UNISA Application – UNISA Application 2025, Requirements Fees, and Application Form

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the only higher education institution in the country’s name, symbolizing academic excellence and accessibility. Known as the people’s university, UNISA is one of the largest and most respected universities in Africa. It offers quality distance education to students worldwide. Every year, thousands of applicants apply to UNISA to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in different fields. If you are planning to apply, understanding the UNISA application process is essential to ensure a smooth and successful admission.

What is the UNISA Application?

The UNISA Application is the process of applying for admission to the University of South Africa (UNISA) for various undergraduate, postgraduate, and short learning programs. UNISA is one of Africa’s largest and most respected distance-learning institutions, offering flexible study options for students worldwide.

Required Documents for UNISA Application

You must submit the following documents when applying to UNISA:

  • A certified copy of your Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate.
  • A certified copy of your official academic transcript from any previous higher education institution (internet copies are not accepted).

Identification Document

  • South African students: A certified copy of your South African ID document.
  • International students: A certified copy of your passport or national ID.

Requirements for UNISA Application 2025

When applying for a new qualification at UNISA, you must upload all required documents. Below are the minimum requirements for different programs:

Higher Certificate Programs

  • National Senior Certificate (NSC): At least 30% in the language of instruction and 40% in Mathematics.
  • Senior Certificate (SC): Minimum 30% (HG) or 40% (SG) in the language of instruction and 40% (HG) or 50% (SG) in Mathematics.
  • National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4: At least 30% in the language of instruction and 40% in Mathematics.

Postgraduate Programs

To apply for postgraduate studies, you must have:

  • A degree in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Crop Management, or Plant Studies from an accredited institution (360 or 480 credits).
  • A National Diploma (360 or 480 credits) in Agriculture with specialization in Animal Husbandry/Studies or Crop/Plant Studies (up to the third year).
  • Completed Biology or Chemistry with Zoology at the second-year level.

Note: If you do not meet these requirements, consider applying for a Bachelor of Education degree instead.

Diploma Programs

  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent with:
  • 50% in the language of instruction
  • 50% in Mathematics OR at least N4 Mathematics (50%)
  • N4 English or N4 Communication Technology
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with:
  • D symbol on HG or C symbol on SG in the language of instruction.
  • D symbol on HG or C symbol on SG in Mathematics.
  • D or C symbol in Physical Science (if Physics or Chemistry is part of the course curriculum).
  • N4 Mathematics (50%), N4 English, or N4 Communication Technology.
  • A Higher Certificate can also be used to meet Mathematics and Language requirements.

Advanced Diploma Programs

  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree Endorsement):
  • At least 50% in the language of instruction.
  • 50% in Mathematics OR 60% in Mathematical Literacy.
  • Senior Certificate (SC):
  • Must have matriculation exemption or qualify for Matriculation Board exemption.
  • At least D symbol (HG) or C symbol (SG) in the language of instruction.
  • At least a D symbol (HG) or C symbol (SG) in Mathematics.
  • Other Acceptable Qualifications:
  • Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences
  • Higher Certificate in Economic & Management Sciences
  • Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences
  • Diploma in Accounting or Accounting Sciences

How to Apply for UNISA Online Application 2025?

Applying to UNISA for the 2025 academic year is simple and easy. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful application.

Step 1: Visit the Official UNISA Website

  • Go to the UNISA website by typing www.unisa.ac.za in your web browser. All applications are processed on this platform.

Step 2: Click on the “Apply” tab.

  • On the homepage, look for the “Apply” section in the menu and click on it.

Step 3: Choose Your Qualification Type

Select the type of qualification you want to apply for:

  • Undergraduate Qualifications (Bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates)
  • Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas
  • Master’s & Doctoral Qualifications
  • Short Learning Programmes (for skill development and training)

Step 4: Click on Start the Application Process

  • Scroll down the page and click on “Start the Process” to begin your application.

Step 5: Click on “Apply” and Make Your Selection

  • After starting the process, click on the “Apply” button again and select the program or course you wish to apply for. Make sure to read the course details and entry requirements before proceeding.

