If you are planning to study through the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2027, it is time to start preparing your application.
UNISA has announced that applications for admission to undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas for the 2027 academic year will open on 17 August 2026 and close on 9 October 2026. UNISA's current admissions page confirms the 17 August to 9 October application period for undergraduate qualifications.
With the application period approaching, prospective students should use the time before applications open to research their preferred qualifications, check admission requirements and prepare the documents they may need.
UNISA 2027 Application Dates
The important dates to remember are:
Applications open: 17 August 2026
Applications close: 9 October 2026
Academic year: 2027
The announced application period covers:
- Undergraduate qualifications
- Honours degrees
- Postgraduate diplomas
Students should avoid waiting until the final days of the application period, particularly if they still need to gather documents or confirm whether they meet the admission requirements for their chosen qualification.
Who Should Prepare to Apply?
If you want to begin a new undergraduate qualification at UNISA in 2027, you will need to submit an application for admission.
For honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas, UNISA also requires people starting a new qualification or specialisation to apply. This includes students completing an undergraduate qualification who intend to continue with postgraduate studies.
Being an existing or previous UNISA student does not necessarily mean that you can skip the application process when moving to a new qualification.
What to Do Before Applications Open
Don't wait until 17 August 2026 to start deciding what you want to study.
Use the period before applications open to research the qualifications you are interested in and, most importantly, check their admission requirements. Admission requirements can differ considerably between qualifications.
You should also prepare your supporting documents in advance. UNISA states that applicants for a new qualification must provide the required supporting documentation and that documents must be submitted by the applicable application closing date.
This is especially important if you need to obtain academic records or other documentation from another institution.
How to Apply to UNISA for 2027
Applications are completed online through UNISA.
When applications open on 17 August 2026, prospective students can access the official application information here:
Applicants should follow the instructions provided by UNISA carefully and ensure that the application is complete before submission.
UNISA's application guidance includes submitting the online application, uploading the required supporting documents and completing any applicable payment requirements. The university warns that incomplete applications may require applicants to wait for another application period.
Check That You Qualify Before Applying
One of the most important steps is confirming that you meet the requirements for the qualification you want to study.
Meeting UNISA's general admission requirements does not automatically mean that you qualify for every programme. Individual qualifications may have their own academic requirements.
Take time to compare your results with the requirements of your preferred qualification before submitting your application.
If possible, also identify alternative qualifications that match your results and career interests rather than relying on only one study option.
Don't Miss the 9 October Closing Date
The application window runs from 17 August until 9 October 2026, so prospective 2027 students have a limited period in which to submit their applications.
A good approach is to have your qualification choices and documents ready before applications open. You can then apply early instead of trying to complete everything close to the deadline.
UNISA 2027 Applications at a Glance
University: University of South Africa (UNISA)
Academic year: 2027
Applications open: 17 August 2026
Applications close: 9 October 2026
Qualifications: Undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas
Application method: Online
Apply through the official UNISA website
If UNISA is one of the universities you are considering for 2027, start preparing now. Research your qualification, check the requirements and have your documents ready so that you can submit your application once the application period opens.