Unisa Application

If you want to apply to UNISA, the University of South Africa, you came to the right place. We know how intimidating the process might seem and understand that there is a lot at stake. 

You can apply to UNISA by visiting their admissions page. The UNISA online application form is Electronic, and you must fill out the application as truthfully as possible. 

Before starting your UNISA application, make sure that you have the following:

  • You’ll need a valid cellphone number and a working email address.
  • South African citizens must register with an ID number, while international students can use a passport number. 
  • You should pay an application fee as soon as you receive your student number. 

Step One: Electronic Documents

Note that your documents must be copies, certified by your local police station, and if it is not in English or Afrikaans, they must include a sworn translation. You should upload these documents after you have completed the electronic application form. 

  • Copy of your Identification document/ passport for international students
  • Copy of your National Senior Certificate (matric results)
  • Copy of your marriage certificate (if married)

Step Two: Visit the Apply to UNISA Webpage. 

  • Click on the ‘Undergraduate Qualification’ button.
  • Next, you’ll click on ‘View Process.’
  • Then click on ‘proceed to ODL and UNISA.’

Step Three: Answer the Questions About Your Career

The UNISA online application will ask some questions to make sure that you understand what distance learning is and what it requires. You can read through the questions and answer them to the best of your ability. Make sure you know which course you want to undertake before starting your application. Here are the sections that you can expect:

  1. What is ODeL, and is UNISA for you?
  2. Are you sure about your career?
  3. Choose or find your Qualification and the minimum UNISA requirements.

Step Four: Fill Out the UNISA Application Form and Pay the Application Fee

Here’s what you can expect from the application form:

  • Citizenship/visa type
  • Financial aid/ payment options
  • Gender
  • Marital status
  • Population group
  • Home language
  • Current work/ studies
  • Special needs
  • Education level

When you have completed each section, you need to verify your application. You will receive a UNISA student number. Use this number as a reference when you make the payment. Please note that the fee is non-refundable. 

➢   Click here for the UNISA banking details. 

Step Five: Track Your UNISA Application

Once you have completed the application process, you’ll receive an email to confirm that UNISA has received your application. You can track your application by using the tracking tool provided. 

Keep in mind that UNISA will only process your application once you have paid the application fee and uploaded all the necessary documents. 

UNISA Requirements

Your grade 12 results determine whether you meet the minimum criteria to study at UNISA. Each course has specific requirements. You can look up the UNISA requirements here. 

If you are still in matric, UNISA will ask for your final grade 11 results. Keep in mind that the university will ask for your matric results at a later stage. 

Before submitting your application, you must have the required APS total and necessary subjects. Some courses might require biology or higher grade mathematics. You won’t automatically be accepted in some cases, even if you meet the minimum UNISA requirements. 

What Is APS?

APS stands for Admission Point Score, and it determines your eligibility for specific courses. Some courses require specific subjects on top of the necessary APS value. 

How to Calculate Your APS Score

UNISA requires a minimum of 15 points for a higher certificate, 18 points for a diploma, and a minimum of 21 points for a bachelor’s degree. You need a minimum of 30% for language and above 50% for four of the subjects listed below. 

Here is a list of the NSC 20-credit subjects (You’ll need a result of at least 50% for four of these subjects. Life Orientation doesn’t count.)

  • Accounting
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Business Studies
  • Consumer Studies
  • Dramatic Arts
  • Economics
  • Engineering Graphics and Design
  • Geography
  • History
  • Information Technology
  • Languages
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Physical Sciences
  • Religion Studies
  • Visual Arts

Your APS is calculated based on six of your best subjects. Calculate your APS based on the following point system:

%80-10070-7960-6950-5940-4930-390-29
Level7654321
Points7654321

Add up your total to calculate your APS score. 

UNISA Application Dates

If you’re applying to UNISA for short courses, diplomas or certificates, applications are open all year round. If the specific class isn’t available at the time of your application, the university will inform you when you can apply. 

For bachelor’s degrees and longer courses, the university has a specific time from which you must apply. For the 2024-2024 academic, applications to Unisa is open from 11th August through to 12th November. You mustn’t leave your application to the last minute, as there are thousands of applicants with limited space. 

When applying to UNISA, check that you have the correct documentation (discussed in step one) and that you have financial aid. 

Application Dates:

UNISA Application opening date: 11th August

UNISA Application closing date: 12th November

UNISA Registration

Once you have been accepted to start your studies at the University of South Africa, you’ll receive registration dates. The university will give you a time frame of a few weeks in which you have to register and pay your tuition fees. 

Visit the UNISA registration webpage.

  1. Choose your modules
  2. Calculate your tuition fees
  3. Complete and submit your registration process
  4. Make payment
  5. Complete Registration

After Registration

After registration, UNISA will send out your study material. You’ll need to set up a myLife email address. This email address makes it easy to communicate with your faculty and receive your study material electronically. 

Making Changes

If there are any changes that you want to make on registering with UNISA, you can visit the changing registration webpage and read the criteria for making changes. Ensure that you make the changes within the given deadline. 

Important Links

➢   Official UNISA website

➢   MyUNISA

➢   UNISA Online Application

➢   UNISA Banking Details

While You Wait to Hear from UNISA

Once you have applied to UNISA, you can track the status of your UNISA application. Keep in mind that it will take the university some time to work through your application. Meanwhile, you can ensure you have uploaded all the necessary documents and paid the application fee. It is also vital that you meet the minimum UNISA requirements for your application to be successful. 

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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