UNISA undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic year open on 18 August 2026 and close on 10 October 2026. Late applications are not accepted — if you miss the window, you will need to wait for the next cycle. This guide covers everything you need before you apply: confirmed dates, APS requirements, required documents, the R150 application fee, and a step-by-step walkthrough of the online process.
UNISA 2027 Application Dates at a Glance
UNISA operates on a different cycle from contact universities. Applications for a future academic year open in August of the preceding year. Below are the confirmed dates for the 2027 intake:
| Qualification Level | Application Opens | Application Closes |
| Undergraduate (Degrees, Diplomas, Higher Certs) | 18 August 2026 | 10 October 2026 |
| Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas | 18 August 2026 | 10 October 2026 |
| Master’s & Doctoral Programmes | 16 September 2026 | 11 November 2026 |
| Second Semester (limited UG qualifications) | ~April 2027 | ~May 2027 |
Important: High-demand programmes such as Nursing and Engineering may close earlier than the general deadline. Always confirm programme-specific dates on the official UNISA website.
Undergraduate Qualifications Offered at UNISA
UNISA is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa, offering three categories of undergraduate qualification:
- Higher Certificates (NQF Level 5) — ideal for learners who did not qualify for a diploma or degree
- National Diplomas (NQF Level 6)
- Bachelor’s Degrees (NQF Level 7 and above)
Faculties and fields of study include:
- Accounting Sciences
- Law
- Education & Teacher Training
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Science, Engineering & Technology
- Economic & Management Sciences
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
For the full list of qualifications and their specific admission requirements, visit the UNISA Qualifications page at www.unisa.ac.za.
UNISA 2027 Admission Requirements & APS Scores
UNISA uses an Admission Point Score (APS) system to assess your NSC results. Your APS is calculated from your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Each subject percentage range earns a points value (e.g., 80–100% = 7 points; 70–79% = 6 points).
| Qualification Type | Minimum APS (General) | Key NSC Requirement |
| Higher Certificate | 15 – 18 | NSC with Higher Certificate endorsement |
| National Diploma | 20 – 22 | NSC with Diploma endorsement |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 23 + | NSC with Bachelor’s Degree endorsement |
Language requirement: You must have English at NSC Level 4 (if Home Language) or Level 5 (if First Additional Language).
Warning: Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission. UNISA selects based on space availability, equity considerations, and course-specific criteria. Only one offer of admission is made per applicant, even if multiple qualifications were chosen.
Who Must Submit an Application?
You are required to submit a new application if you are:
- Applying to UNISA for the first time
- A current UNISA student applying for a different or new qualification
- A student who was previously accepted but did not register
- A student who completed a Higher Certificate and wants to progress to a diploma or degree
- Enrolling through a UNISA–TVET college partnership
Note for new applicants: Before accepting your offer, you will be required to complete the First-Year Experience (FYE) MOOC — a free online orientation programme. Completion is mandatory before you can register.
5. Required Documents for UNISA 2027 Application
All documents must be certified copies, not older than six months. Scan them in black and white in PDF, DOC, or TIF format. File size must not exceed 2 MB per document.
- South African ID document or passport (international applicants)
- Matric certificate or NSC results (or Grade 11 results if current Grade 12 learner)
- Official tertiary academic record(s), if applicable — internet copies not accepted
- Marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable
- SAQA evaluation certificate, for international qualifications
- DSAR04 form and course outlines, if applying for credit transfer
Deadline: All documents must be uploaded before 10 October 2026. No documents submitted after the closing date will be accepted.
UNISA 2027 Application Fee
The non-refundable application fee is R150 for all online applications. This fee covers your entire application cycle, regardless of how many qualifications you apply for. You pay it after receiving your student number.
Payment Methods
- FNB branch or internet banking
- Capitec app
- EasyPay
Payment Reference Format
Use your 8-digit student number, then a space, then the application fee allocation number (e.g., 12345678 5370810030). Keep your proof of payment — you may need to email it to UNISA.
Warning: Applications are only processed once payment has been successfully received. UNISA does not accept cash payments on campus.
How to Apply for UNISA 2027 Undergraduate Admission (Step-by-Step)
All applications are submitted exclusively through the official UNISA online application portal at www.unisa.ac.za/apply. There is no paper application.
- Go to www.unisa.ac.za and click ‘Apply for admission’
- Select ‘Undergraduate qualifications’ as your application type
- If you already have a student number, log in. If not, the system will generate one for you
- Complete your personal and academic details exactly as they appear on your ID
- Enter your physical and postal address — UNISA uses this to deliver study materials
- Enter your school-leaving information (matric endorsement, year completed, last school)
- Choose up to two qualifications, ranked in order of preference
- Upload all certified documents before the closing date
- Pay the R150 application fee using your student number as the reference
- Submit your application and note your student number for future communication
After submission: If you receive an offer, you must accept it within 10 working days via the UNISA portal. Failing to accept means your spot goes to another applicant and cannot be reclaimed.
