UNISA 2026 Second Semester Applications are Open

Prospective students, mark your calendars! The University of South Africa (UNISA) has officially reopened applications for a select range of undergraduate qualifications for its 2026 Second Semester. This presents a significant opportunity for individuals seeking to advance their education and access higher learning at one of South Africa's leading open distance learning institutions. UNISA is renowned for its commitment to providing fair and equitable access to education, actively working to address historical inequalities. With a brief application window, it's essential to be well-informed about the process, requirements, and deadlines to ensure your application is successful.

Key Dates: UNISA 2026 Second Semester Applications

The application period for UNISA's 2026 Second Semester is a limited one. Applications are open from 3 June 2026 and will close strictly on 17 June 2026. Prospective students are urged to submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Please note that these applications are specifically for a limited number of undergraduate qualifications, so it is crucial to verify that your chosen course is included in this intake.

Understanding UNISA's Application and Selection Process

UNISA employs a unique selection process designed to promote fair and equitable access to higher education. The university aims to address historical imbalances while maintaining academic quality. At the core of this process is the calculation of an individual's points score (APS), which considers your final Grade 12 marks alongside other factors such as the school you attended and demographic information.

Before submitting your application, it is vital to confirm that you meet both the general statutory admission requirements and the specific college-based requirements for your chosen qualification. You must also meet the required Academic Points Score (APS) for that qualification. It's important to understand that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee automatic admission; students are accommodated based on the available spaces for each qualification.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process at UNISA is conducted entirely online. You have the opportunity to apply for a maximum of three qualifications, which you should rank in order of preference. UNISA will notify you of the outcome of your application. If successful, they will inform you of the specific qualification for which you have been accepted and offer you a space for the relevant period (e.g., Semester 2, if available).

Crucially, you must accept or decline UNISA's offer within the prescribed period. Failure to do so will result in the offer being withdrawn.

First-time applicants to UNISA are required to complete the First-Year Experience MOOC (massive open online course) before they can formally accept their offer of admission. Once you accept an offer for one qualification, any other offers you may have received will automatically fall away. If you accept an offer, you must then register for the semester for which you have been admitted. Failure to register will necessitate a re-application during the next application period.

Essential Documents and Information Needed for Application

To ensure a smooth and successful application, gather all necessary documents beforehand. Required documentation generally includes:

• A copy of your school qualifications (e.g., Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate).
• A copy of your official tertiary academic record(s) (if applicable). Note: Internet copies will not be accepted.
• A copy of your ID document (for RSA students) or ID/passport (for international students).
• A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree (if applicable).
• Sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans.

Alert: We urge all UNISA students who applied prior to 2016 to upload all required documents. Failure to do so may result in your application not being processed.

Additionally, ensure you have a valid e-mail address and cellphone number, as UNISA will use these for all communication regarding your application. Please provide only one of each. If you do not have an e-mail address, create one before starting the application process and remember to save your login details. It is vital to check your e-mails regularly for updates.

Document Upload Guidelines:

• Upload documents as individual files, not as one large file.
• Ensure all uploads are clear and legible.
• Files must not exceed 2MB (2048KB) each.
• Only submit black and white documents.
• Accepted file types are PDF, DOC, or TIF.

Application Fee Payment

An application fee of R150.00 is required for online applications. This fee is non-refundable and should be paid after you have received a student number from UNISA. You can find banking details and payment information on the UNISA website. Use your new student number and the application fee allocation number as your reference when making the payment (e.g., STUDENTNUMBER 5370810030).

Important: The application fee payment must be made by the closing date of the application period (17 June 2026). Applications submitted without the timely payment of the application fee will not be processed. Please retain a copy of your proof of payment.

Who Needs to Apply?

You must apply for admission if you are:

• Starting a new qualification (first-time UNISA applicants or existing UNISA students changing qualifications/specialisations).
• Completing a higher certificate and wish to continue with further undergraduate studies.
• Previously applied, were offered a space, but did not accept and/or register.
• Planning to enrol for classes at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college under the UNISA-TVET agreement.

The UNISA 2026 Second Semester application period is a crucial, albeit short, window for prospective students interested in limited undergraduate qualifications. By carefully reviewing the admission requirements, preparing your necessary documents, understanding the APS calculation, and adhering strictly to the deadlines (especially the 17 June 2026 closing date), you can navigate the application process effectively. Ensure all information provided is accurate and complete to maximise your chances of securing a study opportunity at UNISA.