University of South Africa
How Do I Apply for Unisa for the First Time?
How to Apply for Unisa for the First Time for 2027-2028 Academic year: Unisa Online Application 2027
How Do I Apply for Unisa for the First Time? Unisa Application 2027
Unisa Online Application 2027-2028 academic year will be open from 17 August to 9 October 2026 for Undergraduate qualifications, Honours degrees & Postgraduate diplomas. Everyone planning for the 2027 academic year to study at Unisa must apply for admission. Please, visit www.unisa.ac.za for more details. Unisa will not accept any late application for 2027 so make sure you submit your application on time to avoid any embarrassments.
There will be an online application fee of R150.00. Pay the application fee once you have received a student number from Unisa. Send the proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za. Please, remember that this fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.
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.
Unisa Application Dates for 2027
Consider the following dates before submitting the application for admission
- Undergraduate qualifications: 17 August to 9 October 2026
- Honours degrees and Postgraduate diplomas: 17 August to 9 October 2026
- Master’s and Doctoral qualifications: 16 September 2026 to 11 November 2026.
What do I need to know before I apply for Unisa 2027?
You need to check that you qualify for admission and that you have the necessary documents ready to upload during the application process. Consider the following:
- Make sure that you meet the statutory and college admission requirements for my qualification(s) of choice.
- You meet the minimum academic points score (APS) for my qualification(s) of choice.
- You have a valid e-mail address and cellphone number, and accept that Unisa will communicate with you during the application process using this e-mail address and cellphone number.
Required Documents for Unisa Application 2027
All applicants starting a new qualification must upload all the required documents, which generally consists of the following:
- Copy of your school qualifications (eg Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate)
- Copy of your official tertiary academic record(s) (if applicable) (internet copies will not be accepted)
- Copy of your ID document (RSA students) or ID/passport (international students)
- Copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree (if applicable)
- Sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans
How to Submit Unisa Online Application 2027: First-time Applicants
2027 online application process at Unisa is very simple, easy and accurate. When applying online, you will be asked to make changes to incorrect details helping you to have a successful application.
Follow the steps outlined below:
- Go to Unisa website: www.unisa.ac.za
- Click on the “Admission” tab on the menu
- Click on the “Apply for Admission” from the list
- For first-time applicants, click on Undergraduate qualifications
- Read the information you see on the screen carefully before you continue
- If understood, click on “START THE APPLICATION PROCESS” link
- Carefully read the 2027 Unisa application information. Make sure you understand them well
- Click on “Apply Now” if you’re certain about your career and have chosen your qualification.
- Make your selection from the list of qualifications (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Honours, short programmes or a Master’s/Doctoral)
- Follow the prompt as you choose from the list of items you see on your screen
- Upload all your supporting documents and pay the online application fee of R150
- Complete your application and submit it for evaluation.
Please Note: If your application for admission to study through Unisa for 2027 is incomplete, you will have to re-apply during the next application period.
Application Outcomes
Unisa will assess your application, which includes the points score system. You may be offered a space for semester 1 of the 2027 academic year based on the following: whether you meet the academic admission requirements for your qualification of choice, your minimum academic points score (APS) and the number of spaces available for the qualification for which you have applied.
For more details, Click HERE
UNISA Online Application 2027 Undergraduate Opening Date: An Ultimate Guide to UNISA Application Dates 2027
UNISA Application 2027 Undergraduate Opening Date: Unisa closing date for 2027
The University of South Africa, UNISA Online Application 2027 Undergraduate qualifications will commence 17 August and close 9 October 2026. Everyone planning to begin their university studies with the UNISA in 2027 must apply for admission and this guide has you covered.
Below is everything you need to know about UNISA undergraduate applications for 2027, including application dates, available qualifications, entry requirements, and the step-by-step application process.
UNISA Undergraduate Applications for 2027: What You Need to Know
UNISA Application Dates for 2027
Planning ahead is essential. The undergraduate application period for the 2027-2028 academic year is expected to run as follows:
- Opening Date: 17 August 2026
- Closing Date: 9 October 2026
Late applications are not accepted, so ensure your application is submitted within the official window.
Undergraduate Qualifications Offered at UNISA
UNISA offers a broad range of undergraduate qualifications, including:
- Higher Certificates
- Diplomas
- Bachelor’s Degrees
These qualifications are available across multiple fields of study, such as:
- Accounting Sciences
- Law
- Education
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Science, Engineering, and Technology
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
Find all the courses offered at UNISA for 2027 and their admission requirements Here. Each qualification is registered on a specific NQF level, so it’s important to choose a course that aligns with your academic results.
Admission Requirements for UNISA 2027
Below is a general guide to the minimum entry requirements:
Minimum Requirements by Qualification Type
- Bachelor’s Degree: NSC with Bachelor’s endorsement
- Diploma: NSC with Diploma endorsement
- Higher Certificate: NSC with Higher Certificate endorsement
Language Requirement
- English at NSC Level 4 (Home Language) or
- Level 5 (First Additional Language)
⚠️ Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Final selection depends on space availability and course-specific criteria.
Find all the available courses offered at UNISA for 2027 and their admission requirements Here.
Who Should Apply?
You must submit an application if:
- You are applying to UNISA for the first time
- You are a returning student applying for a different qualification
- You were previously accepted but did not register
- You completed a Higher Certificate and want to progress
- You are enrolling through a UNISA–TVET partnership
Documents Required for UNISA Undergraduate Application 2027
Upload certified copies (not older than six months) of the following:
- South African ID or passport
- Matric/NSC results or equivalent
- Academic transcripts (if applicable)
- SAQA evaluation (for international qualifications)
- Supporting documents for credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
How to Apply for UNISA 2027 Undergraduate Admission
Follow these steps to apply online:
- Visit the official UNISA application website
- Click “Apply” and select the undergraduate option
- Complete your personal and academic details
- Upload all required certified documents
- Select up to three qualifications, ranked by preference
- Submit your application before 9 October 2026
- Track your application status via the UNISA portal
If you receive an offer, you must accept it within 10 working days.
Application Review and Selection Process
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Your APS score
- Availability of space in the qualification
- UNISA’s commitment to equity and redress
Only one qualification will be offered per applicant, even if multiple choices were selected.
Credit Transfers and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
If you’ve studied at another institution or have relevant work experience:
- Apply for credit transfer using the DSAR04 form
- Submit official academic records and detailed course outlines
UNISA also offers RPL options for informal, non-formal, and workplace learning.
Financial Aid and Funding Opportunities
Eligible UNISA students may access funding through:
- NSFAS (apply via nsfas.org.za)
- SETA bursaries
- Government or private scholarships
Typical requirements include proof of income, academic results, and motivation letters.
Accommodation Information
UNISA is a distance-learning institution and does not provide on-campus accommodation. However, students studying through TVET college partnerships may have access to accommodation offered by those colleges.
Student Support Services
UNISA provides a wide range of student support services, including:
- Online academic tutoring
- Career guidance and counselling
- Mental health and wellness support
- IT and technical helpdesks
- First-Year Experience (FYE) online programme
UNISA Contact Details
- Email: study-info@unisa.ac.za
- Toll-Free: 0800 00 1870 (RSA only)
- Website: www.unisa.ac.za
Final Tips for 2027 Applicants
- Apply early and double-check your documents
- Apply for more than one qualification to improve your chances
- Monitor your application status regularly
- Rely on the official UNISA website for updates and announcements
🎓 Thinking about 2027? Start preparing now and take the next step toward your future with UNISA.