UNISA Online Application Apply Here
Unisa is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest standing dedicated distance education university in the world. We enrol nearly one-third of all South African students.
Founded in 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope, the institution became the first public university in the world to teach exclusively by means of distance education in 1946. Throughout the years, Unisa was perhaps the only university in South Africa to have provided all people with access to education, irrespective of race, colour or creed.
This vibrant past is mirrored in our rich history, more particularly our massive and impressive database of alumni, some of whom are to be found in the most senior levels of society across the world.
Who we are
What we do
How to Apply to UNISA
Things to note before applying online to UNISA:
- You’ll need an email address to complete the application. Don’t have one? Get an email address first.
- South African applicants will need an ID number. Foreign applicants will need their passport number.
- You will need to have registered for the NBTs before applying online.
- You will need to pay an application fee.
- Need accommodation? Make sure you mark this on your application form.
- Remember to check faculty-specific requirements before applying.
- Please note: Postgraduate applicants can only apply online.
Applications for admission to undergraduate limited qualifications (higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas & degrees) for the 2022 academic year are open
Everyone wanting to start a new qualification must apply for admission. This includes
- first-time Unisa applicants.
- Unisa students changing to a new qualification and / or specialisation.
- applicants who previously applied for admission and were not offered a space or who were offered a space, accepted the offer and did not register.
- students completing a higher certificate or any other programme and who wish to continue with further undergraduate studies.
The application process
<> You may apply for a maximum of two qualifications, ranked in order of preference (although you may only register for one should both of your qualifications be successful).
<> Unisa will inform you of the outcome of your application. If successful, Unisa will indicate for which qualification you have been accepted and will offer you a space for the period for which you have applied (ie semester 1).
<> You must accept or decline Unisa’s offer within the prescribed period of time. If you miss this deadline, Unisa will withdraw the offer and give your space to another applicant.
<> First-time applicants to Unisa will be required to complete the First-Year Experience (FYE) MOOC (massive open online course) before being able to accept Unisa’s offer.
<> You may only accept one offer. This means that when you accept an offer for one qualification (irrespective of whether it is your first or second qualification of choice), the other offer will automatically fall away.
<> If you accept Unisa’s offer, you must register for the period for which you have been granted admission. Should you not register for the relevant semester of study, you will need to re-apply for admission during the next application period.
Who must apply?
<> Everyone wanting to start a new qualification must apply for admission. This includes first-time Unisa applicants and Unisa students changing to a new qualification and / or specialisation.
<> If you are completing a higher certificate, you must apply for admission if you want to continue with further undergraduate studies.
<> You must re-apply for admission if you previously applied for admission and were offered a space, but did not accept the offer and / or did not register for any reason.
<> Everyone planning to enrol for classes at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college under the Unisa-TVET agreement must apply for admission.
Unisa payment methods and banking details
Debit cards
Debit card payments are accepted if you pay or register in person at any Unisa Regional offices.
Credit cards
Credit cards are restricted to Visa and Mastercard. Credit card payments are accepted if you pay or register in person at Unisa in Sunnyside / Florida or one of the regional offices. Please note that these are real-time transactions.
Unisa web credit card payments
Unisa web payment link: https://www.unisa.ac.za/feepayment (this is a secure site)
Please note:
Library fines and accounts can now also be paid via this web payment link: https://www.unisa.ac.za/feepayment . These are real-time transactions.
Bank deposit
Cash and direct bank deposits can be made at any First National Bank (FNB) in South Africa
- if you already have a student number
- in respect of fees, for example: study fees, examination fees (supplementary, sick or special exam fees), exemption fees and library charges
How to track your UNISA Online Application 2022
- Visit students portal: https://myadmin.unisa.ac.za/unisa-studentstatus/default.do
- Scroll to the bottom and select the bubble next to the status.
- Fill in your details and it should then show you what the current status of your application is.
- If you’re accepted, you’ll need to accept the offer
- Scroll to the bottom and select the bubble next to ‘Offer’
- After accepting, you’ll need to register and then you can consider yourself a student of Unisa.
