How to Complete Your UNISA Online Application in Five Easy Steps, a First Year’s Guide
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.
This article will highlight important information about the UNISA application process. You’ll find a thorough breakdown of each step when completing the UNISA online application and learn more about the UNISA requirements for grade 12 students. We also included a guide on calculating your admissions score based on your matric results.
The University of South Africa, in Short
The University of South Africa (UNISA) has been around since 1873. Before it was open for learning, it was an examination hub for Oxford and Cambridge Universities. In 1946 UNISA became an official distance learning centre. In 2004, UNISA merged with Technikon Southern Africa, and today it offers diplomas, certificates, degrees and more.
Today, UNISA is the largest university in South Africa, as it attracts over 30% of all higher education students. UNISA is the only Mega University in Africa as it hosts over 400,000 students, including international students from 130 countries worldwide.
UNISA offers a variety of academic programs that have received international accreditation. The University of South Africa aims to provide its students with recognised international qualifications and prepare them for employment. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu are among the thousands of successful students that came from UNISA.
Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL)
Once you apply to UNISA, you should keep in mind that their study methods require self-discipline. The university suggests you have at least 20 hours per week available to study, and you’ll need to read through most of the study material yourself.
How to Apply to UNISA in Five Easy Steps
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:
- What is ODeL, and is UNISA for you?
- Are you sure about your career?
- 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. The university offers limited space available for some of its courses.
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:
| % | 80-100 | 70-79 | 60-69 | 50-59 | 40-49 | 30-39 | 0-29 |
| Level | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Points | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
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.
Breakdown of the Registration Process:
Visit the UNISA registration webpage.
- Choose your modules
- Calculate your tuition fees
- Complete and submit your registration process
- Make payment
- 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.
Read Also: How to Download UNISA Prospectus
Conclusion
With the end of matric approaching, we understand the pressure that goes along when applying for university. By following our five-step guide on completing the UNISA online application, you’ll have fewer things to worry about and know what to expect once you hear back from UNISA.
