The University of South Africa (Unisa) has announced its application dates for the 2027 academic year, giving prospective students an opportunity to prepare their applications before the admission period opens.
If you are planning to study at Unisa in 2027, applications for selected undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications will open on 17 August 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible and avoid waiting until the closing date.
Unisa Application Dates for 2027
The important Unisa 2027 application dates are:
- Applications open: 17 August 2026
- Applications close: 9 October 2026
These dates currently apply to undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas.
Unisa Undergraduate Applications for 2027
Students who want to apply for an undergraduate qualification at Unisa can submit their applications from:
17 August to 9 October 2026
Undergraduate qualifications may include programmes such as bachelor’s degrees, diplomas and higher certificates, depending on the qualifications available for the 2027 academic year.
Applicants should carefully check the admission requirements for their chosen qualification before submitting an application.
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not automatically guarantee admission, as some qualifications may have limited spaces available.
Unisa Honours Degrees and Postgraduate Diploma Applications for 2027
Applications for honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas will also open on:
17 August 2026
and close on:
9 October 2026
Students planning to continue their studies after completing an undergraduate qualification should make sure they meet the academic requirements for the postgraduate programme they want to pursue.
Who Should Apply to Unisa for 2027?
You should consider submitting a Unisa application during the 2027 admission period if you:
- Are currently completing Grade 12 and want to study at Unisa in 2027.
- Have already completed matric and want to start an undergraduate qualification.
- Want to change your current qualification.
- Previously applied to Unisa but were not registered.
- Want to apply for an honours degree.
- Want to study towards a postgraduate diploma.
Applicants should always check the requirements attached to their specific qualification.
What You Should Prepare Before Unisa Applications Open
Since applications open on 17 August 2026, prospective students should start preparing their documents before the application portal opens.
Depending on your circumstances and qualification, you may need documents such as:
- A copy of your identity document or passport.
- Your National Senior Certificate or other school qualification.
- Academic records if you previously studied at another institution.
- Copies of tertiary qualifications where applicable.
- Any additional documents required for the programme you are applying for.
Make sure your documents are clear and ready to upload when completing your online application.
How to Apply at Unisa for 2027
Applications are completed through the official Unisa application system.
To apply:
- Visit the official Unisa Apply for Admission page.
- Select the qualification category you want to apply for.
- Check the admission requirements.
- Start your online application.
- Enter your personal and academic information correctly.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Complete all required application steps.
- Keep your application details or reference information for future enquiries.
Applicants should only use Unisa’s official website when submitting applications or checking admission information.
Don’t Wait Until 9 October 2026
Although Unisa applications are scheduled to remain open until 9 October 2026, applicants should avoid submitting their applications at the last minute.
Applying early gives you additional time to deal with missing documents, incorrect information or other application problems that may arise.
It also gives you enough time to carefully review the requirements of your preferred qualification before submitting your application.
Important Unisa 2027 Application Dates at a Glance
Undergraduate qualifications
Applications open: 17 August 2026
Applications close: 9 October 2026
Honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas
Applications open: 17 August 2026
Applications close: 9 October 2026
Final Reminder
If Unisa is one of the institutions you want to study at in 2027, mark 17 August 2026 on your calendar.
Applications for undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas are scheduled to run from 17 August until 9 October 2026.
Prospective students should prepare their documents early, check the requirements for their chosen qualification and submit their applications before the deadline.
For applications and official admission information, visit the University of South Africa (Unisa) Apply for Admission section on the university’s official website.