University Of South Africa Online Application 2027-2028

University Of South Africa Online Application 2027-2028 

 

The University of South Africa (UNISA) has earned a strong reputation as one of Africa’s leading Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) institutions. It offers flexible study opportunities that allow students to learn from anywhere, making it ideal for working professionals, international students, and anyone who needs a more adaptable study schedule. For the 2027–2028 academic year, prospective students should understand how the UNISA online application system works, what documents are required, important deadlines, and how to ensure their application is submitted correctly and on time.

As one of the largest universities on the continent, UNISA provides a wide range of qualifications, including undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, honours degrees, master’s programmes, and doctoral studies. The entire application process is completed online, which means applicants do not need to visit a campus in person. However, meeting deadlines and submitting all required documents correctly is essential for your application to be considered.

Applications for admission to the 2027–2028 academic year will open on 21 August 2026 and close on 11 October 2026 for undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees, and postgraduate diplomas. Anyone planning to study at UNISA in 2027 must apply before the official closing date.

University Of South Africa Online Application Date 2027-2028

Both new and returning students can apply online for qualifications for the 2027 academic year. It is important to remember that an application fee must be paid within the application period.

Once the application window closes, no late applications or late payments will be accepted. If you submit your application but fail to pay the application fee before the deadline, your application will not be processed.

The official application periods are as follows:

• Undergraduate limited qualifications (Higher Certificates, Advanced Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, PGCEs, B.Tech, and Degrees): 21 August - 11 October
• Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas: 21 August - 11 October
• Master’s & Doctoral Degrees: 2 September - 22 November

All relevant information for the 2027 second semester will be made available on the UNISA website.

• If there are still available spaces after the initial closing date, UNISA may decide to extend the deadline.
• However, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to improve their chances of being accepted into their chosen qualification.

Students who miss the first application period may, in some cases, apply for the second semester intake, depending on qualification availability. The application window is open to both first-time applicants and returning students who wish to begin a new qualification.

Applying for an Undergraduate Qualification at UNISA

• Application dates for undergraduate limited qualifications: 21 August – 11 October

Prospective students may apply for an undergraduate qualification at UNISA if they fall into one of the following categories:

• First-time applicants to UNISA
• Currently registered UNISA students who want to change to a new qualification
• Previous applicants who were not successful
• Applicants who were accepted but did not register
• Students completing or who have completed a lower qualification (such as a Higher Certificate or Extended Programme) and want to continue with an undergraduate degree

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements, applicants must also meet the required Admission Points Score (APS) for their chosen programme. Calculating your APS beforehand will help you determine whether you qualify for admission.

Applying for Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas

• Application dates for honours and postgraduate diplomas: 21 August - 11 October

The following applicants may apply for honours or postgraduate diploma programmes:

• First-time UNISA applicants
• Current UNISA students wishing to change qualifications or specialisations
• Final-year undergraduate students who plan to continue with postgraduate studies (excluding certain specialised programmes such as Honours in Psychology)
• Applicants who were previously accepted but did not register
• All applications must be submitted online. Each application will be evaluated based on the specific admission criteria of the qualification, as well as the applicant’s final undergraduate results.

Postgraduate applications go through a formal selection and approval process, which may take up to three months to complete. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early and ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly.

Applying for Master’s and Doctoral Qualifications

Application dates for master’s and doctoral degrees: 2 September – 22 November

Prospective master’s and doctoral students include:

• First-time UNISA applicants
• Current UNISA students applying for a higher qualification
• Final-year students intending to continue their studies
• Previously registered postgraduate students who did not register for the 2027 academic year and wish to resume their studies

Admission into master’s and doctoral programmes is competitive and subject to departmental approval. Some qualifications are classified as selection degrees, meaning they only accept a limited number of students. These programmes may have specific departmental deadlines and additional requirements determined by the relevant academic department.

University Of South Africa Online Application Requirements For 2027-2028

Before you start your application, you must:

• Meet the minimum academic requirements for the qualification you are applying for (minimum APS score, subject requirements).
• Ensure you have a valid email address and cellphone number, as UNISA will communicate important information to you during the application process.

Required Documents:

All applicants must upload certified copies of relevant documents when applying online. These usually include:

Identification Documents:

• A copy of your ID document (South African) or a valid passport (international applicants).
• If applicable, marriage or divorce certificates (only if your names differ across records).

