UNISA 2026 Applications Now Open

UNISA 2026 Applications are now open for new and returning students who want to study at the University of South Africa (Unisa). As the largest open distance learning institution in Africa, Unisa provides opportunities for students across the globe to pursue their studies flexibly and affordably.

For the 2026 academic year, Unisa invites applications for undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s and doctoral programmes, as well as Short Learning Programmes (SLPs). Each qualification type has its own application and registration dates, making it important to apply on time to secure your place.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about UNISA 2026 Applications — including important dates, admission requirements, step-by-step application processes, and key tips for a successful application.

Unisa 2026 Applications Dates at a Glance

Qualification Type	Application Period
Undergraduate qualifications	18 August – 10 October 2025
Honours degrees & Postgraduate diplomas	18 August – 10 October 2025
Master’s & Doctoral qualifications	2 September – 21 November 2025 (some exceptions apply)
Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) – First semester modules	5 January – 13 February 2026
Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) – Year modules	5 January – 13 March 2026

Related Content:

• 2026 University Application Dates for South African Institutions

Required Documents for All Applications

Applicants should have certified copies (no older than 3 months) of:

• South African ID or passport.
• Senior certificate or highest qualification obtained.
• Academic transcripts/records (for postgraduate applications).
• Proof of payment of application fee.
• SAQA evaluation (for international qualifications).
• Study visa (for international students).

Apply for Undergraduate Qualifications 2026

Applications for Unisa undergraduate qualifications will be open from 18 August to 10 October 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Who Should Apply

You should apply for a Unisa undergraduate qualification if:

• You are a new student applying to Unisa for the first time.
• You are a current Unisa student who wants to change to a new qualification.
• You previously applied but were not offered a space or could not register.
• You want to study towards a certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree at Unisa.

Key Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission, applicants must meet Unisa’s minimum entry requirements:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) with the required achievement levels.
• Senior Certificate (SC) with matric exemption or equivalent.
• National Certificate (Vocational) – NC(V) with appropriate subject combinations.
• Meeting the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) required for your chosen programme. Each qualification has its own APS requirement.
• International students must have qualifications evaluated by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority).

Tip: Check the Undergraduate Prospectus 2026 on Unisa’s website to confirm exact entry requirements per qualification.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps when applying for an undergraduate qualification:

1. Visit the Unisa Application Website – go to www.unisa.ac.za/apply.
2. Select “Undergraduate Qualifications” from the application options.
3. Choose your qualification – diploma, higher certificate, or bachelor’s degree.
4. Complete the online form – enter your personal and academic details accurately.
5. Upload certified documents – ID/passport, senior certificate, and any other required records.
6. Pay the application fee – payment must be made before your application is processed.
7. Submit the application – ensure you receive and save your reference number.

Apply for Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas 2026

Applications for Unisa honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas for the 2026 academic year are open from 18 August to 10 October 2025. Late applications will not be considered, so early submission is essential to secure a place.

Who Qualifies

You are eligible to apply if you:

• Hold a relevant undergraduate degree or diploma.
• Meet the minimum academic performance required for the chosen programme.
• Have completed any prerequisite modules specified for the qualification.

Tip: Some programmes may have additional requirements such as research experience or portfolio submissions. Always check the Unisa 2026 Prospectus for specific criteria.

Admission Requirements

• A relevant undergraduate qualification in the field of study.
• Minimum performance levels in modules required for entry into the honours or postgraduate diploma programme.
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and other supporting documents.
• International students must have their qualifications evaluated by SAQA.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare Documents: Gather certified copies of your undergraduate degree, transcripts, and ID/passport.
2. Visit the Unisa Application Portal: Go to www.unisa.ac.za/apply and select “Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas.”
3. Complete the Online Form: Enter your personal and academic details accurately.
4. Upload Supporting Documents: Upload all required certified transcripts and documents.
5. Pay the Application Fee: Ensure payment is completed before the deadline.
6. Submit Application: Save your reference number for future tracking and correspondence.

Apply for Master’s & Doctoral Qualifications 2026

Applications for Master’s and Doctoral programmes at Unisa for the 2026 academic year are open from 2 September to 21 November 2025. Some programmes may have exceptions to these dates, so it is important to check the specific faculty requirements before applying. Late applications will not be considered.

