UNISA College Of Agriculture And Environmental Sciences 2026

UNISA CAES 2026: Advancing Agriculture and Environmental Science for a Sustainable Future:

The UNISA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) stands as a premier institution for students seeking to shape the future of sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and life sciences in 2026. Located at the Unisa Science Campus in Johannesburg, CAES offers a comprehensive range of qualifications, from higher certificates to doctoral degrees, in fields such as agricultural management, animal health, nature conservation, and consumer sciences. The college is renowned for its state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, providing students with the unique opportunity to bridge theoretical knowledge and practical application—an experience rarely matched by other open distance learning institutions.

CAES is structured into two main schools: the School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which includes departments focusing on agricultural sciences, animal health, and life sciences; and the School of Ecological and Human Sustainability, which houses departments dedicated to geography and environmental sciences. Students can explore diverse disciplines such as biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, zoology, nutrition, hospitality management, and environmental monitoring. The college’s research initiatives span medicinal plants, animal diseases, eco-tourism, water quality, biodiversity management, and more, fostering innovation and community engagement for sustainable development.

With a commitment to accessible, high-quality education, CAES supports both undergraduate and postgraduate learners, equipping graduates to address pressing global challenges in food security, environmental conservation, and human well-being. As applications open for the 2026 academic year, CAES continues to empower future leaders in science and sustainability, ensuring their skills remain relevant both nationally and internationally.

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UNISA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Schools /Departments 2026

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA) comprises the following two schools (with two departments each), a centre and a unit.

School Of Agriculture and Life Sciences
School of Ecological and Human Sustainability

School Of Agriculture and Life Sciences:

In agriculture, animal welfare, and life sciences, the school is dedicated to addressing African-based challenges through active scholarship driven by Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Community Engagement. The School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences comprises the following departments.

Department of Agriculture and Animal Health
Department of Life and Consumer Sciences

Academic Structure and Programmes

CAES is organised into two main schools, each housing specialised departments:

School of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department of Agriculture and Animal Health: Focuses on plant and animal agricultural sciences, agricultural economics, extension, animal health, and agribusiness.
Department of Life and Consumer Sciences: Covers human physiology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, botany, biology, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, zoology, food science, clothing and textiles, nutrition, and hospitality management.

School of Ecological and Human Sustainability

Department of Geography: Explores the relationship between humans and the environment.
Department of Environmental Sciences: Concentrates on nature conservation, ornamental horticulture, landscaping, environmental management, and environmental monitoring and modelling.

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School of Ecological and Human Sustainability

The primary objective of the School is to leverage its scholarship to cultivate environmental awareness and foster responsibility for a more sustainable world. To achieve this, the school addresses social, economic, and environmental sustainability challenges by integrating human, biological, and environmental resources to promote resilient livelihoods and landscapes. The School of Ecological and Human Sustainability comprises of the following departments;

Department of Geography
Department of Environmental Sciences

Research and Facilities

UNISA CAES is recognised for its innovative research and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, enabling students to bridge theory and practice. The college actively engages in research areas such as:

Sustainable agriculture and food security
Environmental management and conservation
Biotechnology and life sciences
Urban agriculture and community outreach

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Qualifications Offered

The college offers a comprehensive range of qualifications, including:

Undergraduate degrees (e.g., Bachelor of Consumer Science, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Environmental Science)
Diplomas and higher certificates in related fields
Postgraduate qualifications, including Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, such as:

Master of Consumer Science
Master of Science in Nature Conservation
Master of Science in Ornamental Horticulture
Doctor of Philosophy in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping
Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer Science

Admission Requirements for 2026

Admission to CAES programmes is competitive and based on specific academic criteria:

Bachelor’s Degrees:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement, at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and 40% in Mathematics. A minimum APS score of 20 is required, with extended curriculum options for those scoring between 20 and 24.

Diplomas:

NSC with diploma endorsement, 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics, and 40% in Physical Science, Life Sciences, or Agricultural Sciences. A minimum APS score of 18 is required.

Postgraduate Programmes:

Relevant undergraduate qualification and compliance with specific departmental requirements.

General enquiries

Mrs. Dianne Metzer
Information Coordinator
Tel: 011 670 9351
Mrs. Kelly Steyn
Administrative Officer: Student Enquiries
Tel: 011 471 3647
Ms. Queeneth Molefe
Academic Support Coordinator: Tutoring
Tel: 011 471 2510
Ms. Penny Ngcobo
Postgraduate Studies
Tel: 011 670 9469

Unisa Contact Details

Please contact 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

Environmental management and environmental science, nature conservation and horticulture and landscaping. The diverse academics in the department have a wide range of research interests, including community-based and eco-tourism, environmental management, animal behaviour, soil science, water quality, vegetation studies and ecology, urban forestry and biodiversity management, and parks and recreation management, to name but a few. The department also has a strong postgraduate student focus. Visit Unisa’s Official Website.

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