How to Complete Your UNISA Online Application in Five Easy Steps, a First Year’s Guide
If you want to apply to UNISA, the University of South Africa, you came to the right place. We know how intimidating the process might seem and understand that there is a lot at stake.
This article will highlight important information about the UNISA application process. You’ll find a thorough breakdown of each step when completing the UNISA online application and learn more about the UNISA requirements for grade 12 students. We also included a guide on calculating your admissions score based on your matric results.
The University of South Africa, in Short
Unisa traces its origins to 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope, an examining institution. It later developed into an open distance learning university. The current comprehensive university resulted from the 2004 merger with Technikon Southern Africa and the incorporation of Vista University’s distance education component.
Unisa serves students in South Africa and internationally through open distance e-learning. Enrolment totals vary by reporting year; consult its official Facts and Figures and annual reports for dated statistics.
Unisa offers recognised South African qualifications in a range of fields. Professional accreditation and recognition outside South Africa depend on the specific qualification, professional body and destination country; confirm these requirements for your intended career.
Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL)
Open distance e-learning requires independent study, reliable access to learning resources and careful time planning. Unisa advises approximately 6–8 hours of study per week for each semester module and 4–6 hours for each year module, so the total depends on your chosen workload.
How to Apply to UNISA in Five Easy Steps
You can apply to UNISA by visiting their admissions page. The UNISA online application form is Electronic, and you must fill out the application as truthfully as possible.
Before starting your UNISA application, make sure that you have the following:
- You’ll need a valid cellphone number and a working email address.
- South African citizens must register with an ID number, while international students can use a passport number.
- You should pay an application fee as soon as you receive your student number.
Step One: Electronic Documents
Prepare the document copies specified by Unisa’s current checklist. Documents not in English or Afrikaans need sworn translations. Follow any specific certification request; certification is not restricted to a police station. You should upload these documents after you have completed the electronic application form.
- Copy of your Identification document/ passport for international students
- Copy of your National Senior Certificate (matric results)
- Copy of your marriage certificate (if married)
Step Two: Visit the Apply to UNISA Webpage.
- Click on the ‘Undergraduate Qualification’ button.
- Next, you’ll click on ‘View Process.’
- Then click on ‘proceed to ODL and UNISA.’
Step Three: Answer the Questions About Your Career
The UNISA online application will ask some questions to make sure that you understand what distance learning is and what it requires. You can read through the questions and answer them to the best of your ability. Make sure you know which course you want to undertake before starting your application. Here are the sections that you can expect:
- What is ODeL, and is UNISA for you?
- Are you sure about your career?
- Choose or find your Qualification and the minimum UNISA requirements.
Step Four: Fill Out the UNISA Application Form and Pay the Application Fee
Here’s what you can expect from the application form:
- Citizenship/visa type
- Financial aid/ payment options
- Gender
- Marital status
- Population group
- Home language
- Current work/ studies
- Special needs
- Education level
When you have completed each section, you need to verify your application. You will receive a UNISA student number. Use your student number together with the application fee allocation number 5370810030 as the payment reference, following Unisa’s banking instructions. Please note that the fee is non-refundable.
➢ Click here for the UNISA banking details.
Step Five: Track Your UNISA Application
Once you have completed the application process, you’ll receive an email to confirm that UNISA has received your application. You can track your application by using the tracking tool provided.
Keep in mind that UNISA will only process your application once you have paid the application fee and uploaded all the necessary documents.
UNISA Requirements
Your grade 12 results determine whether you meet the minimum criteria to study at UNISA. Each course has specific requirements. You can look up the UNISA requirements here.
If you are still in matric, follow the current application portal’s instructions for school results and provide your final National Senior Certificate results when required. Admission remains subject to meeting the qualification’s final requirements.
Before submitting your application, you must have the required APS total and necessary subjects. Some qualifications require particular marks in Life Sciences, Mathematics or other subjects; older Senior Certificate applicants must use Unisa’s equivalency tables. You won’t automatically be accepted in some cases, even if you meet the minimum UNISA requirements. The university offers limited space available for some of its courses.
What Is APS?
APS stands for Admission Point Score, and it determines your eligibility for specific courses. Some courses require specific subjects on top of the necessary APS value.
How to Calculate Your APS Score
The minimum APS, language marks and other subject requirements differ by qualification and college. Use the requirements shown on the current Unisa qualification page; a single 15/18/21-point rule and 30% language rule do not apply to every qualification.
The following are examples of recognised NSC subjects. Bachelor’s degree endorsement and the programme’s specific subject requirements must also be met; the old designated-subject list was revoked for the 2018 and subsequent NSC examinations. Life Orientation is excluded from Unisa’s APS calculation.
- Accounting
- Agricultural Sciences
- Business Studies
- Consumer Studies
- Dramatic Arts
- Economics
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Languages
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Literacy
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Sciences
- Religion Studies
- Visual Arts
Your APS is calculated based on six of your best subjects. Calculate your APS based on the following point system:
| % | 80-100 | 70-79 | 60-69 | 50-59 | 40-49 | 30-39 | 0-29 |
| Level | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Points | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Add up your total to calculate your APS score.
UNISA Application Dates
Unisa’s application periods differ by qualification type. Undergraduate certificates and diplomas do not accept applications all year. Applications for Short Learning Programmes open on 2 November 2026; confirm the published dates for your selected programme.
For 2027, undergraduate, honours and postgraduate diploma applications ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026. Masters and doctoral applications run from 1 September to 20 November 2026, with selection qualifications and some other programmes following different periods.
When applying to UNISA, check that you have the correct documentation (discussed in step one) and that you have financial aid.
Application Dates:
UNISA undergraduate application opening date for 2027: 17 August 2026.
UNISA undergraduate application closing date for 2027: 9 October 2026. The current online application fee is R160; use your student number and the prescribed application allocation reference when paying.
UNISA Registration
Once you have been accepted to start your studies at the University of South Africa, you’ll receive registration dates. The university will give you a time frame of a few weeks in which you have to register and pay your tuition fees.
Breakdown of the Registration Process:
Visit the UNISA registration webpage.
- Choose your modules
- Calculate your tuition fees
- Complete and submit your registration process
- Make payment
- Complete Registration
After Registration
After registration, UNISA will send out your study material. You’ll need to set up a myLife email address. This email address makes it easy to communicate with your faculty and receive your study material electronically.
Making Changes
If there are any changes that you want to make on registering with UNISA, you can visit the changing registration webpage and read the criteria for making changes. Ensure that you make the changes within the given deadline.
Important Links
➢ Official UNISA website
➢ MyUNISA
➢ UNISA Online Application
➢ UNISA Banking Details
While You Wait to Hear from UNISA
Once you have applied to UNISA, you can track the status of your UNISA application. Keep in mind that it will take the university some time to work through your application. Meanwhile, you can ensure you have uploaded all the necessary documents and paid the application fee. It is also vital that you meet the minimum UNISA requirements for your application to be successful.
Read Also: How to Download UNISA Prospectus
Conclusion
With the end of matric approaching, we understand the pressure that goes along when applying for university. By following our five-step guide on completing the UNISA online application, you’ll have fewer things to worry about and know what to expect once you hear back from UNISA.
