Every UNISA qualification is built on credits the currency of your degree. In 2026, over 400,000 students must balance study load, pass rates and NSFAS rules to graduate on time. Get it wrong? Repeat modules, lose funding, delay your career.
This 2026 definitive guide explains UNISA credits, study load rules, NQF levels, how to plan your year, and NSFAS compliance. Whether you’re aiming for a Higher Certificate, BCom, or Honours, master the system and finish faster.
UNISA Credits: The Basics (2026)
| Term | Meaning |
|---|
| Credit | 12 notional hours of study (1 credit = 12 hours) |
| Module | One subject (e.g., FAC1502 = 12 credits) |
| Qualification | Total credits required (e.g., Degree = 360) |
| NQF Level | Difficulty (5 = Certificate, 7 = Degree, 8 = Honours) |
How Many Credits Per Qualification?
| Qualification | NQF Level | Total Credits | Years (Full-Time) |
|---|
| Higher Certificate | 5 | 120 | 1 year |
| Diploma | 6 | 240–360 | 2–3 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 7 | 360–480 | 3–4 years |
| Honours | 8 | 120 | 1 year |
| Master’s | 9 | 180 | 1.5–2 years |
UNISA Study Load Rules (2026)
Maximum Credits Per Semester
| Student Type | Max Credits/Semester | Max Modules |
|---|
| First-Year | 60 | 5 |
| Returning (Pass ≥50%) | 60 | 5 |
| High Performers (≥75%) | 72 | 6 |
| Part-Time | 36 | 3 |
Maximum Per Year
| Load | Credits/Year | Modules/Year |
|---|
| Full-Time | 120 | 10 |
| Part-Time | 60–72 | 5–6 |
Module Credit Values (Common Examples)
| Module Code | Name | Credits | Hours Required |
|---|
| FAC1502 | Financial Accounting | 12 | 144 |
| MNB1601 | Business Management | 12 | 144 |
| ENG1501 | English Studies | 12 | 144 |
| EUP1501 | Ethical Information | 12 | 144 |
| HONOURS Project | Research | 36 | 432 |
How to Plan Your Study Load (2026)
Step 1: Check Your Curriculum
- Login → myUNISA
- Go to “My Studies” → “Curriculum”
- See compulsory vs elective modules
- Note prerequisites (e.g., FAC1501 before FAC1502)
Step 2: Balance Your Load
| Goal | Recommended Load |
|---|
| Working Full-Time | 36–48 credits/year (3–4 modules) |
| Fast-Track Degree | 120 credits/year (10 modules) |
| NSFAS Minimum | 48+ credits/year |
Step 3: Register Correctly
- First semester: 60 credits
- Second semester: 60 credits
- Year modules: Count in both (e.g., Research Project)
→ Registration Guide
NSFAS & Study Load (2026 Rules)
| Rule | Details |
|---|
| Minimum Credits | 48/year to stay funded |
| Pass Rate | 50%+ modules to continue |
| Failed Module | Repeat = extra year, may lose NSFAS |
| Max Duration | N+2 Rule (e.g., 3-year degree = 5 years max) |
NQF Levels Explained
| NQF | Qualification | Example |
|---|
| 5 | Higher Certificate | Accounting Sciences |
| 6 | Diploma | Public Administration |
| 7 | Bachelor’s Degree | BCom, LLB |
| 8 | Honours | Psychology |
| 9 | Master’s | MBA |
| 10 | PhD | Education |
Sample Study Plans
Full-Time BCom (3 Years)
| Year | Credits | Modules |
|---|
| 1 | 120 | 10 × 12-credit |
| 2 | 120 | 10 × 12-credit |
| 3 | 120 | 8 × 12 + 1 × 24-credit project |
Part-Time (6 Years)
| Year | Credits | Modules |
|---|
| 1–2 | 60 | 5/year |
| 3–4 | 60 | 5/year |
| 5–6 | 60 | 5/year |
Common Credit Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|
| >10 modules/year | Reduce to 120 credits max |
| No prerequisites | Check curriculum |
| <48 credits | Add 1 more module |
| Year module in one sem | Register in both semesters |
| Failed 60% | Appeal or repeat |
2026 UNISA Credit Upgrades
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|
| AI Load Advisor | “You can add 1 more module” |
| Credit Tracker | Live progress bar |
| Mobile Credits | View on UNISA App |
| Auto-NSFAS Check | Warns if below 48 |
Next Steps
- Login → myUNISA Login
- Register → Registration Guide
- Track NSFAS → Status Guide
- Plan Year → Use curriculum tool
Help with Credits
| Contact | For |
|---|
| Call | 0800 00 1870 |
| Email | study-info@unisa.ac.za |
| WhatsApp | 060 070 2600 |