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Apply for Admission to UNISA Undergraduate Qualifications for the 2026 Academic Year



If you're planning to start your university journey in 2026, this is your moment. The University of South Africa (UNISA)—Africa’s largest open distance learning institution—will be opening applications for undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year from 18 August to 10 October 2025.

Whether you're a school leaver or looking to upskill, UNISA offers flexible, affordable access to quality higher education. Here's everything you need to know to prepare your application.

Application Dates for 2026

  • Opening date: 18 August 2025

  • Closing date: 10 October 2025

Important: Applications submitted after 10 October 2025 will not be considered. Many qualifications also have limited spaces, so applying early is strongly advised.

Who Should Apply?

You must apply for admission to undergraduate qualifications at UNISA if:

  • You are a first-time applicant to UNISA

  • You were previously registered with UNISA but did not register in 2025

  • You want to apply for a new qualification or change your field of study

  • You were previously rejected and want to reapply

Required Documents for UNISA Applications

All applicants must upload certified copies of the following documents (not older than 3 months):

South African Applicants:

  • Senior Certificate (SC) or National Senior Certificate (NSC)

  • Identity Document (ID)

  • Proof of any previous tertiary qualifications (if applicable)

International Applicants:

  • School leaving certificate equivalent to the South African NSC

  • Passport copy

  • SAQA evaluation certificate for foreign qualifications

  • Study visa or proof of legal residence in South Africa

  • Translated documents (if not in English)

Note: All documents must be uploaded online at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Faculties and Qualifications at UNISA

UNISA offers a wide range of undergraduate qualifications across the following faculties (colleges):

  1. College of Accounting Sciences

    • Bachelor of Accounting Sciences (BCompt)

    • Diploma in Accounting Sciences

  2. College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

    • BSc in Life Sciences, Environmental Management, or Agriculture

  3. College of Economic and Management Sciences

    • BCom in Economics, Business Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing

  4. College of Education

    • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior & FET Phase

  5. College of Human Sciences

    • BA in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, Communication Science, Development Studies

  6. College of Law

    • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

    • BA in Criminal Justice

  7. College of Science, Engineering and Technology

    • BSc in Mathematics, Computer Science, Informatics, Statistics

  8. College of Graduate Studies (postgraduate only)

Application Fee at UNISA

  • South African applicants: R135

  • International applicants: R135

Note: The application fee is non-refundable, even if you decide not to study at UNISA or do not meet the admission requirements. Payment must be made within 5 days of submitting your online application using the provided student number and payment reference.

High-Demand Courses That May Fill Up Early

While UNISA is an open distance learning institution, some qualifications have limited space due to teaching capacity, especially practical components. These courses often fill up before the closing date:

  • Bachelor of Education (all streams)

  • LLB (Bachelor of Laws)

  • BCom in Accounting Sciences

  • BSc in Life Sciences

  • Diploma in Grade R Teaching

  • BA in Psychology

If you’re applying to any of these qualifications, submit your application as early as possible after applications open.

Tips for a Successful UNISA Application

  1. Apply Early – Do not wait until the last week.

  2. Prepare Documents in Advance – Ensure all documents are certified and uploaded clearly.

  3. Meet the Minimum Requirements – Each qualification has specific admission criteria.

  4. Apply for Only One Qualification per College – UNISA allows two choices, but only one per college.

  5. Use a Valid Email Address and Cell Number – This is how UNISA will contact you about your application status.

How to Apply

  1. Go to the https://www.universitylinks.co.za/Gauteng.html

  2. Click "Apply for Admission"

  3. Select Undergraduate qualifications

  4. Follow the online steps to:

    • Create a myUNISA account

    • Upload documents

    • Pay the application fee

    • Track your application status

Final Thoughts

Studying at UNISA means earning a recognised qualification while balancing other life commitments. But to join this dynamic learning environment in 2026, you must apply between 18 August and 10 October 2025.

Start preparing now: gather your documents, explore your qualification options, and submit your application as soon as the window opens.

Your future starts here — apply early, apply smart.

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