Academic Records:

• Copy of your school qualification (Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate).
• Official tertiary academic record(s) if you have studied previously (internet or screenshots are not accepted).
• For honours, postgraduate diplomas, master’s and doctoral applications, include complete academic transcripts showing modules and scores.

For international qualifications, the academic qualification that qualifies you for your programme must be evaluated by the South African

• Qualifications Authority (SAQA) (you may apply without the SAQA certificate initially, but it must be submitted later).

Additional Documents (depending on qualification):

• Research outline and CV for master’s and doctoral applicants (unless applying for coursework-only degrees like MBA, MBL, LLM).
• Departmental questionnaire or letters for some research-intensive or specialised programmes.

University Of South Africa Online Application Fee 2027-2028

• R150 (South African Rands) is the non-refundable online application fee for new applications to formal qualifications.
• You only pay this fee once, and once you’ve received a formal UNISA student number, you won’t have to pay it again for future applications.
• The fee must be paid before or on the application closing date; if the fee isn’t paid on time, your application will not be processed.

University Of South Africa Online Application Process For 2027-2028

Follow the steps below:

1. Prepare Before You Apply:

Before starting your online application, make sure you:

• Check that you meet the admission requirements (statutory requirements, minimum APS/subject criteria) for the qualification you want to study.
• Have a valid email address and cellphone number that you will use throughout the application process; UNISA will communicate with you using these.
• Scan and save all required supporting documents onto a device (computer/smartphone) so you can upload them during the online application.

Document tips:

• Upload individual files - not one combined file.
• Each file must be 2MB, black & white, and in PDF, DOC, or TIF format.
• Documents not in English or Afrikaans may require sworn translations before uploading

2. Apply for a UNISA Student Number (if you don’t have one):

• If you have never studied a formal qualification at UNISA before, you must first apply for a student number.
• This is a unique number needed for your official online application and future UNISA activities.
• This step is important for new applicants and those who only have a student number from short courses.

3. Complete Your Online Application:

Once you have your student number (or if you already have one), log in to the UNISA online application portal during the published application period and:

Go to the Online Application Portal

• Visit the official UNISA application page at unisa.ac.za/apply.

Upload Supporting Documents

• Upload all required documents within the portal before the application deadline.

UNISA will not accept documents after the closing date, so ensure everything is uploaded on time.

4. Pay the Application Fee:

• The online application fee is R150, and it must be paid before or by the closing date of the application period.
• If you have already paid the application fee and have a formal student number, you usually do not have to pay it again.
• After paying, send proof of payment (receipt or screenshot) to the designated UNISA email address (susdepid@unisa.ac.za).

Payment method tips:

• South African applicants can use online banking or bank deposits.
• International students can use services like Flywire or SWIFT and submit proof of payment.

5. Submit Your Completed Application:

Double-check everything before submitting:

• All required documents are uploaded
• The application fee is paid, and proofis sent
• Contact details are correct

Only complete applications (form, documents and payment) can be processed.

6. Track Your Application Status:

• After submitting, you can check your application status through the UNISA portal.
• UNISA will assess applications based on academic requirements and space availability.

Please note:

• Meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee admission if there are limited spaces; selection is competitive for some programmes

7. What Happens After Submission:

• Applications go through a formal selection and approval process this can take several weeks.
• You will be informed by email or SMS once a decision has been made.
• If you are accepted, you’ll receive further instructions on registration and orientation.

Contact Unisa

Several administrative processes, including the convenience of fee payments and information about examinations, are available on the following platforms:

All application, registration and study-related information is available on the Unisa corporate website in both web and mobile formats.

• Unisa website (http://www.unisa.ac.za)
• The myUnisa website.
• myUnisa (https://my.unisa.ac.za/)
• Fax enquiries to 012 429 4150

Applying to the University of South Africa for the 2027–2028 academic year is a structured and entirely online process designed to make admissions accessible, flexible, and transparent. Whether you are seeking an undergraduate degree, honours qualification, postgraduate diploma, master’s, or doctoral programme, understanding the key application dates, requirements, and submission steps is fundamental to a successful application.

From the moment you begin preparing your certified documents to completing the online form, paying the application fee, and tracking your application status, every step plays a role in ensuring your application is processed on time. Because UNISA operates on a competitive selection basis for many programmes, submitting your application early and thoroughly checking all requirements and supporting documentation significantly increases your chances of acceptance. Visit the Official Website Of Unisa For More