University of South Africa (UNISA) Online Application 2026-2027: How to Submit UNISA Online Application Form for Admission 2026-Step by Step Guide

University of South Africa Online Application 2026

The University of South Africa (Unisa) Online Application 2026-2027 academic year will be open in 21 August 2025 and close 11 October 2025 for Undergraduate qualifications, Honours degrees and Postgraduate diplomas. Therefore, everyone wanting to start a new qualification must apply for admission at Unisa 2026. To Apply online, please, go to www.unisa.ac.za online application portal for 2026 details.

Unisa applications for admission are grouped into four (4) main sessions of qualifications. They are namely:

• Undergraduate qualifications
• Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas
• Master’s & doctoral qualifications
• Short Learning Programmes

Undergraduate Application

Applications for admission to Unisa undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year will be open from 21 August to 10 October 2025. Therefore, everyone who want to study at the University of South Africa (Unisa) for any of the undergrduate programmes must apply for admission. The application process includes the following:

• All first-time Unisa applicants.
• Unisa students who want to change to a new qualification or specialisation.
• Applicants who previously applied for admission and were not offered a space
• Applicants who were offered a space, accepted the offer but were not able to register.
• Students completing a higher certificate or any other programme
• Students who wish to continue with further undergraduate studies.

However, applicants who plan to enrol for classes at a TVET college under the Unisa-TVET agreement can also apply through the relevant TVET college or online through Unisa.

Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas

Applications for admission to Unisa honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas for the 2026 academic year to be open from 21 August to 10 October 2025. In view of this, everyone in their final year of an undergraduate qualification who wish to continue with postgraduate studies can do so.

Students who obtained qualifications outside the borders of South Africa must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). You may apply for admission without a SAQA certificate of evaluation.

Master’s & doctoral qualifications

Admission to Unisa master’s and doctoral degrees for the 2026 academic year will be open from 2 September to 22 November 2025 which some exceptions may apply. Students in their final year of a qualification who plan to start a master’s or doctoral qualification, and previously registered master’s and doctoral students who did not register for the 2025 academic year and now wish to continue with their studies must apply for admission.

Please, you are encouraged to apply for admission as soon as possible, because some qualifications will be removed from the application list once all available spaces for the 2026 academic year have been filled.

Final-year honours, postgraduate diploma and master’s degree students are advised to make use of the opportunity to submit their applications before the closing date if they plan to further their studies in 2026. You may only apply for one qualification at master’s and doctoral level.

Short Learning Programmes

Applications and registrations for Unisa’s Short Learning Programmes for the 2026 academic year will open in November. Unisas Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) are introductory, practical, non-degree programmes that will help to develop skills and knowledge in a chosen subject field in a quick and effective manner. Therefore, everyone who wish to start a new Short Learning Programme must apply for admission. This includes the following

• First-time Unisa applicants.
• Unisa students changing to a new Short Learning Programme.
• Applicants who previously applied for admission and were not offered a space.

READ ALSO: University of the Free State Online Application 2026

Important Things To Note During Unisa Application for 2026

Please, take note of the following very carefully before submitting your application:

• All applications for admission must be submitted online during the prescribed application period.
• No self-help stations will be available for applications at the Unisa regional offices.
• Before submitting an application, please check whether you meet all the general and specific admission requirements
• First-time applicants to Unisa will be required to complete the First-Year Experience (massive open online course) before being able to accept Unisa’s offer.
• Admission to Unisa qualifications are not automatic. It will depend on you meeting the admission requirements and if spaces are available.

How to Apply Online at Unisa for 2026-2027

Unisa Online Application for 2026 is very simple and easy. Please, follow the steps below to complete your application.

1. Go to Unisa website: www.unisa.ac.za
2. Click the “Admission” tab at the top menu
3. Click on the “Apply for Admission” link
4. Choose your qualification level (Undergraduate/Postgraduate)
5. Read the information you on the screen very carefully
6. Select your option (first-time applicant/returning student)
7. Read the instructions before you proceed to the next step
8. Click on “Start the process” to begin your application
9. Carefully read all the information as seen on the screen
10. Click on “Proceed to ODeL and Unisa” Link for the next step
11. After that, click on “Apply Now” link on the right side of the page
12. Make your selection from the list of qualifications as seen on the screen
13. Fill out the online application form with your personal details
14. Upload all the require supporting documents
15. Pay the online application fee of R140 and keep proof of payment
16. Complete and submit your application for assessment.

Please Note: If your application for admission to study through Unisa is incomplete, you will have to re-apply during the next application period.

Unisa will assess your application, which includes the points score system. Applicants who do not qualify for admission will get feedback as soon as their applications are processed and applicants who qualify for admission will only receive final feedback as to whether Unisa will offer them a space for semester 1 of the 2026 academic year or not once all applications received by the closing date have been processed.

For more details, visit www.unisa.ac.za

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