Doctorate Degree Unisa 2026

Doctorate Degree Unisa 2026

Applying for a Doctorate Degree At UNISA In 2026:

Anyone wishing to pursue a new qualification must apply for admission for the academic year 2026-2027. This includes first-time Unisa applicants, current Unisa students seeking a new qualification, final-year students intending to start a master’s or doctoral program, and previously registered master’s and doctoral students who did not enroll in the 2025 academic year but wish to resume their studies. Applicants are to note that, they may only apply for one qualification at the master’s or doctoral level. It is essential to verify that you meet the minimum admission requirements for your chosen qualification before applying. If you submit a second application, it will replace your first application. Applications for admission to master’s and doctoral degrees for the 2025 academic year will be open from September 2 to November 22, 2024 (with some exceptions). Unisa encourages its applicants to apply as early as possible, as qualifications may be removed from the application list once all available spaces for the 2025 academic year are filled.

UNISA doctoral degrees are structured to foster original research that meets international standards, preparing graduates for academic, professional, and leadership roles. The programs often include coursework as preparation, but focus primarily on independent research. The duration for full-time doctoral studies can extend up to 72 months, depending on the program. In 2026, doctoral candidates at UNISA will benefit from a supportive academic environment that encourages collaboration and publication. The university’s commitment to research excellence aligns with South Africa’s broader national initiatives to enhance postgraduate training and research impact. Prospective students should prepare their applications carefully, ensuring all admission requirements and deadlines are met to secure a place in these competitive programs. Prospective students are to visit the official website of the University of South Africa to download the application form, fill it out by providing all the necessary and required documents, and submit it before the application deadline.

READ: UNISA Education Courses 2025

Doctorate Degree Online Application Date For Unisa 2026

• Applications for admission to master’s and doctoral degrees for the 2026 academic year are to be open from 2 September to 22 November 2025 (some exceptions apply).

Doctorate Degree Courses And Programs Of Unisa 2026

Doctoral degrees at UNISA, usually take four or more years to complete, and the amount of credits necessary for graduation varies by program. The following is a list of the University of South Africa (UNISA) doctoral degree programs or courses offered:

Master’s Degrees:

• Master of Accounting Sciences (Auditing) (98656 – AUE)
• Master of Accounting Sciences (Financial Accounting) (98656 – FAC)
• Master of Accounting Sciences (Financial Governance) (98656 – GOV)
• Master of Accounting Sciences (Financial Intelligence) (98656 – INT)
• Master of Accounting Sciences (Management Accounting) (98656 – MAC)
• Master of Accounting Sciences (Taxation) (98656 – TAX)
• Master of Administration in Public Administration (98581)
• Master of Arts in African Languages (98498)
• Master of Arts in African Politics (98499)
• Master of Arts in Afrikaans (98423)
• Master of Arts in Ancient Near Eastern Studies (98457)
• Master of Arts in Anthropology (98502)
• Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (98504)
• Master of Arts in Arabic (98458)
• Master of Arts in Archaeology (98505)
• Master of Arts in Art History (98507)

Doctoral Degrees:

• Doctor of Business Leadership (90071)
• Doctor of Education Adult Education (90038 – ADE)
• Doctor of Education Comparative Education (90038 – CED)
• Doctor of Education Curriculum Studies (90038 – CUS)
• Doctor of Education Early Childhood Development (90038 – ECD)
• Doctor of Education History of Education (90038 – HED)
• Doctor of Education Inclusive Education (90038 – IED)
• Doctor of Education Open Distance Learning (90038 – ODL)
• Doctor of Education Philosophy of Education (90038 – PED)
• Doctor of Education Socio-Education (90038 – SED)
• Doctor of Education Technology Education (90038 – TED)
• Doctor of Law Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure (98602 – CRI)
• Doctor of Laws Jurisprudence (98602 – JUR)

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Who Is Qualified For Doctorate Degree Unisa 2026

The following are those who are qualified for a Unisa doctorate:

