In 2026, over 400,000 students must register online at UNISA to secure their distance learning modules, NSFAS funding, and study materials. Miss the deadline? Pay late fees or reapply next year.
This 2026 step-by-step registration guide shows you exactly how to register key dates, module selection, fees, NSFAS integration, document uploads and common pitfalls. Whether you’re a first-year, returning student, or SASSA beneficiary, register right and start studying in February 2026.
UNISA 2026 Registration: Key Dates
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|
| Registration Opens | 6 January 2026 | First-years & returners |
| Registration Closes | 31 January 2026 | No extensions |
| Late Registration | 1–14 February 2026 | +R500 penalty |
| Module Changes | 1–28 February 2026 | Free swaps |
| Study Materials Posted | February 2026 | Printed + digital |
| First Semester Starts | 17 February 2026 | Assignments due soon |
Who Can Register? (2026 Eligibility)
| Status | Can Register? |
|---|
| Offer Accepted | Yes |
| NSFAS Approved | Yes (auto-fees paid) |
| Self-Funded | Yes (pay minimum) |
| Outstanding Fees | No (clear first) |
| Failed 50%+ Modules | No (appeal required) |
Step-by-Step UNISA Registration Guide
100% online via myUNISA — no campus visits.
Step 1: Login to myUNISA
- Go to my.unisa.ac.za
- Enter: Student Number + Password
→ Login Guide - Solve CAPTCHA → Dashboard
Step 2: Pay Minimum Fee (If Not NSFAS)
| Level | Minimum Fee |
|---|
| Higher Certificate | R1,500 |
| Diploma | R2,000 |
| Degree | R2,500 |
| Honors | R3,000 |
- Pay via: Credit card, EFT, bank deposit
- Reference: Your student number
- NSFAS Students: Skip — fees auto-covered
Step 3: Select Your Modules
- Click “Register for Modules”
- Choose qualification (e.g., BCom Accounting)
- Pick modules from curriculum:
- First-years: 5–10 modules
- Returners: Max 12 (120 credits)
- Check prerequisites (e.g., MATH101 needs MATH100)
- Add to cart → Proceed
Step 4: Upload Documents (If Prompted)
| Document | When Needed |
|---|
| ID copy | First registration |
| Matric certificate | New students |
| Marriage certificate | Name change |
| NSFAS approval letter | Confirm funding |
Certified? Only if requested.
Step 5: Review & Submit
- Summary: Check modules, fees, address
- Accept Terms
- Submit → Get confirmation email/SMS
- Proof of Registration → Download PDF
Step 6: Receive Study Materials
- Digital: Available on myUNISA
- Printed: Posted to your address (allow 4–6 weeks)
- Laptop (NSFAS): Delivered by March 2026
Registration Fees & Payment Options (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Registration Fee | Included in minimum |
| Student Card | R100 (once-off) |
| Late Registration | R500 |
| Module Change | Free (Feb only) |
Payment Methods:
- Online (credit card)
- Bank deposit (FNB, Standard Bank)
- EFT (use student number)
NSFAS + UNISA Registration
| Benefit | How It Works |
|---|
| Fees Paid | UNISA bills NSFAS directly |
| Living Allowance | R16,500/year → your bank |
| Books | R5,200 lump sum |
| Data | 30GB/month (Telkom) |
| Laptop | Once-off device |
→ Link bank: NSFAS Bank Guide
Common Registration Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|
| Wrong modules | Change by 28 Feb |
| No payment proof | Upload bank slip |
| Address wrong | Update in myUNISA |
| Missed deadline | Pay R500 late fee |
| NSFAS not linked | Contact nsfas@unisa.ac.za |
2026 Registration Upgrades
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|
| AI Module Advisor | “You need MATH101 first” |
| Mobile Registration | Via UNISA App |
| Zero-Rated Portal | Free data on all networks |
| Auto-NSFAS Sync | No manual uploads |
After Registration: Next Steps
- Download Materials → “My Modules”
- Submit Assignment 01 → Due March 2026
- Join Forums → Ask e-tutor
- Track NSFAS → Status Guide