University In South Africa

University In South Africa

How to Apply to Universities in South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide:

The University of South Africa (UNISA) stands as a beacon of quality and innovation in higher education. Established in 1873, it is the oldest university in South Africa and one of the largest distance education institutions in the world. UNISA has consistently provided accessible and flexible learning opportunities to countless students, significantly shaping the educational landscape of the country.

UNISA’s commitment to accessibility has enabled it to reach students from diverse backgrounds, not only in South Africa but globally. The university offers a broad spectrum of academic programs across various disciplines, catering to the needs of a diverse student population. Its faculties include the arts, commerce, law, science, engineering, health sciences, and more.

Students can choose from a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, allowing them to pursue their chosen careers while accommodating their circumstances. High school graduates interested in enrolling should start the application process now, as the online portal is open for the upcoming academic year.

READ: UNISA Human Science Courses 2024-2025

University Of South Africa Application Date

The online application portal for the next academic year is open to all high school graduates who want to pursue higher certificates. The application portal is open for all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. Below are the application dates:

Unisa Undergraduate Qualifications Application Date 2025:

Applications for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2025 academic year are to be open from 21 August to 11 October 2024.

Unisa Master’s & Doctoral Qualifications Application Date 2025:

Applications for admission to master’s and doctoral degrees for the 2025 academic year are to be open from 2 September to 22 November 2024 (some exceptions apply).

Unisa Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas Application Date 2025:

Applications for admission to honors degrees and postgraduate diplomas for the 2025 academic year are to be open from 21 August to 11 October 2024.

Unisa Short Learning Programmes Application Date 2025:

Application and registration for Unisa’s Short Learning Programmes are open from 14 May to 19 July.

Colleges Of The University Of South Africa

Unisa has nine colleges which include the following:

College of Accounting Sciences
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
College of Economic and Management Sciences
College of Education
College of Human Sciences
College of Law
College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
College of Graduate Studies

Courses & Programs Offered In The University Of South Africa

Unisa offers both practical and academic degrees, many of which have acquired international accreditation, as well as a large geographical expansion, providing students with recognition and employment in many countries across the world. UNISA provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including arts, sciences, law, business, education, and others. Below is a list of courses offered at UNISA;

Arts and Humanities:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in various specializations (e.g., languages, history, psychology, communication, etc.)
Bachelor of Music (BMus)
Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Bachelor of Arts Honours (BA Hons)

Business and Commerce:

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in various specializations (e.g., Accounting, Finance, Marketing, etc.)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA)
Bachelor of Commerce Honours (BCom Hons)

Science and Technology:

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in various fields (e.g., Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, etc.)
Bachelor of Information Science (BIS)
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in specific engineering disciplines
Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc Hons)

Education:

Bachelor of Education (BEd) in various specializations (e.g., Early Childhood Education, Senior Phase, Further Education, etc.)
Bachelor of Education Honours (BEd Hons)

Law:

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ)
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology

Health Sciences:

Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
Bachelor of Environmental Health (BEH)
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Health and Safety (BSOHS)
Bachelor of Social Science in Health Studies (BSocSci)

Agriculture and Environmental Sciences:

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc Agric)
Bachelor of Environmental Management (BEM)

Short Courses and Certificates:

UNISA also offers a variety of short courses, certificates, and diplomas across different fields.

READ: UNISA Degree Courses 2025-2026

University In South Africa Application Requirements

Prospective students of UNISA must submit required supporting documents as proof to back the information provided on the application form. Certified copies of the following documents must be uploaded:

Copy of your school qualifications (eg Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate)
Copy of your official tertiary academic record(s) (if applicable) (internet copies will not be accepted)
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.

READ: How To Apply for Admission at UNISA 2025-2026

How To Apply At University In South Africa

All applications for admission at UNISA must be done online on the official website of the institution. To apply online at UNISA follow the steps below:

Sign in to the official website of UNISA
On the registration portal click on ” Apply for Admission
Click On “Apply Now”
Complete the application form with the required information
Upload certified copies of supporting documents
Make payment of your non-refundable application fee of R125.00
Crosscheck your application to ensure that your application is complete.

UNISA Contact 

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

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

Academic excellence, cultural variety, and enormous personal growth are all possibilities when you decide to study at one of South Africa’s top universities. These institutions give students the skills they need to unlock their potential and thrive in their future endeavors via their steadfast dedication to quality, diversified academic programs, and supportive campus environments. Visit the official website of UNISA for more information.

RELATED LINKS: