How ready are you for Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL)?

Many of us don’t know what it’s really like to study through open distance e-learning, because most of our schooling and post-school education was completed through contact or face-to-face learning.. 

Find out if you’re ready for the Unisa study journey. 

Please note:

• If you are a first-time Unisa applicant and do not have a myLife e-mail address, Unisa will communicate with you via the e-mail address and cellphone number you provided during the application period.
• If you were previously registered with Unisa, Unisa will send the outcome of your application to your myLife e-mail account. Please check this e-mail account regularly for information. If you have forgotten your myUnisa / myLife password, please go to myUnisa (https://my.unisa.ac.za) to update your password.
• Unisa provides all registered students with a free myLife e-mail address. It is your responsibility to activate your myLife e-mail account as soon as your registration is finalised. Your myLife e-mail account will be the only e-mail account recognised by Unisa for official correspondence to and from the university, and will remain the official primary e-mail address on record at Unisa. Click here for Unisa’s rules for students.

How to Apply fo University of South Africa Admission

Are you ready to apply for admission?

Who must apply?

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

When may I apply?

Unisa will accept applications for admission to the 2021 academic year from 1 September to 15 December 2025-2026 (CTA programmes have an earlier closing date). Additional application dates may be announced if there are still spaces available for the 2021 academic year.

What do I need to apply?

You need to check that you qualify for admission and that you have the necessary documents ready to upload during the application process.

Upload supporting documents

Everyone applying for a new qualification must submit the required documents (all first-time applicants and Unisa students starting a new qualification).

Unisa does not provide scanners or electronic devices. Please ensure that your documents are scanned and uploaded to an electronic device before starting the application process.

Pay the application fee once you’ve received a student number from Unisa

• R115 for online applications
• The application fee is only applicable to students who do NOT have a formal Unisa student number.
• Use the student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie STUDENTNUMBER 5370810030)
• Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information.

This fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa or do not qualify for admission to Unisa. Unisa does not accept cash at any of its offices.

The due date for the application fee is the closing date for the application period. Any application submitted without an application fee will not be processed. Please ensure that you keep a copy of your proof of payment.

Make sure that your application is complete

If your application for admission to study through Unisa is incomplete, you will have to re-apply during the next application period.