Applications for UNISA 2026 Applications are officially open from 3 November to 19 December 2025. All new students, returning applicants, and those changing qualifications must apply online during this period. Learn about the requirements, selection process, and how to apply below.
Overview
The University of South Africa (UNISA) has officially re-opened applications for the 2026 academic year.
All individuals who wish to begin a new qualification — whether undergraduate, diploma, higher certificate, or postgraduate — must apply for admission between 3 November and 19 December 2025.
UNISA continues to uphold its commitment to accessible and equitable education while maintaining high academic standards. The application and selection process is designed to ensure fairness, promote diversity, and align the intake with available academic and infrastructural capacity.
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Who Must Apply?
You must apply for admission to study at UNISA in 2026 if you fall into any of the following categories:
- First-time applicants: Individuals applying to UNISA for the first time.
- Current students: UNISA students who wish to change to a new qualification or specialisation.
- Previous applicants: Those who previously applied but were not offered a space or did not register after receiving an offer.
- Higher Certificate graduates: Students completing a Higher Certificate or another short programme and intending to continue with further undergraduate studies.
- TVET College students: Those planning to enrol at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college under the UNISA–TVET partnership must also apply.
Application Period for UNISA 2026 Applications
- Opening Date: 3 November 2025
- Closing Date: 19 December 2025
Applications submitted after this period will not be accepted, so early submission is strongly recommended.
UNISA’s Selection Process
UNISA uses a points-based selection model to ensure fair access to study opportunities while maintaining academic excellence.
The selection process considers:
- Your final Grade 12 marks (or equivalent qualification).
- The type of school attended.
- Your gender, race, and socio-economic background (to support transformation and diversity).
- The number of available spaces for each qualification.
Important Notes:
- Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee a place.
- Admission depends on the number of spaces available for your selected qualification.
- You must meet both statutory and college-specific entry requirements as well as the required Admission Points Score (APS).
- Each qualification has its own APS and criteria — check UNISA’s website for details under each programme listing.
Application Process
You can apply for a maximum of three qualifications, ranked in order of preference. However, you may only register for one qualification if more than one application is successful.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Check Requirements
Ensure you meet the statutory, college-specific, and APS requirements for your desired programme.
Step 2: Apply Online
All applications must be submitted online through the official UNISA portal during the application window.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Submit certified copies of:
- Your National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification
- Academic transcripts (if applicable)
- ID or passport
- Marriage certificate/divorce decree (if applicable)
- Sworn translations (if documents are not in English or Afrikaans)
Step 4: Wait for the Outcome
UNISA will assess your application and inform you of the outcome via email and SMS.
Step 5: Accept the Offer
If you’re offered a place, you must accept or decline the offer within 10 working days.
Failure to respond within this period will result in your offer being withdrawn and your space given to another applicant.
Step 6: Complete the First-Year Experience (FYE) Course
All first-time UNISA applicants must complete the First-Year Experience MOOC before accepting the offer.
Step 7: Register
Once you’ve accepted the offer, proceed to register for your qualification within the specified registration period.
If you fail to register for that academic year, you will have to re-apply during the next intake.
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Important Reminders
- You must accept your offer before the deadline or lose your placement.
- Once you accept one offer, all other offers are automatically cancelled.
- Incomplete applications will not be processed.
- UNISA’s selection process ensures fairness, diversity, and quality assurance.
Why Study at UNISA?
UNISA remains one of Africa’s largest and most respected universities, with over 150 years of experience in providing open distance learning (ODL) opportunities.
Here’s why thousands of students choose UNISA each year:
- Flexible study options for working professionals.
- Affordable tuition fees and recognised qualifications.
- Access to world-class online learning systems.
- A strong focus on inclusive, quality higher education.
Contact Information
For more information and updates, visit:
🔗 www.unisa.ac.za/apply
For enquiries, email the relevant college or the UNISA Application Office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who must apply for the 2026 UNISA intake?
Everyone starting a new qualification, including new applicants, returning students changing courses, and Higher Certificate graduates continuing to undergraduate studies.
2. How many qualifications can I apply for?
You may apply for up to three qualifications, but can only register for one.
3. When will I know if my application is successful?
UNISA will notify applicants of the outcome via email and SMS after the selection process.
4. What happens if I miss the acceptance deadline?
If you fail to accept your offer within 10 working days, your space will be forfeited.
5. Do I need to complete any course before starting?
Yes. All first-time applicants must complete the First-Year Experience (FYE) online course before accepting an offer.
6. Is applying to UNISA free?
A non-refundable application fee is required upon submission. The fee must be paid before the closing date.
7. Can I re-apply if I was not accepted last year?
Yes. Applicants who were not accepted previously are encouraged to reapply during this cycle.
Final Thoughts
Applications for the 2026 academic year at UNISA are now open until 19 December 2025. Whether you’re a first-time student, a returning learner, or planning to advance your studies, this is your opportunity to secure a place at Africa’s leading open distance learning institution. UNISA Application Dates
Don’t miss out — apply early, submit all required documents, and take the next step toward achieving your educational goals.
Apply now via the official UNISA website:
🔗 www.unisa.ac.za/apply
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