UNISA application for 2027: Deadlines, requirements, registration
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is among the top-ranking higher learning institutions. Did you know the university is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa? It stands out as a focal centre for academic excellence, offering world-class education. Sending an application to UNISA for 2027 admission is relatively easy.
Source: Original
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key Takeaways
- UNISA application for 2027: Everything you should know
- How long does it take to get accepted by UNISA?
- Do you have to apply every year at UNISA?
- What time do UNISA applications open?
- When is the UNISA 2027 application opening date for undergraduates?
- When is the UNISA postgraduate application for 2027?
- What are the dates for the UNISA application for 2027 Higher Certificates?
- When is the UNISA late application for 2027?
- Which courses are still available at UNISA for 2027?
- Can you apply to UNISA without matric?
- Can international students apply to UNISA online?
- Which universities are open for application in 2027?
- When is the TUT application for 2027?
Key Takeaways
- UNISA is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
- It is known for offering flexible learning options, allowing students to study remotely.
- The institution offers degrees, diplomas, certificates, and short courses in various fields.
- Applications for undergraduate and postgraduate programs are done through the UNISA App or portal.
- If you meet the minimum requirements, send a UNISA application to secure a slot at the institution.
UNISA application for 2027: Everything you should know
You can pursue multiple UNISA courses, depending on your passion and interests. These range from certificates to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
The university launched the UNISA application tool to make the process faster and more convenient for local and international applicants. Using the tool is preferable to sending hard copies of your documents.
The institution offers fair access to higher learning education and has a zero-tolerance policy on inequalities. Learn more about the deadlines and requirements.
When to apply for 2027 at UNISA?
UNISA application for 2027 undergraduates and postgraduates is not open. The dates will be announced from August 2026 on the school's website. All applications should be submitted through the UNISA application portal or the UNISA student app.
Late applications to UNISA are not accepted because they have strict, fixed closing dates for processing huge volumes of applicants for specific academic cycles.
The institution also has limited study spaces and wants to maintain fair admissions, requiring reapplication in the next cycle if missed. However, it might open late windows for specific, space-available courses.
What are the minimum requirements at UNISA?
UNISA application requirements differ for Higher Certificates, Diplomas, and Bachelor's degrees, but generally, you need:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with specific pass marks in your language and Math/Maths Literacy (e.g., 40-50% depending on the course), or an equivalent Senior Certificate (SC) or NCV Level 4.
- Each qualification has an APS requirement (e.g., 15 for some Higher Certificates) based on your NSC subjects. Higher Certificates require lower entry marks (around 30% language, 40% Math).
Always check the specific requirements for your desired qualification on the UNISA website. There are other UNISA application requirements you must also meet before applying for a slot at the institution.
- You must meet the statutory and college admission requirements for your qualification(s) of interest.
- You must meet the minimum academic points score for your qualification(s) of interest.
- You must have a valid e-mail address and phone number.
- You must have scanned supporting documents.
Additionally, crucial supporting documents you must attach to your application include:
- Copies of your academic qualifications
- Copy of your ID document or passport
- Copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree, if applicable
- Sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans
UNISA registration process
The process is relatively simple using the online application tool provided by the university.
- Visit the UNISA website and click Apply for admission on the homepage.
Source: UGC
- Click on the option you want to be directed to the courses under that category.
- Click the course you wish to pursue.
- Read the information, then click Start the Process.
- Read the information, then click Proceed.
- Read the information, then scroll back to the top and click Are you certain about your career?
- Read the information, then scroll back to the top and click Choose or find your qualification.
- Select your qualification by college or level.
- Choose the qualification you wish to pursue. You will find all admission requirements for your programme of interest here. Confirm you meet the minimum entry criteria.
- Click Apply for admission, then Apply Online.
- If you already have a student number, click Yes. If not, click No.
- Fill in your details and follow the prompts.
- Once you complete the forms, you will be prompted to upload the supporting documents.
- If your application for admission is incomplete, you will have to reapply during the next application period.
How to check UNISA application status
To check your UNISA application status for 2027:
- Visit the UNISA application status tracker.
- Log in with your UNISA application login details (your student number and password).
- Access the application status page to see your progress.
- You'll see statuses like "Application Received" or "Awaiting Documents".
Alternatively, UNISA sends updates to the email and phone number provided. So, check your inbox (including spam) and SMS messages for notifications and outcomes. Note that the institution may take up to three months to review your documents, so exercise patience.
What is the UNISA application fee for 2027?
The UNISA application fee for the 2027 academic year has not been communicated since the application is not open. However, 2026 applicants paid a non-refundable R150.00. The amount could remain the same or change slightly.
The fee applies to students who do not have a formal UNISA student number. Additionally, the application fee is non-refundable, even if you do not qualify for admission or are not offered a space.
You must always confirm the exact application fee amount on the official UNISA website closer to your application period, as fees can change slightly annually.
Where to pay the application fee for UNISA?
You can pay your UNISA application fee through the MyUnisa online platform, electronic fund transfer (EFT), credit card, or by depositing the money into the university’s bank account at any First National Bank (FNB) or ABSA Bank branches.
Cash is not accepted at any UNISA office, and you should use the student number you receive from the university and the application fee reference number when remitting the application fee.
UNISA short course application
UNISA's Short Learning Programmes are introductory, practical, non-degree programmes that develop skills and knowledge in a chosen subject field in a quick manner. These courses are offered by different academic departments of UNISA's colleges.
The application for Short Learning Programmes at the university is open. All applications must be submitted online, and applicants can only apply for a maximum of two Short Learning Programmes in order of preference. Note that you can only register for one programme at a time.
All applications must be submitted online via the application tool. You will be required to upload supporting documents when submitting your application.
UNISA application enquiries contact details
If you are looking for UNISA contact details for registration or application, you can reach them through the following:
Category | |
Undergraduate qualifications only | study-info@unisa.ac.za |
Postgraduate diplomas and Honours degrees (including international students) | artshons@unisa.ac.za sciencehons@unisa.ac.za econhons@unisa.ac.za eduhons@unisa.ac.za lawhons@unisa.ac.za cashons@unisa.ac.za SBLPGD@unisa.ac.za |
Master's and doctoral qualifications (including international students) Master’s and doctoral qualifications (Graduate School for Business Leadership (MBL, MBA, and DBL)) | mandd@unisa.ac.za |
College of Accounting Sciences | econ@unisa.ac.za |
College of Economic and Management Science | econ@unisa.ac.za |
College of Education | educare@unisa.ac.za |
College of Human Sciences | artes@unisa.ac.za |
College of Law | jus@unisa.ac.za |
College of Science, Engineering & Technology | scientia@unisa.ac.za |
College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences | scientia@unisa.ac.za |
Exemptions | adhoccredits@unisa.ac.za |
Access and matriculation exemption | ame@unisa.ac.za |
Re-admissions | study-info@unisa.ac.za |
How long does it take to get accepted by UNISA?
UNISA application processing can take up to three months, but timelines vary. While some get feedback in 4-6 weeks, others wait until January/February for departmental selection, with final offers for limited spots potentially coming later, even during registration.
So, patience is key and keep checking the UNISA student app or online portal for status updates. The university needs enough time to review your documents because it receives thousands of forms yearly. Once reviewed, the institution will offer feedback on whether your application was accepted or rejected.
Do you have to apply every year at UNISA?
At UNISA, you generally need to apply for admission for each academic year or semester, even if you are a returning student. This applies to both new applicants and students who are changing qualifications or wish to re-register.
What time do UNISA applications open?
UNISA applications for 2027 are not open. The institution usually announces application dates for a future year (like 2027) around mid-year (June/July) of the previous year.
UNISA application dates vary by qualification (Undergrad, Honours, Master's/Doctoral), but generally open mid-year (August/September) of the previous year and re-open for limited spots in November/December.
The main application periods for the 2026 academic year were as follows:
- Undergraduate qualifications: Opened from August 18 to October 10, 2025 (and reopened for a limited time from November 3 to December 19, 2025).
- Honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas: Opened from November 3 to December 19, 2025.
- Master's and doctoral degrees: Information was released in August 2025, with applications ongoing for some programs, and a reopening until December 19, 2025, for specific qualifications.
When is the UNISA 2027 application opening date for undergraduates?
UNISA undergraduate application for 2027 will open around mid-August 2026 to mid-October 2026, with some limited qualifications reopening from November 2026 to December 2026.
While 2027 dates aren't out yet, the 2026 cycle (Aug-Oct 2025) is the pattern. So, look for announcements on the official UNISA website in mid-2026 for the exact 2027 application dates.
When is the UNISA postgraduate application for 2027?
For UNISA postgraduate studies (Master's & Doctoral), applications usually open mid-year and close around October/November, while Honours & Postgrad Diplomas open in November for limited spots. Expect similar 2026 UNISA application timelines for the 2027 intake, but always check the UNISA portal for precise dates.
What are the dates for the UNISA application for 2027 Higher Certificates?
For UNISA Higher Certificates in 2027, applications typically open around August 2026, with main cycles ending in October 2026, and limited re-openings in late 2026/early 2027; you should check the official UNISA website in mid-2026 for exact 2027 dates, as applications for 2026 closed in October 2025.
When is the UNISA late application for 2027?
For UNISA's 2027 intake, late applications typically open around early November and close mid-December of the previous year for limited spots in undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate diplomas. Specific dates are announced closer to the time; so, check the official UNISA website for the actual 2027 late application schedule.
Which courses are still available at UNISA for 2027?
UNISA offers a vast range of courses, but specific availability for 2027 isn't published yet, as applications usually open closer to the year (e.g., August-October for 2026).
To find out courses available in 2027, check the Find Your Qualification tool on the school's website in 2026 before the UNISA application for 2027 deadlines get close.
The UNISA 2027 application closing dates for undergraduates and postgraduate diplomas/honours will be around October/December, while Master's/Doctoral have later deadlines.
Can you apply to UNISA without matric?
You cannot get into a degree program at UNISA without matric, but you might qualify through UNISA's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you're 23+ with significant work experience. Alternatively, start with a Higher Certificate/diploma or aim for adult matric to get the certificate first.
RPL allows access to degrees based on life/work skills if you're older and experienced, while higher certificates offer a pathway to degrees after completion.
If you have not completed matric or your other major exam results do not grant you admission to UNISA, you may want to consider other study alternatives related to your career goals.
Can international students apply to UNISA online?
International students can and must apply through the UNISA portal or student app, and pay a non-refundable application fee of R150.00.
Which universities are open for application in 2027?
Besides the University of South Africa (UNISA ), other South African universities that are open for applications for 2027 include:
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Rhodes University
- University of Zululand (UniZulu)
When is the TUT application for 2027?
For the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 2027 intake, applications usually open mid-year (around May/June) for the previous year, with deadlines often in July or September for general admissions.
You need to check the official TUT website in mid-2026 for specific 2027 dates, as they announce them closer to the time for the current application cycle (2026 applications were open in 2025).
If you desire a world-class education, you should send your UNISA application for 2026 in time for consideration for a slot. The university receives numerous applications each year, so you are encouraged to submit yours early.
Briefly.co.za published a list of universities with low entry requirements in South Africa. The primary goal of education is to provide learners with opportunities that can help them reach their full potential and develop their talents and personalities.
Universities with low entry requirements in South Africa understand this vital task. That is why they have set APS scores that are attainable to most high school graduates, which encourage them to advance their education.
Source: Briefly News
Jedidah Tabalia Jedi is a journalist with over 5 years working experience in the media industry. She has a BSc. in Human Resource Management from Moi University (graduated in 2014) and a working in progress MBA in Strategic Management. Having joined Genesis in 2017, Jedi is a passionate Facts and Life Hacks, Fitness, and Health content creator who sees beauty in everything. She loves traveling and checking out new restaurants. Her email address is jedidahtabalia@gmail.com
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo has vast experience in search engine optimization through digital content generation, research, editing, and proofreading. She joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019 and completed the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