Step 6: Fill out the Application Form

  • Complete the online application form by entering your personal details, educational background, and program preferences.

Step 7: Submit Your Required Documents

Upload certified copies of the required documents, such as:

  • Identity Document (ID) or Passport
  • Academic Certificates and Transcripts
  • SAQA Evaluation Certificate (for international students)
  • Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)

Step 8: Confirm Your Application Details

  • Review all the information you have entered to make sure everything is correct before submitting your application.

Step 9: Pay the Application Fee

  • To complete your application, you must pay the non-refundable application fee required by UNISA. Payment details will be provided on the website.

UNISA Online Application 2025 Process

  • You may register for a maximum of two qualifications, ranked in order of preference (even if both are successful).
  • Unisa will notify you of the outcome of your application. Unisa will notify you of the qualification you’ve been accepted for and offer you a place for the period you applied for (e.g. semester 1).
  • You must accept or decline Unisa’s offer within the specified timeframe. Your space will be given to another applicant if you miss this deadline.
  • Should you not accept the offer within the prescribed period of time (10 working days), your offer will be retracted and you will forfeit your space.
  • Unisa will require first-year applicants to complete Unisa’s First-Year Experience MOOC (massive open online course) before accepting their offer.
  • It is possible to accept only one offer at a time. You will automatically lose the other offer when you accept an offer for one qualification (regardless of whether it is your first or second choice).
  • For the period for which you have been admitted, you are required to register at Unisa. You will have to reapply for admission if you do not register for the relevant semester.

UNISA Application Form 2025

UNISA Application by Video Guide

UNISA Application Fee

R140.00 is the non-refundable application fee for self-help and online applications. If you do not qualify for admission to Unisa or decide not to study through Unisa, this application fee is non-refundable.

UNISA Application Processing Time

Applicants have 10 days from the date of their application to upload all required supporting documents. However, this 10-day period does not apply after the application closing date.

UNISA Application 2025 Opening & Closing Dates

The UNISA Application 2025 Opening & Closing Dates vary depending on the program.

Undergraduate

Opening DateClosing Date
13 January 2025.27 January 2025

Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas

Opening DateClosing Date
21 August 202411 October 2024

Master’s & Doctoral Programs

Opening DateClosing Date
23 November 2024 31 January 2025

Short Learning Programmes

Semester/Module TypeOpening DateClosing Date
1st Semester Modules8 January 202515 February 2025
2nd Semester & Year Modules8 January 202515 March 2025

UNISA Application Accept Offer Meaning

UNISA application accept offer means confirming your admission to secure your place. Log in to the portal, review your offer, and click “Accept.” Ensure you do this before the deadline, or your spot may be given to another applicant.

Who Must Apply for UNISA?

  • Anyone interested in starting a new qualification must apply. First-time Unisa applicants and students changing to a new qualification or specialization are included in this category.
  • To continue your undergraduate studies after completing a higher certificate, you must apply for admission.
  • Applicants who previously applied for admission and were offered a space but did not accept the offer and/or did not register must reapply.
  • A Unisa-TVET agreement requires applicants to apply for admission to a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college.

In the Case of Missing Information, What Should You Do?

Forgot Your Student Number? Here’s How to Find It:

If you have forgotten your UNISA student number, follow these steps to retrieve it:

  • Go to the UNISA Student Number Search page.
  • Enter your surname.
  • Provide your first name(s).
  • Enter your date of birth.
  • South African students must enter their ID number, while international students should provide their passport number.

You will receive your student number via email or SMS. Check and update your contact details on the myUNISA website if you don’t receive it. Please contact [email protected] if you have trouble accessing the page.

If Your UNISA Application Is Accepted, What to Do?

