The University of South Africa (UNISA) is Africa’s largest distance learning university, headquartered in Pretoria. With over 300,000 students, UNISA has transformed higher education through innovative Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) delivery models.
UNISA offers comprehensive undergraduate degrees, postgraduate qualifications, and professional certifications across eight colleges. The institution supports learners who balance education with work and family through flexible, online programs.
The university leverages its myUNISA portal for 24/7 access to learning materials, assignment submission, and virtual discussion forums. UNISA is a NSFAS-eligible institution for South African learners.
- Undergraduate & Honours: 18 August – 10 October 2025
- Postgraduate Diplomas: 18 August – 10 October 2025
- Master’s & Doctoral: 2 September – 21 November 2025
- Limited Qualifications (Re-opening): 3 November – 19 December 2025
- Semester 2 Applications: Mid-April – Early May 2026
- Short Learning Programmes: 5 January – 20 February (Semester 1)
Application Fee: R150 (non-refundable). Apply early – windows are typically open 3-4 weeks.
UNISA operates a module-based fee structure:
- Half-Year Module: R1,640 (R540 minimum at registration)
- Single Semester Module: R3,275 (R1,080 at registration)
- Full-Year Module: R6,440 (R2,125 at registration)
- 36-Credit Year Module: R9,505 (R3,135 at registration)
- Application Fee: R150
International Students: Category A (African): R3,905/year module | Category B (Rest of World): R7,470/year module. Use the UNISA fee calculator during registration.
Undergraduate: Grade 12 certificate (NSC) or equivalent. UNISA does not require a minimum APS, making it accessible to varied academic backgrounds. Certain competitive programs may have specific subject requirements.
Postgraduate: Honours/PGDip require appropriate bachelor’s degree with minimum 60% average. Master’s requires honours qualification. Doctoral requires master’s degree.
International students may require English language certification (TOEFL/IELTS). All applicants need internet access and computer/mobile device for myUNISA.
While primarily an online distance learning institution, UNISA maintains physical campuses and regional learning centers.
Main Campus – Muckleneuk, Pretoria: Houses administrative offices, academic departments, research facilities, computer labs, libraries, and student support services.
Regional Learning Centers across provinces including Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal provide:
- Administrative and registration support
- Academic advising and career counselling
- Examination facilities
- Computer access and internet connectivity
- Library and research resources
UNISA also offers online proctored examinations, allowing students to write exams from home under supervised conditions.
The application process is entirely digital through www.unisa.ac.za.
- Create an online account with your email and personal details
- Select your desired program from the program directory
- Choose your preferred modules for first year
- Complete all sections with accurate information
- Upload Grade 12 certificate, ID, and qualification documents
- Pay R150 application fee online
- Submit before the deadline
- Monitor email for admission decision
- Once admitted, log into myUNISA to finalize registration
- Phone: +27 (0)12 429 3111
- Toll-Free: 0800 001 870
- Address: Preller Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0002
- Postal: P.O. Box 392, Unisa, 0003
- Fax: 012 429 4150
- Website: www.unisa.ac.za
Gauteng Regional Office: Building 14, Corner Steve Biko & Justice Mahomed Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria. Tel: 012 441 5756
UNISA offers programs through eight colleges with over 1,400 academic staff. Study options include full-year modules, semester-based courses, and half-year modules.
- Undergraduate: Bachelor degrees, diplomas, and certificates
- Honours Degrees: Advanced undergraduate qualifications
- Postgraduate Diplomas: Specialized qualifications in business, education, law
- Master’s Degrees: Research-led programs for career advancement
- Doctoral Programs: PhD qualifications for academic leadership
- Short Learning Programmes: Professional development courses
Disciplines include business, education, engineering, law, science, agriculture, and human sciences.
UNISA is NSFAS-eligible. NSFAS funding for distance learning includes:
- R700 per module for the first four modules
- One-time payment of R5,460 for five or more modules
- Living allowances for students registering ten or more modules
NSFAS Exclusions: Does not fund postgraduate qualifications, short courses, part-time studies, or skills programs. Students with completed degrees are ineligible.
Additional funding: UNISA bursaries, employer-sponsored programs, private education loans, and international scholarships. Apply at www.nsfas.org.za.