How to Check Your UNISA 2027 Application Status
Once you have submitted your application, you can track its progress at any time:
- Go to myunisa.ac.za
- Log in with your student number and password
- Navigate to ‘My Applications’ to view your application status
- Check your registered email and cellphone for SMS/email updates from UNISA
Common application statuses you may see: Received, Under Review, Offered, Declined, and Withdrawn. If your status shows ‘Incomplete’, you likely have a missing document or unpaid application fee.
Application Review & Selection Process
UNISA evaluates undergraduate applications based on three factors:
- Whether you meet the statutory and college-specific admission requirements
- Your Admission Point Score (APS) for the chosen qualification
- The number of spaces available in the qualification
UNISA also applies equity and redress considerations in its selection process. Only one qualification offer is made per applicant, even if multiple choices were submitted.
Credit Transfers & Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
If you have studied at another institution or have relevant work experience, UNISA offers two pathways:
- Credit Transfer: Submit the DSAR04 form with official academic records and detailed course outlines from your previous institution
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): For informal, non-formal, or workplace learning. Visit the RPL section on the UNISA website for detailed criteria
Financial Aid for UNISA Students
UNISA students may qualify for the following funding options:
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): Apply at nsfas.org.za. Requirements include proof of household income, certified academic records, and a motivation letter
- SETA bursaries: Sector-specific bursaries administered by SETAs related to your field of study
- Government and private bursaries: Search bursary databases specific to your qualification
Apply for funding as early as possible. NSFAS funding may not be finalised before registration. Be prepared to pay the minimum initial registration fee upfront and wait for NSFAS confirmation.
Accommodation at UNISA
UNISA is a distance learning institution and does not provide on-campus accommodation. Study materials are delivered to your registered postal address. Students enrolled through UNISA–TVET college partnerships may have access to residential facilities through their respective TVET colleges.
UNISA Student Support Services
- Online academic tutoring via myUnisa
- Career guidance and counselling
- Mental health and wellness support
- IT and technical helpdesk
- First-Year Experience (FYE) MOOC — mandatory for all new students before registration
- myLife email account — your official UNISA communication channel, activate immediately after registration
UNISA Contact Details
- Email: study-info@unisa.ac.za
- Toll-Free (RSA only): 0800 00 1870
- Website: www.unisa.ac.za
- Application portal: www.unisa.ac.za/apply
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The following questions target People Also Ask (PAA) results for the focus keyword.
When do UNISA undergraduate applications open for 2027?
UNISA undergraduate applications for 2027 are expected to open on 18 August 2026 and close on 10 October 2026. These dates follow UNISA’s established pattern of opening applications in mid-August each year.
How much is the UNISA application fee for 2027?
The non-refundable application fee is R150 for online applications. The fee covers one full application cycle regardless of how many qualifications you apply for and is paid after receiving your student number.
What is the minimum APS for UNISA undergraduate admission?
The minimum APS depends on your qualification type: around 15–18 for Higher Certificates, 20–22 for Diplomas, and 23 or above for Bachelor’s Degrees. Each specific programme has its own published APS minimum which you must check before applying.
Can I apply for more than one qualification at UNISA?
Yes. You may apply for up to two qualifications, ranked in order of preference. UNISA will only make one offer of admission, even if you qualify for both choices.
Are late applications accepted at UNISA?
No. UNISA does not accept late applications once the closing date has passed. The university processes a very high volume of applications each cycle and cannot accommodate submissions outside the official window. If you miss the deadline, you will need to apply in the next cycle.
Does UNISA have a second semester intake for 2027?
Yes, but it is limited. UNISA opens a second semester intake around April–May 2027 for a restricted list of qualifications. High-demand programmes are generally not included. Check the official UNISA website in early 2027 for the confirmed list of available courses.
How do I check my UNISA 2027 application status?
Log in to myUnisa at myunisa.ac.za using your student number and navigate to ‘My Applications’. You will also receive email and SMS updates. If your status shows ‘Incomplete’, check for missing documents or an unpaid application fee.
What documents do I need for a UNISA 2027 application?
You need certified copies (not older than 6 months) of your ID or passport, matric certificate or NSC results, and any applicable tertiary records. International applicants also need a SAQA evaluation certificate. All files must be PDF, DOC, or TIF format and under 2 MB each.
Disclaimer
This article is based on UNISA’s established application cycle patterns and officially published information available at the time of writing. Application dates, fees, and requirements are subject to change. Always confirm the latest information directly at www.unisa.ac.za before submitting your application.
