2027 Unisa Applications: How to Apply

What's New for 2027?

One change worth knowing about this year: you can now apply for up to three qualifications, ranked in order of preference. Previously you could only apply for two. You'll only ever register for one, but having three choices means you've got more flexibility if your first or second preference isn't available.

Unisa also uses a selection process rather than automatic admission. Meeting the minimum APS requirements is a starting point, not a guarantee. Each qualification has a limited number of spaces, and selection takes into account your Grade 12 results alongside other factors like your socio-economic background and the school you attended. This is Unisa's approach to broadening access to higher education while keeping quality standards high.

If you're not sure whether your marks are strong enough, FundiConnect's free APS Score Calculator can help you work it out before you apply.

What to Get Ready Before You Apply

Getting your documents and details in order before you start will make the online application much smoother. Here's what you'll need:

• Your South African ID number (or passport number if you're an international applicant)

• A valid email address and cellphone number — stick to one email address, as Unisa will use it for all communication

• Your latest school results (matric certificate or most recent academic record)

• A copy of your tertiary academic record, if you have one

• Your APS score for your chosen qualification

Still deciding on a qualification? Unisa's career counselling page is a helpful starting point, and FundiConnect's career guidance hub can help you match your interests to a course before you commit.

How to Apply to Unisa Online

The whole process is online and straightforward once you know the steps. Here's how it works:

1. Start at the 2027 Unisa application information page and take a few minutes to read through what's expected.

2. Visit the 'ODeL and Unisa' page to make sure open distance learning is the right study mode for you.

3. Browse the qualifications page and choose up to three qualifications, ranked in order of preference.

4. Head to the 'Apply for admission' page and follow the prompts to complete your application.

5. Once you've submitted, you'll get a student number. Hold onto this — you'll need it to pay your application fee and check your status later.

6. Upload your supporting documents within 10 days of submitting.

Supporting Documents

After submitting your application, you'll need to upload your documents. Unisa requires:

• A copy of your matric certificate (Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate)

• A copy of your official tertiary academic record, if applicable (note: internet copies won't be accepted)

• A copy of your ID document (South African applicants) or ID/passport (international applicants)

• A copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree, if applicable

• Sworn translations of any documents not in English or Afrikaans

You have 10 days from submission to upload everything, but only if you applied before the closing date. The safest approach is to have your documents scanned and ready before you even start your application — that way you can upload them immediately and tick that box.

The Application Fee

There's a once-off, non-refundable application fee of R150, which covers your full application cycle regardless of how many qualifications you apply for. You'll pay it after receiving your student number.

Unisa doesn't accept cash at its offices, but if cash is all you have, you can deposit it into Unisa's FNB account. Here's what to do:

• Use your student number and the application fee reference number (e.g. STUDENTNUMBER 5370810030)

• Send your proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za

• Check Unisa's payment methods and banking details before making any payment

What Happens After You Apply?

Once Unisa reviews your application, they'll let you know the outcome by email or SMS. If you're offered a place, here's what to expect:

You'll need to respond quickly. Unisa gives you a set period to accept or decline your offer. If you don't respond in time, the space goes to someone else, so keep an eye on your inbox and your student portal.

First-time applicants: complete the FYE MOOC first. Before you can accept your offer, you'll need to complete the First-Year Experience MOOC, a short online course that gets you ready for distance learning at Unisa. It doesn't take long, and it gives you a real sense of what studying through Unisa actually involves.

You can only accept one offer. Once you accept a place for one qualification, your other offers fall away automatically.

Register for the semester you were admitted to. If you accept but don't register for the relevant semester, you'll need to reapply during the next cycle.

How to Check Your Unisa Application Status

You can track your application at any time using the Unisa application status page. You'll need your student number to log in. It's a good idea to check in every week or so since Unisa communicates updates through the portal and won't always send a separate notification.

What to Do If Your Application Is Pending

If your status has been showing 'pending' for a while, don't panic — it usually just means your application is in the queue. Two things are worth checking though.

First, go back and check that you've uploaded all your required documents correctly. An incomplete application can stay pending without any notification.

If your documents look complete and things are still taking longer than expected, reach out to the Unisa admissions office directly at study-info@unisa.ac.za. They can give you a status update and let you know if anything needs attention.

While you wait, browsing other university application dates is a smart move, just in case you need a backup option.

Funding Your Unisa Studies

Unisa is one of the most affordable higher education options in South Africa, and if you qualify for NSFAS, your studies could be fully covered. Check FundiConnect's NSFAS guide and 10 NSFAS FAQs for everything you need to know about eligibility and how to apply.

If NSFAS isn't an option for you, Fundi has been helping South African students fund their education since 1996. You can apply for a Fundi study loan to cover tuition and other costs. Use the Fundi loan calculator to see what your monthly repayments would look like before you apply. And if you need a laptop to study, the Fundi Shop lets you finance a device alongside your studies.

Visit loans.fundi.co.za, fill in the form, and someone will get back to you.

For more on Unisa, university applications and study funding, visit www.fundiconnect.co.za.

You can also follow FundiConnect on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.