Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

The University of South AfricaAPS Calculator

#10 (tied)

In South Africa

#1201-1500

In the world

Unisa is South Africa's biggest distance learning university, where you study from home and don't need sky high marks, some qualifications accept as low as 14 APS .

Calculate my APS See full university guide

Closed15 Apr - 09 May 2026

Applications to UNISA are made online through the university's own portal. Create a profile, add your programme choices, upload your certified documents, and submit before the closing date.

How to apply to UNISA

1
Choose your programme and check the APS
Use the Requirements tab to see the minimum APS and subjects for the UNISA programme you want, then confirm you meet them.
2
Gather your documents
A certified copy of your ID, your latest school results (Grade 11 final or Grade 12 mid-year), and proof of payment of any application fee.
3
Apply online before the deadline
Apply on the official UNISA portal. Most universities open between March and May and close between June and September, with selection programmes closing earliest.
4
Apply for residence and funding
Residence and NSFAS funding are separate applications. Apply for them at the same time, because places and funding deadlines fill up early.

Fees and funding

Application fees differ by university and change each year, and many waive the fee for South African citizens who apply online. NSFAS covers tuition and allowances if your household income is R350 000 or less.

NSFAS guide

Key dates

Applications open

15 April 2026

Applications close

9 May 2026

Apply to UNISA

After you apply to UNISA, track your status, respond to any offer by the deadline, and know your options if you are not accepted.

Check your application status

myAdmin is used to track application progress.

Understanding your response

Most universities send a conditional offer on your Grade 11 marks, then a firm offer after the final matric (NSC) results are released in mid-January. Keep checking your UNISA status page.

Got an offer?

If you get an offer, accept it in the portal as your firm choice, pay the registration deposit by the deadline to hold your place, and decline the other offers.

Didn't get in?

If UNISA does not accept you, you still have good options.

Apply to another university

Some universities are still open or run late windows. Apply to a mix of realistic and reach choices.

Consider a TVET college

Public TVET colleges offer NC(V) and NATED programmes, NSFAS funded, with lower entry requirements.

Start with a Higher Certificate or foundation

These build up to a degree and usually need a lower APS.

Upgrade your matric

Rewrite or improve a subject through the Second Chance programme or an amended Senior Certificate, then reapply.

Applying to UNISA: common questions

How do I apply to UNISA?

Apply online through the official UNISA application portal. Create a profile, choose your programme, upload certified copies of your ID and latest results, pay the application fee if there is one, and submit before the closing date. Keep the reference number you get at the end.

When do UNISA applications open and close?

Most South African universities open applications between March and May and close between June and September for the next year. Selection programmes like medicine and actuarial science close earliest. Confirm the exact UNISA dates on the official site before you apply.

Can I apply to UNISA with my Grade 11 results?

Yes. UNISA, like most South African universities, lets you apply using your Grade 11 final or Grade 12 mid-year results. Any offer is conditional until your final matric (NSC) results meet the requirements.

How much is the UNISA application fee?

Application fees differ by university and change each year. Many universities waive the fee for South African citizens who apply online, while others charge about R100 to R250. Check the current fee on the UNISA admissions page before you pay.

Do I apply for residence and funding separately at UNISA?

Yes. Residence and NSFAS funding are separate applications from your academic application at UNISA. Apply for all three at the same time, because residence places and funding deadlines fill up early.

How do I check my UNISA application status?

Log in to the official UNISA application or student portal with your reference number and ID number, and open the application status page. Many universities also let you check by SMS, WhatsApp or their call centre. Your status shows whether you are still in process, provisionally admitted, or not admitted.

How long does UNISA take to respond?

UNISA usually sends a conditional offer within a few weeks if you applied with Grade 11 marks. The firm offer comes after the final matric (NSC) results are released in mid-January, once the university can confirm you met the requirements.

What must I do if UNISA makes me an offer?

Accept the offer in the portal as your firm choice, pay the registration deposit by the deadline to hold your place, and decline offers from other universities so someone on the waiting list can take them. Then confirm your registration and residence dates.

What if UNISA does not accept me?

You still have options. Apply to another university that is still open, choose a TVET college, start with a Higher Certificate or a foundation programme that builds up to a degree, or upgrade your matric marks and apply again next year.

More on how to apply to university, and what happens next.

Full applying guide

Apply