Unisa Admission | Online Application and Prospects for 2025

UNISA is one of the biggest universities in Africa. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a returning student, understanding the application process will help you through it. Unisa offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and short-learning programs, so it’s a popular choice for students who want flexible and accessible higher education.

Unisa is known for its open distance e-learning (ODeL) model, so you can study from anywhere in the world and balance your education with your personal and professional commitments. The application process at Unisa is designed to be simple so you can easily navigate the requirements and deadlines for your chosen qualification.

Prospective students must meet specific admission requirements which vary depending on the level of study and programme. Unisa’s admission process involves several key steps, application timelines, eligibility requirements, getting a student number, applying online, and uploading the required documents.

Unisa advises to prepare all the required documents in advance to avoid delays. Also, prospective students must be aware of the support services available to them, including academic counseling, financial aid, and technical support for the online learning platform. These services are available to students throughout their academic journey to equip them with the necessary tools and guidance to succeed. Being informed will increase your chances of getting into your preferred program.

Understanding Unisa’s Admission Process

When applying for admission UNISA has a structured process to help you through the process. Understanding the process is key to a successful application, especially with the Unisa application 2024 and Unisa application 2025 deadlines coming up.

Key Steps in the Application Process

Apply for a Student Number

If you are a new applicant and have never studied at UNISA before, you need to apply for a student number. This number will be your permanent identifier for your studies.

Submit Your Application

Once you have your student number, you can then apply for your program. Remember having a student number does not mean you are admitted to a program.

Upload Supporting Documents

You must provide all the required documents during the application process, including your academic records, ID (or passport), proof of payment for the application fee, and any other documents specified. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Pay the Application Fee

After submitting your application, make sure you pay the application fee. This application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study.

Follow these steps and pay attention to the deadlines and you will have a smooth application experience. Stay organized, have all your documents in order, and submit them on time to avoid delays.

Understanding UNISA’s General Admission Requirements

To be admitted to UNISA you must meet certain admission requirements. These vary according to the qualification you are applying for. Here are the general requirements:

Minimum Admission Criteria

Undergraduate Qualifications

Postgraduate Qualifications

Some qualifications may have additional requirements so always check the specific requirements for your chosen program. Make sure your documents are in English or Afrikaans. If not, sworn translations may be required.

Available UNISA Courses

There is a wide variety of courses available at Unisa. Here are the main faculties and their qualifications:

College	Qualifications Offered
Accounting Sciences	BCom, BCompt, and MCom.
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences	BSc in Agriculture and BSc in Environmental Sciences.
Economic & Management Sciences	BCom and BA in Economics.
Education	BA in Education and Higher Certificate in Education.
Human Sciences	BA and BA (Honours).
Law	LLB and BCom Law.
Science, Engineering & Technology	BSc, BEng, and MEng

This table shows the various fields of study offered at UNisa, so students can follow their passion and career path.

UNISA Application Dates for 2024 and 2025 

The Unisa online application process is designed to make it easy for prospective students to apply for various undergraduate qualifications. For the 2024 academic year, the UNISA application 2024 opening date for undergraduate programs has closed.

During this period applicants had to ensure they met the admission requirements, including submitting all required documents and paying the application fee. UNisa’s system allows applicants to apply for a maximum of two qualifications so students have options when planning their academic journey.

For the 2025 academic year, those who want to apply, please note that the UNISA application 2025 opening date for undergraduate programs will be around the same time in 2024. As the application period is limited, students must prepare early by researching their chosen qualifications, gathering documents, and understanding the admission requirements. The online application process is easy but all must be completed before the closing date to avoid reapplication.

How Much is the UNISA Application Fee?

The application fee for UNisa is R140 for Online applications. Please note that this fee is non-refundable if you decide not to study at Unisa after applying.

Payment Methods for the Application Fee

Keep your proof of payment as you may need it for future reference.

Checking Your UNISA Application Status

After you’ve applied, you can check your status online. So you can stay up to date on your application.

If you have questions about your status, contact the admissions office.

Can I change my course after being admitted to UNISA?

Yes, you can change your course after admission but there are procedures and deadlines to follow. Please consult the relevant department to understand the implications and requirements. Here’s what you need to know about changing your qualification at UNISA:

Changing courses is possible but requires careful thought and following the correct procedures. Changing courses does not guarantee admission as it will depend on the space available and your qualifications.

Re-admission Rules (Academic Progression Rules)

Re-admission rules apply to students who have previously registered at Unisa but did not complete their studies or have been away for a long time. As a returning student, you need to understand these rules.

1. Academic Progression Rules at Unisa

Unisa’s academic progression rules ensure that students make progress in their studies. These rules apply to all undergraduate and postgraduate students:

Not meeting the minimum credit requirements will lead to academic exclusion.

2. Maximum Time Allowed to Complete a Qualification

Each qualification at Unisa has a maximum time frame in which students must complete their studies:

If a student exceeds these limits without justifiable reasons (e.g. medical or personal circumstances) they will be excluded.

3. Re-admission After Academic Exclusion

If you don’t meet the academic progression requirements or take longer than the maximum time to complete your qualification, you will be excluded. But Unisa allows re-admission under certain conditions:

4. How to Avoid Academic Exclusion

You can avoid academic exclusion by:

For more info visit the UNISA Academic Progression Policy page.

Maximum Period for Completion of Qualifications

UNISA has maximum time limits for completing qualifications. This is to keep students academically active and not to extend studies indefinitely.

Qualification	Maximum Time
Higher Certificates	3 years
Diplomas	6 years
Bachelor’s Degrees	6 to 8 years
Honours Degrees	3 years
Master’s Degrees	3 to 5 years
Doctoral Degrees	6 to 8 years

If you don’t complete your qualifications within these time limits you will be excluded. But you can apply for re-admission if you have extenuating circumstances that prevented you from completing your studies on time.

Admission to Other South African Universities in 2025

If you haven’t found the perfect university in South Africa to apply to for the upcoming academic year, there’s no need to stress. mostly universities are currently accepting applications for 2025. Explore the options listed below and make sure to submit your application before the deadline approaches!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unisa Open for 2024?

Yes, Unisa is open for 2024 applications. Apply within the dates.

Is Unisa open for 2025 applications undergraduate?

Yes, Unisa will open applications for undergraduate qualifications for 2025 from 21 August to 11 October 2024.

How can I apply to Unisa?

You need to create a myUnisa account, complete the online application, upload your documents and pay the application fee.

How Much is the Application Fee for Unisa 2025?

The Unisa 2025 application fee is R140.00 for online applications. This fee is non-refundable.

Conclusion

Applying to UNISA requires careful planning and attention to detail. Whether you are a first-time applicant or a returning student being prepared and informed is key to a successful application. UNISA’s open distance e-learning model offers flexibility and accessibility to higher education making it a great option for students balancing personal, professional, and academic commitments.

By knowing the steps, admission requirements, and support services prospective students can increase their chances of getting accepted into their preferred program and start their academic journey at one of Africa’s top institutions.