UNISA 2027 Applications Open: Dates, Requirements and How to Apply

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has opened applications for the 2027 academic year, giving prospective students an opportunity to apply for undergraduate and selected postgraduate qualifications.

Applications opened on 17 August 2026, making this an important period for students who want to study through UNISA in 2027. Prospective applicants should carefully check the requirements for their chosen qualification, prepare their supporting documents and submit their applications before the relevant closing date.

Here is everything you need to know about the UNISA 2027 applications, including application dates, requirements, documents, fees and how to apply online.

UNISA 2027 Application Dates

UNISA application dates vary depending on the type of qualification you want to study.

Applicants should check the specific qualification page before applying because certain programmes may have additional requirements or different application arrangements.

UNISA does not accept applications or supporting documents after the relevant closing date.

Who Can Apply for UNISA in 2027?

The 2027 application cycle is open to prospective students who want to begin a new qualification at UNISA.

This includes applicants interested in:

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

Current UNISA students who want to change to a different qualification must also apply during the relevant application period.

Before applying, prospective students should use UNISA’s qualification information to confirm that they meet both the general admission requirements and the specific requirements for their chosen qualification.

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

UNISA 2027 Application Requirements

The requirements depend on the qualification you want to study. Applicants should not assume that meeting the minimum requirements automatically guarantees admission.

UNISA considers factors such as:

• The admission requirements for the selected qualification
• Your academic results
• The minimum Academic Points Score (APS), where applicable
• The number of spaces available
• Other qualification-specific requirements

Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily mean that you will be offered a place, particularly where a qualification has limited capacity. UNISA says applications are assessed according to admission requirements, points score and available spaces.

Documents Needed for a UNISA Application

Applicants should have their supporting documents ready before beginning the online application.

Depending on your circumstances and qualification, these may include:

• A copy of your South African ID or passport
• Your school-leaving certificate or latest academic results
• Previous tertiary academic records, where applicable
• Proof of any relevant qualifications
• Other documents specifically requested for your chosen qualification

Documents must be uploaded during the application period. UNISA states that documents submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.

Applicants should also make sure that documents are clear and legible before uploading them.

How to Apply for UNISA 2027

The UNISA application process is completed online.

Step 1: Choose Your Qualification

Start by deciding what you want to study. Review the available qualifications and carefully read the admission requirements before beginning your application.

Do not select a qualification simply because it is available. Make sure your previous education and results meet the requirements.

Step 2: Apply for Admission

Go to the official UNISA application system and complete the online application.

You will need to provide accurate personal, contact and academic information.

UNISA allows applicants to apply for a maximum of three qualifications during the application process.

Step 3: Upload Your Documents

Upload all the supporting documents requested for your application.

Make sure the documents are submitted before the closing date. UNISA specifically warns that late documents will not be accepted.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

The current online application fee is R150.

First-time applicants must pay the non-refundable fee after receiving their UNISA student number. The application fee must be paid by the closing date for the application period, otherwise the application will not be processed.

The fee is non-refundable even if you do not qualify for admission or UNISA cannot offer you a space.

Step 5: Check Your Application Status

After submitting your application, monitor your application status through the relevant UNISA online services.

Keep checking the email address and cellphone number you provided because UNISA uses these contact details to communicate with applicants.

Remember that receiving a student number does not mean that you have been accepted. Your application still needs to be assessed.

Important Tips for UNISA 2027 Applicants

Apply Before the Closing Date

Do not wait until the final day to submit your application. Technical problems, missing documents or payment delays could affect your application.

Check Your Requirements Carefully

Before selecting a qualification, confirm that you meet the admission requirements and APS requirements, where applicable.

Prepare Your Documents in Advance

Having your ID, academic results and other supporting documents ready can make the application process easier.

Check Your Email Regularly

UNISA communicates important application information to prospective students using the contact details provided during the application.

Keep Your Proof of Payment

If you pay an application fee, keep the proof of payment for your records.

UNISA Application Fee for 2027

The current online application fee is R150 for applicants who are required to pay it.

The fee is generally applicable to first-time applicants who do not already have a formal UNISA student number. It is a once-off, non-refundable fee.

Applicants should use the payment information provided directly by UNISA rather than relying on payment details from third-party websites.

Can You Apply for More Than One UNISA Qualification?

Yes. UNISA’s current undergraduate application information states that applicants may apply for up to three qualifications during the application process.

However, applicants should carefully consider their choices and make sure they meet the requirements for each qualification.

Applying for multiple qualifications does not mean that you will automatically be accepted into all of them.

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your application, UNISA assesses it based on the requirements for your selected qualification.

The university considers factors including your academic eligibility, points score and the availability of spaces.

It is therefore important to understand that:

Application submitted ≠ admission confirmed.

Applicants should wait for official communication from UNISA before assuming that they have been accepted.

UNISA 2027 Applications FAQs

The UNISA 2027 application period is now open, giving prospective students an opportunity to apply for their preferred qualifications before the relevant deadlines.

For undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas, the key deadline to remember is 9 October 2026. Applicants should check the admission requirements, prepare their supporting documents and complete their applications as early as possible.

The most important thing is to use information from UNISA’s official website when checking application requirements, fees and deadlines, as these details can change.

Official UNISA application information: UNISA Apply for Admission