What You Need to Know About The University of South Africa
Unisa is the go-to place if you want to study while working or if you can't move to a big city for varsity. It's South Africa's biggest distance learning university and has options from certificates to full degrees. You study mostly online or by correspondence, so it fits around your life and job. Unisa is based in Pretoria, but you can study from anywhere with WiFi or even just a library nearby.
Unisa is a solid pick if you want to get a degree but need to work, have family commitments, or live far from campus. It's not about campus vibes, but about getting the paper and opening up opportunities. Some courses are strict about entry marks, but there are also accessible options if your matric marks aren't top tier.
What APS Do You Need?
Most of Unisa's diplomas start at around 18 APS, like the Diploma in Information Technology. For advanced diplomas, you usually need an existing diploma or degree plus an average of 60% for your previous studies. Some programs want specific subjects, like at least 50% for Maths for IT courses, or a diploma with certain NQF levels. If you have Maths Lit, you might not get into all BSc or IT programs, so check the subject rules carefully.
How to Apply
I know the online portals can be a nightmare, but take it step-by-step. Apply at https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/ under the 'Undergraduate qualifications' section. You need to upload your matric certificate, ID, and any other relevant docs. Make sure your documents are scanned and ready before you start, or you'll have to reapply next time.
There isn't a published application fee in the research data, so check Unisa's official page for the latest. Application deadlines for 2027 are not specified, so keep an eye on their site for the opening and closing dates. Everything happens online, so you won't need to queue at a campus.
Fees and Funding
Unisa's fees change depending on your course and modules. If you want the exact numbers for 2027, check their fees page. NSFAS covers Unisa if your family income is under the cut-off, and you can also look at Unisa's own merit bursary or sector bursaries like SETA. Make sure you get your funding application in early, because nothing's worse than running out of data halfway through the semester.
Life on Campus
Since Unisa is distance learning, you won't have the usual res life or campus clubs. You study from home, a library, or anywhere you get signal. There are some regional centers for exams or support, but most of your varsity experience is online. If you need extra help, Unisa has support staff and forums.
Not sure if your marks are enough? Use our free APS calculator to check where you stand.