Are you planning to study in 2027 but need a flexible and affordable university that allows you to study from anywhere? The University of South Africa (UNISA) has officially opened applications for the 2027 academic year, giving thousands of prospective students the opportunity to begin their higher education journey.

As Africa’s largest open-distance learning university, UNISA provides internationally recognised qualifications that allow students to study while working, running a business, or managing family commitments.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about UNISA 2027 applications, including available courses, APS requirements, admission criteria, application dates, required documents, NSFAS funding, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply successfully.

Why Choose UNISA?

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the oldest distance-learning university in Africa and one of the largest universities in the world, with hundreds of thousands of students enrolled from South Africa and many other countries.

Unlike traditional universities, UNISA offers flexible online and distance learning, allowing students to study at their own pace while balancing work and personal commitments.

Benefits of studying at UNISA

Africa’s largest distance-learning university
Study from anywhere in South Africa
Flexible online learning
Affordable tuition fees
Internationally recognised qualifications
Hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
Excellent student support services
NSFAS funding available for qualifying students
No need to relocate for most programmes
Ideal for working professionals and full-time students

UNISA 2027 Application Dates

Applications for the 2027 academic year are officially open.

Event	Date
Undergraduate Applications Open	August 2026 (expected)
Undergraduate Applications Close	September/October 2026 (depending on the qualification)
Honours & Postgraduate Applications	Published separately by UNISA
Semester 2 Applications	Selected qualifications only

Important: Closing dates differ depending on the qualification. Some programmes close earlier than others, so apply as soon as possible.

Faculties at UNISA

UNISA offers qualifications through eight colleges.

College of Accounting Sciences

Popular qualifications include:

Accounting Sciences
Internal Auditing
Taxation
Financial Accounting
Management Accounting

College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Students can study:

Agriculture
Environmental Management
Nature Conservation
Animal Health
Geography

College of Economic and Management Sciences

Popular courses include:

Business Management
Economics
Human Resource Management
Public Administration
Marketing
Supply Chain Management
Banking
Entrepreneurship

College of Education

One of UNISA’s largest colleges offering:

Foundation Phase Teaching
Intermediate Phase Teaching
Senior Phase Teaching
Educational Leadership
Adult Education

College of Human Sciences

Students can pursue:

Psychology
Social Work
Sociology
Languages
Communication Science
Criminology
Political Science

College of Law

Popular qualifications include:

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Paralegal Studies
Criminal Justice

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Courses include:

Computer Science
Information Technology
Mathematics
Statistics
Physics
Chemistry
Environmental Science

College of Graduate Studies

Offering:

Honours Degrees
Master’s Degrees
Doctoral Programmes

Popular Courses at UNISA

Some of the university’s most sought-after qualifications include:

Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Bachelor of Commerce
Human Resource Management
Public Administration
Psychology
Criminology
Accounting
Information Technology
Computer Science
Marketing Management
Supply Chain Management
Social Work
Nursing (selected pathways)
Agriculture

These qualifications are popular because they prepare graduates for careers in high-demand industries.

Admission Requirements

Admission to UNISA is based on the qualification you apply for and whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

Generally, applicants need:

Requirement	Details
National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent	Required
APS Score	Depends on the qualification
English	Required
Mathematics	Required for certain programmes
Mathematical Literacy	Accepted for selected qualifications
Additional Selection	Some qualifications have limited spaces and additional admission criteria

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission because some qualifications are highly competitive.

APS Requirements

UNISA uses an Admission Point Score (APS) for many undergraduate qualifications.

Below is a general guide.

APS Score	Qualification Type
15–20	Higher Certificate
20–24	Diploma
24–30	Bachelor’s Degree
30+	Competitive Qualifications

APS SCORE CALCULATOR

Some qualifications also require minimum marks in English, Mathematics or other specific subjects.

Documents Required

Before applying, make sure you have:

Certified copy of your South African ID or Passport
Grade 11 results (if currently in Grade 12)
National Senior Certificate (if already completed)
Academic transcripts (if transferring from another institution)
Marriage certificate or legal name change document (where applicable)
Proof of payment (if required)

All documents should be clear, certified and uploaded in the correct format.

How to Apply for UNISA 2027

Applying online is simple.

Step 1

Visit the official UNISA Online Application Portal.

Step 2

Create your student account.

Step 3

Choose your qualification.

Step 4

Complete the online application form.

Step 5

Upload all required documents.

Step 6

Pay the application fee (where applicable).

Step 7

Submit your application before the closing date.

After submitting your application, keep your student number and monitor your application status online.

Can You Apply Using Grade 11 Results?

Yes.

Current Grade 12 learners may apply using their Grade 11 final results. Final admission decisions are made once your National Senior Certificate results become available.

NSFAS Funding

Many qualifying UNISA students receive financial assistance through NSFAS.

Funding may include:

Tuition fees
Learning materials
Living allowances (where applicable)

Students should apply for NSFAS as soon as applications open.

Why Thousands Choose UNISA

UNISA remains one of the most popular universities because students can:

Study while working
Learn from anywhere
Complete internationally recognised qualifications
Access online learning resources
Pay affordable tuition fees
Balance education with family and work commitments

Tips for a Successful Application

✔ Apply early before applications close.

✔ Upload certified documents.

✔ Choose the correct qualification.

✔ Ensure your APS meets the programme requirements.

✔ Apply for NSFAS early.

✔ Keep copies of all documents submitted.

✔ Regularly check your application status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are UNISA 2027 applications open?

Yes. Applications for the 2027 academic year are officially open according to the university’s application schedule.

Can I study online?

Yes. UNISA specialises in open-distance and online learning, allowing students to study from virtually anywhere.

Can I work while studying?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of studying at UNISA is the flexibility to work while completing your qualification.

Does UNISA accept Grade 11 results?

Yes. Current Grade 12 learners may apply using their Grade 11 results and update their records once final matric results are available.

Final Thoughts

The University of South Africa continues to be one of the best choices for students seeking affordable, flexible and recognised higher education. Whether you want to become a teacher, accountant, lawyer, IT specialist, psychologist, entrepreneur or public servant, UNISA offers a qualification that can help you achieve your career goals.

If you’re planning to study in 2027, don’t wait until the closing date. Prepare your documents, choose your preferred qualification and submit your application as early as possible to maximise your chances of admission.

UNISA 2027 Applications Are Officially OPEN | Complete Guide to Courses, APS Requirements, Admission Process, Fees & How to Apply