Time is running out to apply for the University of South Africa 2027 intake – the deadline is this Friday, 9 October 2026. If you miss it, you will have to wait for the next admission round.
What the opportunity is
UNISA is opening online applications for the 2027 academic year for:
- Undergraduate qualifications
- Honours degrees
- Postgraduate diplomas
The opening date was 17 August 2026 and the closing date is 9 October 2026. Applications for master’s and doctoral programmes close later, around 20 November 2026.
Who can apply
These applications are open to anyone who meets the admission criteria for the chosen programme:
- First‑time UNISA applicants
- Current UNISA students who want to change qualifications or specialisations
- People who applied before but did not receive a place
- Applicants who were offered a place earlier but did not register
- Students finishing a higher certificate or another programme who wish to continue undergraduate study
- Grade‑12 graduates of 2026 who plan to start in 2027
Master’s and doctoral candidates must follow the separate timeline (generally 1 September – 20 November 2026).
What you gain
Studying at UNISA gives you a nationally recognised qualification that can open doors to better jobs, further study and professional registration. You will develop critical thinking, research and communication skills that employers value.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
All steps are completed online via the official portal:
- Visit the UNISA application page and create a login.
- Choose up to three undergraduate qualifications, or the single honours/postgraduate diploma you want.
- Read the specific admission requirements and compare them with your Grade 12 subjects and Academic Points Score (APS).
- Gather all required documents (ID, qualification certificates, translations, etc.).
- Scan each file – clear, legible, max 2 MB, PDF/DOC/TIF.
- Upload the documents one by one.
- Pay the R160 application fee where it applies (first‑time applicants pay after receiving a student number).
- Save the confirmation page and payment receipt for your records.
Tips to improve your chances
- Use your three choices wisely. Pick your first‑choice as the programme you prefer, but include a realistic alternative that matches your subjects and APS.
- Check each programme’s minimum APS and subject requirements before you lock in your selections.
- Upload clear, correctly named files; an unreadable document will make your application incomplete.
- Pay the fee before the 9 October deadline – incomplete payments are not processed.
- Do not wait until after you submit the online form to find missing paperwork. Gather everything beforehand.
Next steps after you apply
Submitting the form does not guarantee a place. UNISA will assess:
- Whether you meet the admission criteria
- Your APS
- Available seats in the chosen qualification
Most applicants hear back four to six weeks after the closing date. If you receive an offer as a first‑time student, you must complete the First‑Year Experience Massive Open Online Course before you can accept the place for semester one 2027.
Final reminder
The key deadline for undergraduate, honours and postgraduate diploma applications is Friday, 9 October 2026. Make sure you have chosen your qualifications, prepared all documents, and paid the R160 fee where required.
Master’s, doctoral and Short Learning Programme applications follow different timelines, so check the specific dates for those programmes.