UNISA Short Learning Programmes 2026

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has opened registrations for its Short Learning Programmes for 2026, expanding access to practical skills-based education for working professionals, unemployed graduates, and adult learners across Gauteng and the rest of the country. The programmes offer non-degree learning options designed to respond to immediate skills needs in the labour market. This matters now as more South Africans look for flexible education pathways that do not require long-term study commitments or full degree enrolment.

According to the university, the 2026 intake reflects continued demand for short skills-focused learning as economic pressures, skills mismatches, and career transitions increase nationally

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What are UNISA Short Learning Programmes

Short Learning Programmes, commonly referred to as SLPs, are practical non-degree programmes offered by the University of South Africa to help learners develop specific skills and knowledge within a short period of time.

According to the university, SLPs are designed to introduce learners to key concepts in a chosen field while addressing a specific learning or employment need. They follow a just enough learning approach, meaning the focus is on relevance, practicality, and direct application rather than extended academic theory.

SLPs are housed within the academic departments of UNISA colleges and are administered by the Centre for Lifelong Learning. Each programme operates independently with its own structure, duration, and assessment model.

Why Short Learning Programmes Matter in 2026

The relevance of Short Learning Programmes has grown as the South African labour market continues to shift. Employers increasingly seek job-ready skills, adaptability, and continuous learning rather than qualifications alone.

For Gauteng residents, this is particularly significant as the province remains the country’s economic hub with high competition for employment and frequent skills transitions across sectors such as administration, education, finance, technology, public services, and community development.

According to UNISA, SLPs allow learners to update or broaden their skills without committing to multi-year degree programmes. They also provide opportunities for adults who may not qualify for or require formal qualifications but still need accredited learning.

Who should consider a UNISA Short Learning Programme?

Short Learning Programmes are designed for a wide range of learners.

These include:

• Working professionals seeking to upskill or reskill
• Unemployed graduates needing practical competencies
• School leavers exploring non-degree education pathways
• Adult learners returning to education
• Individuals needing skills aligned to specific job requirements

According to the university, SLPs are particularly suited to learners who need flexibility and structured learning without long academic timelines.

How UNISA Short Learning Programmes work

SLPs differ from degree programmes in structure delivery, and outcomes.

According to UNISA, these programmes:

• Are short term and skills-focused
• Do not lead to degrees, diplomas, or certificates on the National Qualifications Framework
• Are offered through various colleges and departments
• Are administered centrally by the Centre for Lifelong Learning

SLPs may be offered fully online, blended, or through limited contact depending on the programme. Assessment methods vary and may include assignments, tests, or practical tasks.

Successful completion results in a certificate of completion issued by the university.

Broad categories of UNISA Short Learning Programmes

UNISA offers Short Learning Programmes across multiple colleges. While individual programmes change annually, the categories generally align with major academic fields.

These include:

• Education and teaching-related programmes
• Business administration and management
• Finance, accounting, and compliance
• Information technology and digital skills
• Public sector and governance-related skills
• Community development and social services
• Legal and regulatory awareness programmes

The university has indicated that programme information is updated continuously as departments revise offerings based on demand.

Entry requirements and eligibility

According to UNISA, entry requirements for Short Learning Programmes vary depending on the programme and department.

Some programmes may require:

• A National Senior Certificate
• Relevant work experience
• Prior tertiary exposure
• Professional registration or sector experience

There is no single admission requirement across all SLPs. Applicants are required to check individual programme criteria before applying.

Registration periods for 2026

UNISA has confirmed the following registration windows for Short Learning Programmes in 2026.

• First semester registration runs from 5 January to 20 February 2026
• Year registration runs from 5 January to 20 March 2026

According to the university, registration dates may differ by programme, and learners are advised to monitor updates as registration cycles progress.

Who must apply

UNISA requires all learners starting a new Short Learning Programme to apply for admission.

This applies to:

• First-time UNISA applicants
• Current UNISA students changing to a new Short Learning Programme
• Applicants who previously applied but were not offered a space

According to the university, no automatic admission applies even for existing UNISA students.

Application process overview

All Short Learning Programme applications must be completed online.

Applicants may apply for a maximum of two Short Learning Programmes ranked in order of preference. However, only one programme may be registered for if both applications are successful.

Applicants are required to accept or decline an offer within the timeframe specified in the offer letter. Failure to respond results in the offer being withdrawn and the space being allocated to another applicant.

Supporting documents required

According to UNISA, all applicants must submit supporting documents by the application closing date.

These generally include:

• Copy of school qualification
• Copy of tertiary academic record, where applicable
• Copy of South African ID or passport
• Marriage certificate or divorce decree, where applicable
• Sworn translations for documents not in English or Afrikaans
• Additional programme-specific documents, if required

UNISA has stated that documents must be uploaded individually in approved file formats and within size limits. Fraudulent documentation constitutes a criminal offence under the Student Disciplinary Code.

Communication and student accounts

UNISA has emphasised that all official communication takes place through registered contact details.

Applicants must provide:

• One valid email address
• One cellphone number

Once registered, students are issued with a myLife email account, which becomes the sole recognised communication channel for official correspondence in compliance with data protection legislation.

What happens after application submission

After submission, UNISA assesses applications and communicates outcomes to applicants.

If an application is successful:

• Documents are verified
• Temporary registration is processed
• A Temporarily Registered letter is issued
• The required registration fee is communicated

Registration is activated once the required fee is paid within the specified timeframe.

How Short Learning Programmes support employability

While SLPs do not replace formal qualifications, they play a growing role in employability.

According to UNISA, these programmes:

• Address specific skills gaps
• Support career transitions
• Enhance workplace readiness
• Complement existing qualifications

For Gauteng residents, SLPs may support entry into administrative roles, public sector support positions, education-related services, and sector-specific compliance roles.

What This Means for Gauteng Residents

Gauteng continues to experience high demand for flexible education options due to its large working population and diverse labour market.

The availability of UNISA Short Learning Programmes provides an accessible option for residents who may not be able to attend contact institutions or commit to full-time study. The online and flexible nature of many SLPs allows learners to balance employment, family, and education.

However, UNISA has cautioned that SLPs are not a substitute for qualifications where formal credentials are required, and learners should align programme choice with realistic career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Short Learning Programmes qualifications?
No. SLPs are non-degree programmes and do not lead to formal qualifications.

Can I apply for more than one programme?
Yes. Applicants may apply for two programmes, but may only register for one.

Are SLPs offered online?
Many are offered online, but delivery methods vary by programme.

Do I need to be a UNISA student?
No. First-time applicants may apply.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Successful completion results in a certificate of completion.

What to expect next

UNISA has indicated that more detailed programme-level information will continue to be released as the 2026 academic cycle progresses. Prospective learners are encouraged to monitor official updates as new programmes are added and registration windows open or close.

As Short Learning Programmes continue to expand, they are expected to remain a key feature of South Africa’s lifelong learning and skills development landscape.