2026 Online Registrations Now Open at UNISA
As of 07 January 2026, the University of South Africa (UNISA) is now open for 2026 online registrations. Registrations at UNISA are open for undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master's and doctoral qualifications.
UNISA 2026 Registration Key Dates
7 January - 20 February 2026: All semester modules for undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas
7 January - 20 March 2026: All year modules for undergraduate qualifications
7 January - 31 March 2026: All year modules for honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas
7 January - 20 February 2026: CTA
7 January - 31 March 2026: Master's and doctoral qualifications
7 January - 21 February 2026: MCompt, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Business Leadership (MBL)
Who Should Register for 2026 at UNISA?
The 2026 online registration period applies to the following groups of students:
- Returning students who were previously registered at UNISA and wish to continue with their studies
- Students who received firm offers for admission in 2026
- Students completing outstanding modules
- Postgraduate students who have been accepted into honours, master’s, or doctoral programmes
It is important to note that registration is not the same as applying. Only students who have already been accepted or have an existing student number may register during this period.
How to Register Online at UNISA for 2026
- Start by going to the official UNISA online registration page. Once there, select the appropriate qualification level and click “Go” to continue.
- Next, enter your student number and complete the required fields. If you do not yet have a student number, you will not be able to proceed with registration and must first apply online for admission.
- Review your personal information carefully. Update any incorrect or missing contact details, especially your physical address and cellphone number. Providing accurate information is essential, as errors may delay the delivery of your study materials or prevent you from receiving important updates from the university.
- Select the modules you wish to register for using the drop-down list. Before confirming your selection, make sure that you meet all the requirements for each module. This includes:
Fulfilling all pre-requisites and co-requisites
Choosing the correct study period:
1 for first semester
2 for second semester
0 for year-long modules
- Avoid registering for more modules than allowed per semester or academic year. Exceeding the credit limit may delay your registration. UNISA also reserves the right to remove modules if the registered credits exceed the permitted limit or if the paid fees do not cover them. Be mindful of the maximum time allowed to complete your qualification.
- Use UNISA’s online fee quotation tool to estimate the total cost of your selected modules. Take note of the minimum amount required to activate your registration. If the fees are higher than you can afford, remove some modules until the amount becomes manageable.
- Once everything is correct, submit your registration.
How to Pay Your UNISA Registration Fees
When making any payment to UNISA, always use your 8-digit student number, followed by a space and the correct allocation number as your payment reference (for example: 12345678 5400374721). Using the correct reference is crucial to avoid delays in payment allocation and registration finalisation.
UNISA offers several payment options, including bank deposits, EFTs, and credit card payments, allowing students to choose the most convenient method.
Bank Deposit Payments
UNISA banks with First National Bank (FNB) and ABSA Bank and is listed as a pre-approved public beneficiary. Cash and direct bank deposits can be made at any FNB or ABSA branch in South Africa.
When completing the deposit slip, ensure the following details are entered correctly:
- Deposit to: Unisa Student Fees
- Bank account: Unisa Student Fees
- Reference: Enter your 8-digit student number (if you have only 7 digits, add a “0” at the beginning), leave one space, then add the relevant allocation code:
5400374721 – Study fees
3000774039 – SBL student fees
5400374225 – Library fees
5352X74608 – Matriculation exemption fees
5370810030 – Application fees
5400315164 – Access cards
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Payments
FNB Users (Pre-approved Public Beneficiary)
- Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
- Account name: Unisa Student Deposits
- Account number: Select UNISA from the list of pre-approved public beneficiaries
- Reference formats:
Study fees: Student number 5400374721
SBL fees: Student number 3000774039
Application fees: Student number 5370810030
Alternative FNB Account for Cash Deposits and EFTs
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account name: Unisa Student Deposits
Account number: 627 9963 0382
Account type: Cheque
Branch code: 210554
Use the same reference formats listed above for study, SBL, and application fees.
ABSA Bank Users (Pre-approved Public Beneficiary)
Bank: ABSA
Account name: Unisa Student Deposit
Account number: 4097930634
Account type: Cheque
Reference formats:
Study fees: Student number 5400374721
SBL fees: Student number 3000774039
Application fees: Student number 5370810030
Using the correct reference ensures that payments are automatically and accurately allocated to your student account.
Important Payment Information
- Payments with missing or incorrect details will not be processed, and UNISA will not be responsible for any delays caused.
- Once all required information is received, payments are usually allocated within 2 to 10 working days.
- Proof of payment, along with a full breakdown (student names, ID numbers, student numbers, and amounts per student), must be emailed to [email protected].
- If your fees are paid by a company or employer, proof of payment must also be sent to [email protected].
- For any payment-related queries, contact UNISA via [email protected].
Why Register Early?
Registering early for the 2026 academic year comes with several benefits:
- You secure your place before popular modules fill up
- You have enough time to arrange funding, including NSFAS or bursaries
- You receive study materials earlier, allowing you to prepare in advance
- You avoid technical issues and stress closer to the deadline
Finally
The opening of UNISA online registrations for 2026 is an exciting opportunity for students who want to further their education through a flexible and accessible learning system. With its wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, UNISA continues to be a popular choice for students balancing work, family, and studies.
If you have been accepted or are returning to continue your studies, now is the time to complete your registration and prepare for the 2026 academic year. Register early, double-check your details, and make sure all requirements are met to ensure a smooth start to your studies.
