Applying to the University of South Africa is an important step for many learners and working adults who want to study through distance learning.
Before your Unisa application can be processed, you must pay the required application fee after receiving your student number. This fee is separate from registration fees and study fees.
How Much Is the Unisa Application Fee for 2027?
The Unisa application fee is R150 for online applications.
Unisa’s undergraduate application information states that applicants must pay R150.00 for online applications once they have received a student number from the university.
This means the Unisa application fee is:
Unisa online application fee: R150
Is the Unisa Application Fee Refundable?
No. The Unisa application fee is non-refundable.
Unisa’s frequently asked questions state that the application fee for self-help and online applications is R150.00 and is non-refundable, even if you decide not to study through Unisa or do not qualify for admission.
This means you should only pay after you are sure that you want to apply and after you have received your Unisa student number.
When Must You Pay the Unisa Application Fee?
You must pay the application fee after receiving your student number from Unisa.
Unisa says applicants should pay the application fee once they have received a student number.
Do not pay before you have the correct student number, because Unisa uses your student number and payment reference to link the payment to your application.
What Reference Must You Use When Paying?
When paying the Unisa application fee, you must use your student number together with the correct application fee reference.
Unisa’s payment information lists 5370810030 as the allocation reference for the application fee.
Your reference should include:
Your 8-digit student number + 5370810030
This helps Unisa identify that your payment is for an application fee.
How to Pay the Unisa Application Fee
Applicants must pay using Unisa’s official payment methods.
To pay the Unisa application fee:
- Apply online through the official Unisa application system.
- Wait to receive your Unisa student number.
- Pay the application fee of R150.
- Use your student number and the application fee reference.
- Keep proof of payment.
- Send proof of payment where required.
- Continue checking your application status.
Unisa’s payment page provides official banking and payment details for students and applicants.
Must You Send Proof of Payment?
Yes, where required, applicants must send proof of payment.
Unisa’s application information says applicants should send proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za after paying the application fee.
Make sure your proof of payment clearly shows:
- Your student number
- Amount paid
- Date of payment
- Correct payment reference
- Bank confirmation details
Is the Application Fee the Same as Registration Fees?
No. The application fee is not the same as registration fees.
The application fee is paid so that Unisa can process your application. Registration fees and study fees are paid later after you are admitted and ready to register.
Unisa explains that study fees vary according to the qualification and modules selected. The average student registers for several modules per year, and module fees are separate from application fees.
Who Must Pay the Unisa Application Fee?
You may need to pay the application fee if you are applying for a new qualification at Unisa.
This may include:
- First-time Unisa applicants
- Returning students applying for a new qualification
- Current Unisa students changing to a new qualification
- Applicants who previously applied but did not register
- Applicants applying after studying at another institution
If you are unsure whether you must pay again, check your Unisa application instructions or contact Unisa directly.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay?
If you do not pay the application fee, your application may not be processed.
Paying the fee is an important part of completing your Unisa application. You must also upload all required supporting documents before the application closing date.
Documents You May Need When Applying
Besides paying the application fee, applicants must also upload the required documents.
These may include:
- Copy of ID document
- Copy of passport for international applicants
- School qualification documents
- Matric certificate or statement of results
- Official academic record, if previously studied
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree, where applicable
- Sworn translations, if documents are not in English or Afrikaans
Unisa states that required documents must be uploaded before the application closing date, and documents submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Common Payment Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants delay their own applications because of payment mistakes.
Avoid these errors:
- Paying before receiving your student number
- Using the wrong payment reference
- Forgetting to keep proof of payment
- Paying less than the required amount
- Using someone else’s student number
- Assuming payment means you are automatically accepted
- Waiting until the last day to pay
Always check that your reference is correct before making payment.
Final Answer
The Unisa application fee for 2027 online applications is R150.
The fee is non-refundable and must be paid only after you receive your Unisa student number. Applicants must use the correct payment reference and keep proof of payment.
Remember that paying the application fee does not guarantee admission. You must still meet the admission requirements, upload all required documents and submit your application before the closing date.