The University of South Africa (UNISA) — Africa’s largest open distance learning institution welcomes everyone with flexible entry and NSFAS funding for eligible students. In 2026, over 400,000 students will enroll in certificates, diplomas, and degrees with no strict APS cut-offs for most programs.
This 2026 UNISA admission guide breaks down exact requirements by qualification, document checklist, APS calculations, NSFAS eligibility, and how to upgrade your marks. Whether you’re a matriculant, working adult, or SASSA beneficiary, this guide ensures you meet the bar and get accepted.
UNISA 2026 Admission: Key Principles
| Principle | What It Means |
|---|
| Open Access | No strict cut-offs — space availability matters |
| Flexible Entry | Multiple pathways (matric, RPL, certificates) |
| NSFAS Funded | Full bursary for undergrads ≤ R350k income |
| No Age Limit | Study at any age |
| Distance Learning | Study from home — no campus required |
UNISA Admission Requirements by Qualification (2026)
1. Higher Certificates (Entry Level)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Minimum | Grade 9–11 (no matric needed) |
| English | 30%+ in home/first additional language |
| Age | 16+ |
| Examples | Higher Cert in Accounting, Education, Marketing |
2. Diplomas
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Matric | National Senior Certificate (NSC) |
| APS | 18+ (some programs) |
| English | 40%+ |
| Examples | Diploma in Public Administration, Law, IT |
3. Bachelor’s Degrees
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Matric | NSC with bachelor’s pass |
| APS | 21+ (varies by program) |
| English | 50%+ |
| Maths | Required for BCom, BSc (50%+) |
| Examples | BCom, BA, BEd, LLB |
4. Honours, Masters, PhD
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Honours | Bachelor’s degree + 60% average |
| Masters | Honours + research proposal |
| PhD | Master’s + published research |
UNISA APS Calculator (2026)
UNISA uses Achievement Points Score (APS) — here’s how it works:
| NSC % | APS Points |
|---|
| 80–100% | 7 |
| 70–79% | 6 |
| 60–69% | 5 |
| 50–59% | 4 |
| 40–49% | 3 |
| 30–39% | 2 |
| 0–29% | 1 |
Example:
- English: 65% → 5
- Maths: 55% → 4
- Life Orientation: 70% → 6
- 3 other subjects: 60%, 50%, 45% → 5 + 4 + 3
Total APS = 27
Special Entry Pathways (2026)
| Pathway | Who It’s For | Requirements |
|---|
| RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) | 23+ years old, no matric | Work experience + portfolio |
| Senate Discretionary | Failed matric | Motivation letter + interview |
| Access via Certificate | Low marks | Complete Higher Cert → upgrade to diploma/degree |
Required Documents for UNISA Application (2026)
All must be certified (SAPS/police, <3 months old)
| Document | Who Needs It |
|---|
| Certified ID copy | Everyone |
| Certified matric certificate/results | Grade 12+ applicants |
| Certified academic transcripts | Upgrading/transfer students |
| Marriage certificate (if name changed) | Name mismatch cases |
| Proof of English (TOEFL/IELTS) | Non-English speakers |
| R135 application fee proof | All (unless NSFAS/SASSA) |
| SASSA letter | Auto NSFAS qualify |
NSFAS + UNISA: Do You Qualify?
| Criteria | Must Meet |
|---|
| Income | Household ≤ R350,000/year |
| Study Level | Undergraduate only |
| Institution | UNISA = funded |
| SASSA | Auto-qualify |
→ Apply via NSFAS Guide
Document Checklist Before Submitting
| Item | Done? |
|---|
| [ ] ID certified | |
| [ ] Matric certificate uploaded | |
| [ ] R135 fee paid | |
| [ ] English/maths marks meet minimum | |
| [ ] APS calculated (21+ for degree) | |
| [ ] NSFAS applied (if eligible) | |
Common Admission Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|
| No certified docs | Get SAPS stamp |
| Wrong qualification | Use UNISA search tool |
| Low APS | Start with Higher Certificate |
| No fee payment | Pay before submit |
| Blurry uploads | Use scanner app |
2026 UNISA Admission Upgrades
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|
| AI Eligibility Checker | Instant APS + qualification match |
| Digital Certification | Upload via SAPS e-services |
| RPL Online Portal | Submit portfolio digitally |
| Zero-Rated Application | Free data on Vodacom/MTN |
What Happens After You Meet Requirements?
- Apply → Application Guide
- Offer → Accept within 10 days
- Register → January 2026
- NSFAS → Funded by February 2026
- Study → Materials mailed/digital