• You must apply for a Unisa student number if you have never before studied towards a formal qualification at Unisa. Student numbers issued for Unisa’s short learning programs are not valid for formal qualifications. Your formal Unisa student number will be your permanent Unisa student number.
• If you are applying for admission to a Graduate School of Business Leadership (GSBL) qualification, please apply for a Unisa student number, unless you previously studied at Unisa towards a formal qualification.
• If you are applying for admission to a selection degree, you must apply for a Unisa student number if you have never before studied towards a formal qualification at Unisa. If you do not have a formal Unisa student number and are selected for admission to one of the selection degrees, you will not be able to register for the 2025 academic year.
• An application for a Unisa student number is NOT an application for admission to a qualification. You must complete the process by applying for admission and uploading the supporting documents.

Doctorate Degree Courses Application Requirements At Unisa 2026

You must upload all the necessary supporting documents as part of the online application process. E-mailed documents will not be accepted. You will have 10 working days from when you apply to upload your supporting documents. The 10 days do not apply after the closing date for applications.

If you do not upload the necessary supporting documents within 10 days of submitting your application for admission, your application will be declined:

• Copies of all official academic records, including all papers/modules passed, percentages obtained, and the ledger (grading scale). Unisa academic records do not have to be uploaded.
• SAQA certificate of evaluation if your qualification(s) has/have been obtained outside the borders of South Africa. (You may apply without uploading the SAQA certificate). The certificate can be uploaded later or e-mailed to MandD@unisa.ac.za.
• A copy of your ID or valid passport.
• A research outline, CV, and any additional documents as indicated in the admission requirements for the specific qualification.
• If you applied via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), a letter stating that you may be considered for the qualification without meeting the formal admission requirements.
• If you intend to apply for admission to a qualification offered by the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, please contact the college before submitting your application, as you require a departmental letter of permission from the department to be uploaded as part of your application.
• Departmental forms for the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (available under the college’s research focus areas)
• Click here for the departmental application form for the coursework MCom in Industrial Psychology (professional qualification). Please note the different application dates for this qualification.

Doctorate Degree Online Registration Process For Unisa 2026

Follow the below process to register for doctorate courses:

Visit the Unisa web registration page. Click here to open the page.

• Choose the qualification level and then click “Go“.

Enter your student number in the block provided and the other details as required. (If you don’t have a student number you won’t be able to continue. You’ll need to apply online for admission.)

Check your details on the screen. Change any contact details that are missing or incorrect. It is very important to provide your correct address and cellphone numbers. Incorrect information may delay the delivery of your study material and prevent you from receiving important information from the university.

Click on the modules from the drop-down list for which you want to register. Ensure that you meet all the qualification requirements for your selected modules. You must

• meet all the pre-requisites and co-requisites for the selected module
• select the correct period (1 = first semester; 2 = second semester; 0 = year module)

* The language of tuition for each module is indicated in the module information.

Do not exceed the prescribed number of modules per semester or year, as this may result in a delay in your registration being processed. Unisa retains the right to remove modules based on the number of credits allowed per semester and by the fees paid. Please take note of the maximum period you have to complete your qualification.

Calculate your fees:

• Use the free quotation link on the Unisa website (http://www.unisa.ac.za/feequote) to obtain a quote for the cost of your modules.
• Note the minimum fee that must be paid before Unisa will process your registration. If these fees are more than you can afford, remove modules until you can afford the fees.
• You can make payment online, using the web credit card payment method.

If you don’t have a credit card, you can use one of the Unisa payment methods listed on this page. Retain your proof of payment in case of inquiries.

READ: UNISA Accounting Courses 2026-2027

UNISA Contact

• 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

UNISA’s Doctorate Degree programs offer a flexible and thorough framework for individuals advancing their studies and expertise in their selected fields. Unisa fosters an empowering academic atmosphere where doctoral candidates can excel and significantly impact areas of study. The university is committed to upholding research excellence, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring global acknowledgment of its scholar’s achievements. Visit Unisa’s Official Website for more information.

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