University of South Africa (UNISA)

About The University of South Africa (Unisa)

the only higher education institution to carry the name of the country, is the people’s university in every sense of the word. Throughout its history, spanning 15 decades, Unisa has responded to the developments brought about by changing times, the needs of a developing country and society at large, and an ever-evolving higher education environment. This was achieved through ongoing and dynamic transitioning. Unisa’s journey has been one of continuous growth and transformation, aimed at shaping tomorrow through education.

Unisa’s roots (and indeed that of higher education in South Africa) date back to 1873 when the University of the Cape of Good Hope was founded, initially functioning as an examining body for higher education.

In 1916, the university changed its name to the University of South Africa and in 1918 it relocated to Pretoria. In 1946, it became one of the first public universities in the world to teach exclusively by means of distance education. Today, Unisa is widely recognised as a leading comprehensive, open, distance and e-Learning (CODeL) university. The university has more than 370 000 students and is the largest university in South Africa and on the African continent, and one of the world’s mega-universities.

With offices across South Africa and students from 109 countries, Unisa has an extensive geographical footprint and global reach.

What to study at UNISA

Accounting Sciences

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Human Sciences

Law

Science, Engineering and Technology

Graduate Studies

How to apply at UNISA

Applications for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2025 academic year to be open from 21 August to 11 October 2024.

Everyone wanting to start a new qualification must apply for admission. This includes

• first-time Unisa applicants.
• Unisa students changing to a new qualification and/or specialisation.
• applicants who previously applied for admission and were not offered a space or who were offered a space, accepted the offer and did not register.
• students completing a higher certificate or any other programme and who wish to continue with further undergraduate studies.

All applications for admission must be submitted during the prescribed application period.

CLICK HERE TO START APPLICATION AT UNISA

Study at UNISA as an International Student

Everyone wanting to start a new qualification must apply for admission.

CLICK HERE TO START APPLICATION AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT 

Students with disabilities

Unisa provides equal opportunities for all students. The university respects the rights of students to disclose or not disclose any disability. The following questions and answers will give you a better idea of what to expect as a student with a disability.

CLICK HERE TO START APPLICATION AS A DISABLED STUDENT