University of South Africa (UNISA) Application 2026-2027: How to Complete & Submit UNISA Online Application Form 2026 in PDF Format.
UNISA Online Application 2026-2027
The University of South Africa, UNISA Online Application for 2026-2027 academic session has been re-open for limited qualifications only to all prospective applicant willing to start a new undergraduate, honours degree and postgraduate programmes. Application will close on 19 December 2025 so we urge all applicants to submit their online application form as soon as possible to avoid late application problems. UNISA will not accept any late application for 2026 for any reason, therefore apply on time.
Unisa’s undergraduate qualifications are offered at different NQF levels. You can apply for admission to three qualifications, so you may want to apply for lower-level qualification in addition to your qualification of choice. If you want to apply for admission to a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree, for example, you may also want to apply for a higher certificate in the college of Economic and Management Sciences to ensure that you meet all the relevant admission requirements. As you progress with your application, you will get a better understanding of the qualification(s) for which you qualify for admission.
If you have completed a higher certificate and want to apply for admission to a diploma or degree, please, click here for the list of related qualifications. Please, be reminded that completion of a lower-level qualification, such as a higher certificate, is not a guarantee that you will be admitted to a higher-level qualification, (eg diploma or bachelor’s degree) as spaces are limited.
Application Dates for 2026
Unisa application dates for 2026 academic year includes:
- Undergraduate qualification (Limited only): 3 November to 19 December 2025
- Honours degrees & Postgraduate diplomas (Limited Only): 3 November to 19 December 2025
- Master’s & Doctoral qualifications between 2 September and 21 November 2025
- Unisa’s Short Learning Programmes from 5 January to 13 February 2026
Undergraduate Qualification:
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.
All applications for admission must be submitted during the prescribed application period.
Applicants who plan to enrol for classes at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college under the Unisa-TVET agreement may apply via the relevant TVET college or online through Unisa.
Honours degrees & Postgraduate diplomas:
Everyone wanting to start a new qualification must apply for admission, including first-time Unisa applicants, Unisa students changing to a new qualification and/or changing the specialisation of their current qualification, and applicants in their final year of an undergraduate qualification who wish to continue with postgraduate studies.
- All applications for admission must be submitted online. No self-help stations will be available for applications at the regional offices.
- Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission requirements and if space is available.
- Only complete applications (application fee paid, if applicable, and all supporting documents successfully uploaded) will be processed.
- If you obtained your qualifications outside the borders of South Africa, your qualifications need to be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). You may still apply for admission without the SAQA certificate of evaluation. If you’re accepted for the 2026 academic year, you’ll be allowed to register, but you must submit your SAQA certificate by 15 December 2025. To apply for a SAQA certificate of evaluation, please visit https://www.saqa.org.za
Apply for admission
How to apply?
1. Go to the online application system Apply Now
Applicants who plan to enrol for classes at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college under the Unisa-TVET agreement may apply via the relevant TVET college or online via Unisa.
2. Upload supporting documents
- Everyone applying for a new qualification must submit the required documents (all first-time applicants and Unisa students starting a new qualification).
- The due date for uploading the required documents is the closing date for applications. No documents submitted after the closing date for applications will be accepted.
- Unisa does not provide scanners or electronic devices. Please ensure that your documents are scanned and uploaded to an electronic device before starting the application process.
3. Pay the application fee
- R150.00 for online applications.
- Pay the application fee once you have received a student number from Unisa.
- Send the proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za
- Visit www.unisa.ac.za/feepayment for banking details and payment information.
Use the student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee allocation number as your reference numberFor example: STUDENTNUMBER, space, 5370810030
PLEASE NOTE:
Unisa does not provide cashier services and the payment should be made via bank deposit or online channels.The due date for the application fee is the closing date for the application period. Any application submitted without an application fee paid on time will not be processed. Please ensure that you keep a copy of your proof of payment.
4. Make sure your application is complete