  • UNISA will inform you about the qualification you have been accepted for in the 2025 academic year.
  • Mandatory First-Year Experience MOOC (FYE MOOC):
  • All new students must complete the First-Year Experience (FYE) MOOC (UOL009-FYE101 2024).
  • This online course helps students prepare for their studies at UNISA.
  • You cannot accept your admission offer until you complete this free course.
  • Accepting Your Offer:
  • Once you complete the FYE MOOC, you will have 10 days to accept or decline UNISA’s offer.
  • To accept or reject the offer, visit www.unisa.ac.za/acceptoffer.
  • If you do not accept within the deadline, UNISA reserves the right to withdraw the offer.
  • Registration for the 2025 Academic Year:
  • Registration begins in January 2025.
  • If you do not register within the given timeframe, you will have to reapply in the next admission cycle.

If Your UNISA Application Is Rejected, What to Do?

  • If your application is unsuccessful, UNISA will notify you.
  • Carefully check the rejection letter to see if any alternative study options are provided.
  • If you are interested in other available programs, visit www.unisa.ac.za/studyoptionsHONS.
  • Applications are rejected if they are incomplete or incorrect, so ensure all information is accurate in future applications.

UNISA Contact Details

UNISA Information Services Division can assist you with your application, registration, or other student-related inquiries.

General Enquiries

Type of EnquiryEmailTelephone
General Queries[email protected]0800 00 1870

MyUnisa & myLife Support

Type of EnquiryEmailTelephone
myUnisa Support[email protected]012 429 3111 (Option 2)
myLife Support[email protected]012 429 3111 (Option 2)

Student Admissions & Registrations

Type of EnquiryEmail
General Applications & Registration Queries[email protected]
Postgraduate Diplomas & Honours Degrees
College of Human Sciences[email protected]
College of Science, Engineering & Technology[email protected]
College of Economic & Management Sciences[email protected]
College of Education[email protected]
College of Law[email protected]
College of Accounting Sciences[email protected]
Master’s & Doctoral Qualifications[email protected]
Faculty-Specific Contacts
College of Accounting Sciences[email protected]
College of Economic & Management Sciences[email protected]
College of Education (Undergraduate)[email protected]
College of Human Sciences (Undergraduate)[email protected]
College of Law[email protected]
College of Science, Engineering & Technology & College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences[email protected]
International Students[email protected]
Credit Transfers & Exemptions
General Exemptions[email protected]
Access & Matriculation Exemption[email protected]
Re-Admissions[email protected]

Student Assessment Administration

Type of EnquiryEmail
General Assignment Enquiries[email protected]
Exam Venues & Invigilation[email protected]

  • Assignment Queries: 012 429 3710 / 012 429 3958 / 011 471 3170 / 011 471 2764

Examination Administration

Type of EnquiryEmailTelephone
General Exam Queries[email protected]
Special Exams (Aegrotat)[email protected]
Students with Disabilities[email protected]
Exam Admissions[email protected]
International Students[email protected]
Remark Requests[email protected]
Script Purchases[email protected]
Exam Venue & Invigilation Queries[email protected]011 471 3174 / 011 471 2375

Faculty-Specific Exam Contacts

Faculty/CollegeContact PersonTelephone
College of Accounting Sciences012 429 2254 / 012 429 4347 / 012 429 2700
College of Human Sciences & College of Education
Deliwe Mualefe012 429 3309
Nthabiseng Ledwaba012 429 6187
Carol Bafedi012 429 2251
Bombeleni Makamu012 429 8585
College of Economic & Management Sciences
Tsheko Mogapi012 429 3649
Tinyiko Mojadibe012 429 2422
Thabo Mmako012 429 2296
Virginia Selabe012 429 4347
College of Law012 429 8641 / 012 429 2268
College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences & College of Science, Engineering & Technology011 471 2928 / 011 471 3121

FAQs About UNISA Application

UNISA opened applications for the 2025 academic year on January 13, 2025. On February 28, 2025, registration for semester modules closed, and on March 31, 2025, registration for year modules closed. 

Courses offered by UNISA include undergraduate degrees, short courses, and advanced courses.

The University of South Africa (Unisa) application fee in 2025 is R140. Fees are non-refundable.

Conclusion

UNISA offers a diverse range of programs through a flexible online application process. Understanding admission requirements, deadlines, and necessary documents is crucial for a successful application. Ensure timely submission and acceptance of offers to secure your place at UNISA.