University of South Africa

About UNISA

The University of South Africa is the country's dedicated distance-learning university and one of the largest open universities in the world by enrolment, serving students who study while working, raising a family, or living far from any campus.

UNISA offers an unusually wide range of qualifications, from short courses to doctorates, spanning nearly every field taught at a contact university. Its scale means course material, tutoring support and assessment are run almost entirely through structured online and correspondence systems rather than lecture halls.

For many South Africans, UNISA is the only realistic route into higher education — whether because of cost, location, or the need to keep working while studying — which has made it a uniquely important part of the country's education system for over a century.

Why students choose UNISA

• One of the largest distance-learning universities in the world
• Over 150 years of history as an open university
• Study while working, from anywhere in the country

Fields of study

• Accounting Sciences
• Economic & Management Sciences
• Education
• Human Sciences
• Law
• Science, Engineering & Technology

What you'll need to apply

Every South African public university sets its own admission point score and subject requirements per programme, so the details below are general guidance rather than UNISA-specific rules — always confirm exact requirements on the official site before applying.

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) that meets the minimum admission point score for your chosen programme.
• Specific subject and mark requirements, which vary by faculty — competitive programmes like medicine or engineering typically set higher thresholds.
• An online application through the university's own portal, usually opening the year before you intend to start.
• Supporting documents such as certified copies of your ID and academic records, and proof of application fee payment where applicable.