Official Admission Disclaimer
Even though UNISA is an open distance learning university, space per qualification is capped by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Meeting minimum APS requirements does not guarantee admission if an academic programme reaches enrollment capacity.
| Key Verification Field | Official Institutional Details |
|---|---|
| Official Application Website | www.unisa.ac.za/apply |
| Application Opening Date | September 2026 (Semester 1 Intake) |
| Application Closing Date | Late October / Mid-November 2026 (Exact date published on unisa.ac.za) |
| Application Fee | R135 non-refundable application fee. Must be paid using the provided reference number via credit card, EFT, or bank deposit. |
| Qualification Categories | Higher Certificates (NQF 5), Diplomas (NQF 6), Bachelor's Degrees (NQF 7), Postgraduate. |
| General Admission Minimum | Higher Certificate pass (for HC), Diploma pass (for Diplomas), Bachelor's endorsement (for Degrees). |
| APS Calculation Method | 6 best subjects excluding Life Orientation. Higher Certificates start at APS 15; Diplomas at APS 18; Degrees at APS 21–30. |
| Status Checking Portal | myUNISA Portal / Status Check |
| Student Accommodation | Not Applicable (UNISA is an open distance e-learning university with no physical student residences). |
| Official Prospectus Link | unisa.ac.za/Apply-for-admission |
| Verified Last-Updated Date | 20 October 2026 (Verified against official UNISA Admission Guidelines) |
The Higher Certificate Bridging Path at UNISA
UNISA is famous for offering the most accessible bridging pathway in South Africa. If your matric results did not qualify you for a Bachelor's Degree:
- Apply for a 1-Year Higher Certificate (NQF Level 5) in your field of interest (e.g. Higher Certificate in Law, Higher Certificate in Banking, or Higher Certificate in Economic Sciences). The minimum entrance APS is only 15 to 18 points.
- Pass the 10 modules in your Higher Certificate.
- Apply to articulate into a full Bachelor's Degree (e.g. BCom or LLB) or Diploma. Under HEQSF rules, completing the Higher Certificate legally satisfies admission criteria for the degree—your high school matric results are superseded!
NSFAS Funding at UNISA
Qualifying UNISA students are funded by NSFAS for tuition fees, learning materials (books/laptop allowance), and living allowances according to DHET distance learning funding guidelines.