UNISA Application: A Comprehensive 5-step Guide

If you are planning to study at the University of South Africa (Unisa), completing your application correctly is one of the most important steps in the admission process. Unisa applications are completed online, and applicants must meet the admission requirements, submit the required documents and pay the application fee where applicable.

For the 2027 academic year, applications for undergraduate qualifications are scheduled to open from 17 August to 9 October 2026. Honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas have the same application period. Master’s and doctoral applications are scheduled for 1 September to 20 November 2026, although some qualifications have different dates.

Here is a five-step guide to help you complete your Unisa application.

Step 1: Choose Your Unisa Qualification

Before starting your application, decide what you want to study and check whether you meet the admission requirements.

Unisa offers several types of qualifications, including:

• Higher certificates
• Diplomas
• Advanced diplomas
• Bachelor’s degrees
• Honours degrees
• Postgraduate diplomas
• Master’s degrees
• Doctoral degrees

You should check the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification before applying. Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission because Unisa also considers available spaces and other selection criteria.

Applicants should also choose their qualifications carefully. Undergraduate applicants can apply for a maximum of three qualifications during the application process.

If you are unsure which qualification is suitable for you, review the admission requirements and consider your current school-leaving or tertiary qualifications before submitting your application.

RELATED: UNISA Application Fee 2027: How Much It Is & How to Pay

Step 2: Apply for a Unisa Student Number

Once you have chosen your qualification, you can begin the online application process.

Visit the official Unisa application website and follow the instructions to apply.

First-time applicants may need to obtain a Unisa student number as part of the application process. Keep this number safe because you will use it during subsequent steps, including paying the application fee.

It is important to remember that receiving a student number does not mean that you have been accepted to study at Unisa. You still need to complete the admission application and submit the required supporting documents.

Step 3: Complete the Admission Application and Upload Documents

After obtaining your student number, complete the admission application for your chosen qualification.

You will need to provide your personal and academic information and upload the supporting documents requested by Unisa.

For many applicants, required documents may include:

• A South African ID document or valid passport
• School or tertiary academic records, where applicable
• Proof of previous qualifications
• Other documents specifically requested for your qualification

The exact documents can vary depending on the qualification and your circumstances.

Make sure your documents are clear and readable before uploading them. Unisa states that applicants must have their documents ready to upload during the application process. Documents submitted after the application closing date will not be accepted.

If you previously studied at Unisa, additional academic information may be required. Unisa advises returning students to obtain their academic record through myUnisa where applicable.

Step 4: Pay the Unisa Application Fee

First-time applicants must pay the applicable application fee after receiving their student number.

For undergraduate online applications, the current application fee is R150. The fee is non-refundable, including if you decide not to study at Unisa, do not meet the admission requirements or are not offered a space.

When making the payment, use your Unisa student number together with the relevant application fee reference number as instructed by the university.

Keep your proof of payment after completing the transaction. Unisa may require proof of payment to be submitted as part of the application process.

The application fee must be paid by the relevant application closing date. An application will not be processed if the required fee has not been paid on time.

Step 5: Check and Track Your Unisa Application

Before submitting your application, carefully check that all the information is correct and that you have uploaded every required document.

An incomplete application can result in you having to apply again during a future application period. Unisa also states that applicants cannot submit outstanding documents after the application deadline.

After submitting your application, Unisa will assess it based on factors such as the admission requirements for your selected qualification, your academic results and the availability of spaces. Admission is therefore not automatic, even if you meet the minimum requirements.

You should regularly check your application status and monitor the email address and cellphone number you provided during the application.

If you receive an offer from Unisa, follow the instructions provided to accept the offer. Successful applicants will then receive information about the registration process.

Unisa Application Dates for 2027

The important 2027 application periods currently published by Unisa include:

Some qualifications may have different application periods or exceptions, so applicants should always check the official Unisa website before applying.

Final Tips Before Submitting Your Unisa Application

To avoid unnecessary delays or having to apply again, make sure you:

• Check the admission requirements before applying.
• Select the correct qualification.
• Apply before the official closing date.
• Have all supporting documents ready.
• Check that uploaded documents are clear and readable.
• Pay the application fee if you are required to do so.
• Keep your proof of payment.
• Keep your student number and application details safe.
• Check your application status after submitting.
• Do not wait until the final day to complete your application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unisa Applications