The University of South Africa (Unisa) is set to open applications for the 2027 academic year on 17 August 2026.
Prospective students who want to study at Unisa in 2027 should use the application period to apply for eligible undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas.
The application window is scheduled to remain open until 9 October 2026.
Students are encouraged to prepare their documents and check the admission requirements for their preferred qualification before applications open.
Unisa 2027 Applications: Key Dates
Here are the important dates prospective applicants should know:
- Applications open: 17 August 2026
- Applications close: 9 October 2026
- Application period: 17 August to 9 October 2026
- Institution: University of South Africa (Unisa)
- Academic year: 2027
The dates above apply to the undergraduate, honours degree and postgraduate diploma application categories covered by the announced 2027 application period.
When Do Unisa Applications for 2027 Open?
Unisa applications for the 2027 academic year are scheduled to open on 17 August 2026.
This gives prospective students time to apply for an eligible programme and complete the admission process before the closing date.
If you are interested in studying through Unisa, it is a good idea to decide on your preferred qualification before the application portal opens. You should also check whether you meet the admission requirements for that specific programme.
When Do Unisa Applications for 2027 Close?
The closing date for the relevant 2027 Unisa applications is:
9 October 2026.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their applications.
If there is a problem with an uploaded document, personal information or the application itself, applying early gives you more time to correct the issue.
Unisa Undergraduate Applications for 2027
Prospective undergraduate students can apply from:
17 August 2026 to 9 October 2026.
The undergraduate application category can include different types of qualifications, such as:
- Higher certificates
- Diplomas
- Bachelor’s degrees
The exact qualifications available for 2027 will depend on Unisa’s programme offerings and admission requirements.
Before applying, prospective students should identify the qualification they want to study and carefully review its specific requirements.
It is important to remember that satisfying the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. Admission can also depend on factors such as the availability of places and the university’s selection process.
Honours and Postgraduate Diploma Applications
Students who have already completed an appropriate undergraduate qualification and want to continue their studies can also apply for selected honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas during the announced application period.
Fresh listings:
Applications are scheduled to open on:
17 August 2026
and close on:
9 October 2026.
Applicants should check the admission requirements for their chosen postgraduate qualification before starting the application.
Who Can Apply to Unisa for 2027?
The 2027 application period may be relevant to several groups of prospective students.
You may need to apply if you:
- Are completing Grade 12 and want to start studying in 2027.
- Have already completed Matric and want to begin a tertiary qualification.
- Want to start a new undergraduate qualification.
- Previously applied to Unisa but did not register.
- Want to change to a different qualification.
- Have completed an undergraduate qualification and want to pursue an honours degree.
- Want to apply for a postgraduate diploma.
Your eligibility will depend on the requirements of the particular qualification you choose.
Documents to Prepare Before Applications Open
Students can save time by preparing their supporting documents before 17 August 2026.
Depending on the qualification and your circumstances, you may need documents such as:
- South African identity document or passport.
- National Senior Certificate or other relevant school-leaving certificate.
- Academic transcripts or records.
- Previous tertiary qualification certificates, where applicable.
- Other supporting documents requested for your selected qualification.
Documents should be clear and easy to read before they are uploaded.
If you are still waiting for a document, check the official Unisa application instructions to determine what can be submitted and when.
Check Your Qualification Requirements First
One of the most important steps before submitting an application is checking the admission requirements for the qualification you want.
Different programmes can have different requirements.
Before applying, check:
- The minimum academic requirements.
- Required subjects or subject levels.
- Any qualification-specific requirements.
- Whether the programme is available for the 2027 academic year.
- Whether there are any selection or space limitations.
Do not choose a qualification simply because you meet the general university admission requirements. You should also satisfy the requirements of the specific programme.
How to Apply for Unisa 2027
Applications are submitted online through Unisa’s official application system.
The general application process involves the following steps:
- Go to the official Unisa Apply for Admission section.
- Select the appropriate qualification category.
- Find the qualification you want to study.
- Read the admission requirements carefully.
- Complete the online application form.
- Enter your personal and academic information accurately.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Review your application before submitting it.
- Submit the application.
- Keep your application or reference details for future communication.
Applicants should use the university’s official website for applications and admission information.
Apply Early Instead of Waiting for the Closing Date
Although the application period is expected to run until 9 October 2026, applicants should consider applying as soon as applications open.
Waiting until the last few days can create unnecessary problems if:
- A required document is missing.
- An uploaded document is unclear.
- Incorrect information was entered.
- You discover that you do not meet a qualification requirement.
- You experience technical difficulties while submitting the application.
Applying early gives you more time to check your information and resolve potential issues.
Unisa 2027 Application Dates at a Glance
| Application category | Opening date | Closing date |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate qualifications | 17 August 2026 | 9 October 2026 |
| Honours degrees | 17 August 2026 | 9 October 2026 |
| Postgraduate diplomas | 17 August 2026 | 9 October 2026 |
Applicants should always confirm the latest dates and requirements directly with Unisa, particularly if the university publishes updates after applications open.
What Applicants Should Do Before 17 August
There is no need to wait until the application portal opens to start preparing.
Prospective students can use the time before 17 August 2026 to:
- Decide which qualification they want to study.
- Check the admission requirements.
- Prepare their identity documents.
- Locate their Matric results or certificate.
- Gather previous academic records if applicable.
- Check any qualification-specific requirements.
- Make sure their documents are clear and ready for upload.
- Plan to submit their application early.
Having everything prepared can make the online application process much easier.
Important Reminder for Prospective Unisa Students
If you plan to study at Unisa in 2027, the key date to remember is 17 August 2026, when the relevant applications are scheduled to open.
The application period is expected to close on 9 October 2026.
Do not assume that applying automatically means you have been accepted. You must meet the requirements for your chosen qualification and go through Unisa’s admission process.
Conclusion
The Unisa 2027 application period provides prospective students with an opportunity to apply for eligible undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas.
Applications are scheduled to open on 17 August 2026, with the closing date set for 9 October 2026.
Students who are interested in studying at Unisa should start preparing now. Choose a suitable qualification, check its admission requirements and gather the necessary documents before applications open.
Most importantly, apply before the deadline and avoid leaving your application until the last minute.
For the application process and the latest admission information, prospective students should use the official University of South Africa (Unisa) Apply for Admission page.