Apply To Unisa 2027-2028

Apply To Unisa 2027-2028

Unisa 2027 Online Application Open Date:

Planning to apply to the University of South Africa for the 2027-2028 academic year? As a Unisa alumnus and higher education consultant who has guided hundreds of students through open distance learning admissions, I know how critical it is to align your application with Unisa’s official timelines and requirements. Missing a deadline or document can mean waiting another year, so this guide breaks down exactly what you need to know.

Unisa, Africa’s largest open distance e-learning institution, follows a structured annual intake that varies by qualification level. For the 2027-2028 cycle, undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate diploma applications are expected to open between August and October 2026, with most closing in November 2026. Unisa does occasionally announce limited re-opening windows, for example, a recent window ran from 3 to 17 June for select qualifications. Master’s and doctoral applications typically remain open longer, often until 19 December, though exceptions apply per college. Short Learning Programmes have mid-year intakes too, with second-semester 2027 registrations running from 18 May to 10 July.

Before you apply, verify you meet both statutory and college-specific admission requirements, including the minimum APS score for your programme. You will need certified copies of your ID, academic records, a valid email address, and a cellphone number. All Unisa communication is digital, so check your inbox regularly.

A non-refundable R150.00 application fee applies and must be paid by the closing date via EFT or online banking. Unisa does not accept cash. Keep your proof of payment, because applications without confirmed payment are not processed.

This guide uses Unisa’s official announcements and my direct experience with the myUnisa portal to help you prepare confidently. We’ll cover key dates, document checklists, fee payment steps, and how to track your application status, so you can submit the first time correctly and secure your spot for 2027-2028.

Who Should Apply?

You need to apply if you are:

• A first-time applicant to UNISA.
• A current UNISA student applying for a new qualification.
• Someone who previously applied but was not offered placement.
• Someone who was offered placement but did not register.
• A student completing a higher certificate wishing to progress to a degree or diploma.

Important Notes Before Applying

• All documents must be uploaded by the application closing date; late submissions are not accepted.
• UNISA reserves the right to request original documents and verify submitted documents at any time.
• Submitting fraudulent documents is an offence under UNISA’s Student Disciplinary Code.
• UNISA does not provide scanners or electronic devices; applicants must ensure their documents are scanned before applying.
• Keep track of official UNISA announcements for any updates or changes to application dates and procedures.

By following these steps and preparing your application carefully, you can successfully apply to UNISA for the 2027-2028 academic year and take advantage of its flexible distance learning opportunities.

READ: Study With Unisa 2027-2028

UNISA Application Date 2027-2028

Unisa application date varies based on the period of application and the qualification of the application. Applicants must take note of the following application dates for the 2027-2028 academic year:

Unisa Application Date For Undergraduate Qualifications 2027:

• Applications for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2027 academic year are expected to open between August and October. However, applications re-open for undergraduate qualifications for limited qualifications only. Apply between 3 and 17 June

Unisa Application Date For Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas 2027:

• Applications for admission to honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas for the 2027 academic year are supposed to open from August to October. However, applications re-open for limited honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas only. Apply between 3 and 17 June 2026

Unisa Application Date For Master’s & Doctoral Qualifications Diplomas 2027:

• Applications for admission to Master’s & Doctoral Qualifications Diplomas for the 2027 academic year are supposed to open from September to November. However, applications re-open for master’s & doctoral qualifications until 19 December 2026 (some exceptions apply).

Unisa Application Date For Short Learning Programmes Diplomas 2027:

• Applications and registration for Unisa’s Short Learning Programmes are open from 8th January to 15th February.

UNISA Application Fee 2027-2028

• The online application fee of  R150.00 is required for all online applications. There will be no processing of any application submitted without an application fee paid on time.
• Application fees paid are not refundable even if the applicant does not qualify for admission or cannot be offered a space due to the limited spaces available.

Requirements Needed To Apply For Unisa 2027-2028

All first-time applicants and Unisa students starting a new qualification must submit the required documents. The closing date for the various applications is due for uploading the following required documents:

• Copy of school qualifications
• Copy of official tertiary academic record(if applicable)
• Certified copy of your ID document (RSA students) or ID/passport (international students)
• Copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree (if applicable)
• Sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans

Steps To Apply To Unisa 2027-2028

Follow the steps below to apply online at UNISA for the 2027-2028 academic year:

• You may apply for a maximum of two qualifications, ranked in order of preference (although you may only register for one should both of your qualifications be successful).
• Unisa will inform you of the outcome of your application. If successful, Unisa will indicate for which qualification you have been accepted and will offer you a space for the period for which you have applied (eg semester 2).
• You must accept or decline Unisa’s offer within the prescribed period. If you miss this deadline, Unisa will withdraw the offer and give your space to another applicant.
• First-time applicants to Unisa will be required to complete the First-Year Experience MOOC (massive open online course) before being able to accept Unisa’s offer.
• You may only accept one offer. This means that when you accept an offer for one qualification (irrespective of whether it is your first or second qualification of choice), the other offer will automatically fall away.
• If you accept Unisa’s offer, you must register for the period for which you have been granted admission. Should you not register for the relevant semester of study, you will need to reapply for admission during the next application period.

READ: Application For Admission At UNISA 2027-2028

UNISA Contact Information

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Unisa at the following address:

• Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria
• Sunnyside campus (applications, registrations & learning centre):
• Cnr Justice Mahomed & Steve Biko Streets, Sunnyside, Pretoria
• Tel: 0800 005 311
• Email: unisa@whistleblowing.co.za

Hope the information given above has been useful to you in applying. If you have any suggestions or comments, kindly leave them in the comment section provided below. Better still, you can visit the official Unisa website for more details. Visit Unisa’s Official Website for more details.

RELATED LINKS:

• Unisa Registration Closing Date 2027-2028
• How To Apply for Admission at UNISA 2027-2028
• Apply At UNISA For Admission 2027-2028