Who Qualifies

You are eligible to apply if you:

• For Master’s programmes: hold an Honours degree or postgraduate diploma in a relevant field.
• For Doctoral programmes: hold a relevant Master’s degree.
• Meet faculty-specific admission requirements, which may include prior research experience or publication records.
• Have identified a potential supervisor (for research-based programmes) who is willing to guide your research.

Tip: Contact your potential supervisor early, as supervisor approval may be required before submitting your application.

Admission Requirements

To apply for a Master’s or Doctoral qualification, you must provide:

• Certified copies of your previous degrees and transcripts.
• Research proposal (for research-based programmes) detailing objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
• Proof of meeting minimum academic performance criteria for your intended programme.
• For international students: SAQA evaluation of qualifications and a valid study visa.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare Required Documents: Gather certified copies of your previous qualifications, academic transcripts, ID/passport, and research proposal.
2. Visit the Unisa Application Portal: Go to www.unisa.ac.za/apply and select “Master’s & Doctoral Qualifications.”
3. Complete the Online Application Form: Provide accurate personal, academic, and programme information.
4. Upload Supporting Documents: Upload all certified transcripts, degrees, and research proposal.
5. Pay the Application Fee: Ensure payment is made before the deadline to avoid rejection.
6. Submit Your Application: Save your reference number for tracking and future communication with the university.

Additional Tips for Master’s & Doctoral Applicants

• Contact potential supervisors early and discuss your research topic.
• Ensure your research proposal meets Unisa’s faculty requirements.
• Apply early to allow time for faculty review and supervisor approval.
• Check specific programme deadlines if your field has exceptions.

Register for Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) 2026

Unisa’s Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) registration for the 2026 academic year is open as follows:

• First semester modules: 5 January – 13 February 2026
• Year modules: 5 January – 13 March 2026

Late registrations will not be accepted, so applicants should register early to secure their place.

Who Can Register

Short Learning Programmes are designed for:

• Professionals looking to upskill or gain new skills in a specific area.
• Career changers seeking practical knowledge without committing to a full qualification.
• Students who want to explore a subject area before enrolling in a full programme.

SLPs cover a wide variety of fields, including business, education, IT, management, and social sciences.

Admission Requirements

Requirements for SLPs vary depending on the programme:

• Some programmes may require a basic qualification or prior experience in the field.
• Other programmes are open to all applicants interested in the subject.
• International students may need to provide SAQA-evaluated qualifications or a study visa if applicable.

Tip: Always check the specific SLP programme details on Unisa’s website before registering.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Visit the Unisa SLP Registration Portal: Go to www.unisa.ac.za/apply and select “Short Learning Programmes.”
2. Choose Your Programme: Browse available SLPs and select the module or course you wish to register for.
3. Complete the Online Form: Enter your personal details, contact information, and programme selection accurately.
4. Upload Supporting Documents: Some programmes may require proof of prior qualifications or experience.
5. Pay Registration Fees: Payment must be completed before the deadline to confirm registration.
6. Submit Registration: Keep your reference number safe for future correspondence.

Additional Tips for SLP Applicants

• Register as early as possible to secure your place.
• Ensure all required documents are uploaded and certified if needed.
• Check programme start dates and module requirements carefully.
• Keep proof of payment and your registration reference number.

Application Fee & Payment Methods

All applicants for UNISA 2026 Applications are required to pay a non-refundable application fee to process their submissions. This applies to undergraduate, honours, postgraduate, master’s, doctoral qualifications, and Short Learning Programmes (SLPs).

Application Fee

• Standard fee: R135 per application (non-refundable).
• International students may be required to pay additional fees depending on the programme and their country of residence.
• Each application requires a separate fee, so multiple applications for different qualifications will incur multiple fees.

Payment Methods

Applicants can pay their application fees using the following options:

1. Credit or Debit Card
   • Accepted cards: VISA and MasterCard.
   • Payment is made online via the Unisa application portal.
2. Bank Deposit
   • Payments can be made at any Standard Bank branch.
   • Use your Unisa student number as a reference for the deposit.
   • Ensure you keep the deposit slip as proof of payment.
3. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
   • Payments can be made from your personal bank account.
   • Use your student number as a reference.
   • Upload proof of payment during the application process if required.

