University of South Africa (UNISA) 2026 Second semester Applications
If you’re considering furthering your education through the University of South Africa (UNISA), staying informed about the application process is essential. As Africa’s leading distance-learning institution, UNISA offers flexible study options that allow students to pursue their qualifications while balancing work, family, and other commitments.
Applications for the UNISA 2026 second semester intake are now open for selected qualifications. Prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible, as the application period is limited and only specific programmes are available for second-semester admission.
Campuses:
- Unisa has a main Campus in Pretoria
The university has seven regional centres in South Africa, servicing students in all nine provinces. These are:
- Eastern Cape (East London, Mthatha, Port Elizabeth)
- Gauteng (Ekurhuleni, Florida, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Vaal Triangle)
- Kwazulu-Natal (Durban, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, Wild Coast Region)
- Limpopo Province (Giyani, Makhado, Polokwane)
- Midlands (Bloemfontein, Kimberley Kroonstad, Mafikeng, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg)
- Mpumalanga (Middelburg, Nelspruit)
- Western Cape (Cape Town, George)
UNISA career-oriented courses:
- College of Accounting Sciences
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Economic and Management Sciences
- College of Graduate Studies
- College of Human Sciences
- College of Law
- College of Science, Engineering and Technology
- Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL)
What You’ll Need For Your Unisa Application:
- A valid email address
- A valid cellphone number
- South African applicants will need an ID number. Foreign applicants will need their passport number.
- Copy of your school qualifications (e.g. Senior Certificate)
- An application fee of R125 for an application at Unisa, which will be paid once you receive your student number
UNISA only opens selected qualifications for second-semester applications. These may include qualifications within the following categories:
- Higher Certificates
- Diplomas
- Advanced Certificates
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Honours Degrees
- Postgraduate Diplomas
Not all qualifications will be available for second-semester intake, so applicants should carefully check whether their chosen programme is accepting applications before applying.
Required Supporting Documents
When applying online, applicants may be required to submit certified copies of the following documents:
- South African ID document or passport for international students.
- Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate.
- Academic transcripts and records from previous studies, where applicable.
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree if relevant.
- Sworn translations for documents not issued in English.
Ensure that all documents are clear, certified, and uploaded in the required format.
Undergraduate qualifications
Applications re-open for undergraduate qualifications for limited qualifications only. Apply between 3 and 17 June 2026.
How to apply:
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.
Applicants who plan to enrol for classes at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college under the Unisa-TVET agreement may apply via the relevant TVET college or online through Unisa.