student number from UNISA.
  • Use both your student number and the application fee reference number when making payment.
  • Example reference format: STUDENTNUMBER 5370810030
  • International applicants must email proof of payment to:

susdepid@unisa.ac.za

Failure to use the correct reference details may delay the processing of your application.

Required Documents for UNISA Applications

All supporting documents should be uploaded as separate PDF files.

School Qualifications

Upload:

  • Senior Certificate, or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), or
  • Equivalent school-leaving qualification

Academic Records

If applicable, upload:

  • Official tertiary academic records
  • Academic transcripts from previous institutions

Internet-generated copies are not accepted.

Identification Documents

South African applicants:

  • Copy of South African ID document

International applicants:

  • Copy of passport or identification document

Marriage or Divorce Documents

If applicable, upload:

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree

Translated Documents

If your documents are not in English or Afrikaans, you must provide:

  • Official sworn translations

Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, legible, and certified where required.

Why Choose UNISA?

University of South Africa is the largest distance-learning university in Africa and provides flexible study options for students who wish to study while working, raising families, or managing other commitments.

UNISA offers nationally and internationally recognised qualifications across a wide range of disciplines, making higher education accessible to students throughout South Africa and beyond.

Official UNISA Website

For the latest information on applications, qualifications, fees, registration dates, and student support services, visit the:

About Online University Application

Online University Application helps prospective students find the latest university application dates, admission requirements, APS information, funding opportunities, and direct application links for universities across South Africa.

Our goal is to make the university application process easier by providing accurate, up-to-date, and easy-to-understand information in one convenient place.

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