Important Notes:

• Cash payments are not accepted at Unisa offices.
• Keep all payment confirmations, as Unisa may request proof during verification.
• Ensure payment is made before the closing date for your application to be considered.

Tips for a Smooth Payment Process

• Double-check the student number or reference number before making payment.
• Save electronic receipts or take screenshots of online transactions.
• Apply and pay early to avoid last-minute issues with payment verification.

What Happens After You Apply

After submitting your UNISA 2026 Applications, it is important to understand the next steps in the process. Following these steps ensures you stay informed and meet all requirements to secure your place at Unisa.

Application Review

Once your application is submitted, Unisa’s admissions team reviews your documents and qualifications to ensure you meet the requirements for your chosen programme. This includes:

• Verifying your academic transcripts and certificates.
• Checking that you meet the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) or module requirements.
• Confirming that all required documents are certified and uploaded correctly.

Checking Your Application Status

You can track your application progress online through the Unisa Application Portal. Regularly checking your status allows you to:

• Confirm that your documents have been received.
• See if additional information is required.
• Monitor the outcome of your application review.

Receiving an Offer Letter

If your application is successful, you will receive an official offer letter from Unisa. This letter:

• Confirms your acceptance into the selected qualification.
• Provides important details about registration deadlines and fees.
• May include conditions, such as completing certain prerequisite modules.

Accepting Your Offer

It is essential to accept your offer within the given timeframe. Failure to do so may result in your place being withdrawn, and you would need to reapply in the next cycle.

Registration and Module Selection

Once you have accepted your offer:

1. Proceed to register for your modules online via the Unisa student portal.
2. Pay the required registration and tuition fees.
3. Ensure you follow all deadlines for module registration to avoid penalties or missing out on classes.

Tip: Keep all correspondence and receipts from Unisa for reference throughout the registration process.

Important Tips for 2026 Applicants

Applying to Unisa for the 2026 academic year can be straightforward if you follow some essential tips. These recommendations will help ensure your UNISA 2026 Applications are successful:

1. Apply Early

• Submit your application as soon as the application window opens.
• Early applications give you enough time to resolve issues such as missing documents or payment errors.

2. Ensure All Documents Are Certified

• Only certified copies of your ID, academic records, and transcripts are accepted.
• Uncertified documents may result in delays or rejection.

3. Double-Check Your Qualification Choice

• Make sure you are applying for the correct programme (undergraduate, honours, postgraduate, Master’s/Doctoral, or SLP).
• Review the specific admission requirements for the programme in the Unisa 2026 Prospectus.

4. Use a Valid Email and Phone Number

• Ensure your contact details are active and monitored regularly.
• Unisa communicates important updates, including offers and registration instructions, via email and SMS.

5. Keep Proof of Payment

• Save receipts for your application or registration fees.
• This can be requested during verification or if any discrepancies arise.

6. Track Your Application Status

• Regularly check the Unisa Application Portal to monitor your application progress.
• Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documents.

7. Be Aware of Deadlines

• Missing deadlines can delay or cancel your application.
• Mark all dates for application submission, registration, and fee payment in your calendar.

8. Seek Assistance if Needed

• Contact Unisa’s Student Support Services if you experience issues during the application or registration process.
• Early assistance can prevent delays and increase your chances of successful enrolment.

Contact Details for Assistance

• Unisa Contact Centre: 0800 00 1870 (South Africa)
• Email: [email protected]
• International queries: [email protected]
• College-specific contacts available on Unisa’s official website.

The UNISA 2026 Applications are now open, offering students the opportunity to join Africa’s leading distance learning institution. Whether you are applying for undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, Master’s or Doctoral programmes, or Short Learning Programmes (SLPs), it is crucial to submit your application on time, meet all admission requirements, and provide certified documents.

By following this guide, you can navigate the application process confidently, track your application status, and complete registration without delays.

Don’t wait—start your UNISA 2026 Application today to secure your place for the upcoming academic year and take the first step toward achieving your educational and career goals.

Visit the Unisa Application Portal to begin your application now.