In 2026, over 400,000 applicants will compete for spots in UNISA’s 8 faculties, from Accounting to Science. But with applications closing in November 2026, timing is everything.
UNISA has specific application windows for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Students apply online through the UNISA website. Key steps include creating a myUnisa account, submitting documents, selecting qualifications, and receiving application status updates.
This step-by-step 2026 UNISA application guide covers key dates, eligibility, document checklist, online process, fees, and NSFAS integration. Whether you’re a matriculant, working adult, or SASSA beneficiary, apply right to secure your spot. No more waiting lists — get in, get funded, get your qualification.
Why Apply to UNISA 2026? Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | 100% distance learning — no campus attendance |
| Cost | R5,000–R15,000/year (NSFAS covers eligible undergrads) |
| Start Date | February 2026 |
| Acceptance Rate | High — space-based, not GPA-only |
| NSFAS | Fully funded for qualifying undergrads |
| Global Reach | Study from anywhere with internet |
UNISA 2026 Key Dates: Don’t Miss Out
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Open | 10 September 2025 | Undergrad & Postgrad |
| Undergrad Deadline | 14 November 2025 | Late apps may close earlier |
| Postgrad Deadline | 30 November 2025 | Honors/Masters/PhD |
| Application Fee Payment | Ongoing | R135 (non-refundable) |
| Selection Results | December 2025 | Via myUnisa/email |
| Registration Opens | January 2026 | Online only |
| Registration Closes | 31 January 2026 | Late registration fee applies |
| First Semester Starts | February 2026 | Materials posted/mailed |
| NSFAS Integration | Ongoing | Apply separately by 31 Jan 2026 |
Eligibility for UNISA 2026: Who Can Apply?
UNISA is open access — no strict cut-off scores, but requirements vary by program.
| Level | Basic Requirements |
|---|---|
| Higher Certificate | Grade 9–11 pass (no matric needed) |
| Diploma | Matric with 30% in English/math |
| Degree | Matric with bachelor’s pass (APS 21+) |
| Honors | Completed Bachelor’s (60% average) |
| Masters/PhD | Relevant Honors/Degree + research proposal |
- Age: No limit — welcome back students!
- International: SAQA-equivalent qualifications + English proficiency.
- NSFAS: Household income ≤ R350k/year (NSFAS Guide).
Tip: Use UNISA’s APS Calculator on their site to check.
Step-by-Step UNISA Application Guide
100% online — no forms, no queues. Takes 30–60 minutes.
Step 1: Prepare Documents & Pay Fee
Gather:
- Certified ID copy (SAPS, <3 months)
- Matric certificate/results (Grade 12 NSC/IEB)
- Academic transcripts (if upgrading)
- Proof of English (if non-native)
- R135 fee (credit card, EFT — details on site)
SASSA/NSFAS: Upload grant letter for fee waiver.
Step 2: Create myUnisa Account
- Go to unisa.ac.za/apply
- Click “Apply” → “New Applicant”
- Enter: Email, Cellphone, Password
- Verify: OTP via SMS/Email
- Done — account created.
Trouble? Call 0800 00 1870.
Step 3: Fill Online Application
- Login to myUnisa
- Select “2026 Undergraduate Application” (or Postgrad)
- Personal Details: ID, address, contact
- Qualification Choice:
- Browse catalogue (e.g., BCom Accounting, Higher Cert in Education)
- Max 2 choices (first preference = priority)
- Academic History: Upload matric/transcripts
- Pay Fee: R135 (online)
- Submit — Get application number.
Step 4: Track & Respond
- Results: Email/myUnisa by December 2025
- Accept Offer: Online within 10 days
- Register: January 2026 (pay fees if not NSFAS)
- Materials: Posted/mailed by February 2026
NSFAS Tie-In: Apply simultaneously — UNISA code auto-populates (NSFAS Application).
UNISA Application Checklist
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| [ ] myUnisa account created | |
| [ ] R135 fee paid | |
| [ ] ID certified & uploaded | |
| [ ] Matric certificate attached | |
| [ ] Qualification chosen (max 2) | |
| [ ] English proficiency proof (if needed) | |
| [ ] NSFAS applied (if eligible) |
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Late Application | Apply by 14 Nov 2025 |
| Wrong Qualification | Use search tool — read descriptions |
| No Fee Payment | Pay before submit |
| Missing Docs | Scan clearly (<5MB) |
| Multiple Apps | One account only |
Fees & Funding (2026)
| Level | Approx. Cost/Year | NSFAS Covers? |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Certificate | R5,000–R8,000 | Yes (undergrad) |
| Diploma | R10,000–R15,000 | Yes |
| Degree | R12,000–R20,000 | Yes |
| Honors | R20,000–R30,000 | Limited |
| Masters | R25,000+ | No |
NSFAS: Full coverage for undergrads ≤ R350k income (NSFAS Allowances).
2026 UNISA Updates
| Change | Impact |
|---|---|
| Rolling Apps | Certificates open year-round |
| AI Assistant | Helps choose qualifications |
| Zero-Rated Data | Free myUnisa access |
| Mobile-First | App for app submission |
Next Steps After Applying
- Track Offer → myUnisa “My Applications”
- Apply NSFAS → NSFAS Guide
- Prepare Registration → Gather transcripts
- Join Community → UNISA Facebook groups