UNISA Application Guide for the 2026 Academic Year (Semester 1)
This guide provides essential information, deadlines, and fees for applying to the University of South Africa (UNISA) for the 2026 academic year’s first semester intake.
Table of Contents
Official Application Fees
The application fee is a crucial part of the process and must be paid by all first-time applicants to UNISA.
| Applicant Category | Qualification Level | Application Fee (Non-refundable) |
|---|---|---|
| First-time UNISA Applicants | Undergraduate, Honours, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees | R150.00 |
| Previous/Current UNISA Students | Applying for a new qualification | R150.00 |
| Applicants who previously paid the fee | Re-applying for the same or a different qualification | R0.00 (No Fee) |
Important Notes on the Application Fee
- Non-refundable: The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful, you are not offered a space, or you decide not to study at UNISA.
- Payment: The fee must be paid once you receive a student number from UNISA.
- Proof of Payment: You must send proof of payment to the relevant UNISA department (e.g., [email protected]).
- Reference: Always use your student number AND the application fee allocation number as the reference for the payment.
- Processing: Your application will not be processed until the application fee (if applicable) and all supporting documents have been submitted.
Key Application Deadlines
The following application periods apply for the 2026 academic year. Apply early, as admission is subject to available space.
| Qualification Level | Application Opening Date | Application Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Qualifications | 18 August 2025 | 10 October 2025 |
| Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas | 18 August 2025 | 10 October 2025 |
| Master’s & Doctoral Degrees (M&D) | 2 September 2025 | 21 November 2025 |
Please Note
- Some selection-based degrees and qualifications may have different, earlier closing dates. Always check the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
- Qualifications may be removed from the application list once all available spaces are filled.
- The dates above are for the main first-semester intake. A second-semester intake is not offered for all qualifications.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
All applications to UNISA are submitted online via the official UNISA website. E-mailed or mailed applications will not be processed.
Step 1: Check Admission Requirements
- Verify that you meet the minimum statutory and college-specific admission requirements, including the required Academic Points Score (APS), for your chosen qualification(s).
- You may apply for up to two qualifications and should rank them by preference. You can only register for one if both are successful.
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
You must have electronic copies (scanned clearly in black and white) of the following documents, saved as separate files (PDF, DOC, or TIF), each no larger than 2MB:
- Copy of your official school qualifications (e.g., National Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate).
- Copy of your official tertiary academic record(s) if you have studied elsewhere (Internet copies will not be accepted).
- Copy of your RSA ID document or a valid passport (for international students).
- Copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable).
- Sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans.
- M&D Applicants: May require a research outline, CV, and/or a departmental permission letter.
Step 3: Apply Online
- Go to the official UNISA online application system.
- Follow the prompts to complete the application form and receive your official UNISA student number.
Step 4: Upload Documents and Pay Fee
- Upload Documents: Use your new student number to log in and upload all required supporting documents as individual files. You have a limited time (usually 10 working days from the application date) to upload these documents, but the overall deadline is the application closing date.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the R150.00 non-refundable application fee (if applicable) using your student number as a reference.
- Submit Proof of Payment: Send proof of payment to the relevant UNISA admissions email address (e.g., [email protected]).
Step 5: Await Application Outcome and Accept Offer
- UNISA will assess your application based on your academic merit, meeting the minimum requirements, and the number of spaces available for the qualification (the “first come, first served” principle does not apply).
- You will be notified of the outcome via email.
- If an offer is made, you must accept or decline the offer within 10 working days.
- First-time UNISA applicants must complete the First-Year Experience MOOC before they can accept the offer and proceed to registration.
Financial Aid and General Information
NSFAS Funding
If you require financial assistance, the NSFAS application cycle typically opens in the latter part of the year. Please visit the official NSFAS website for the 2026 application period and criteria.
Who Must Apply?
- Everyone starting a new qualification, including first-time UNISA applicants.
- Current UNISA students changing to a new qualification or specialisation.
- Students completing a Higher Certificate who wish to continue to a degree/diploma.
- Applicants previously offered a space but who did not register.
- Students planning to enrol for classes at a TVET college under a UNISA-TVET agreement.
This article is based on the official UNISA application information released for the 2026 academic year. For the most current and specific details, always refer directly to the official University of South Africa (UNISA) website.