UNISA Application Fee

Apply for a student number and apply for admission

Applications for admission to master’s and doctoral qualifications for the 2023 academic year have been extended to 31 January 2023  (exceptions may apply). If a qualification does not reflect on the drop-down list of qualifications, it means that the qualification is not available during this extended application period. Please note that selection degrees have different application dates. 

Please take note of the following:

• You may only apply for one qualification at master’s and doctoral level. It is, therefore, imperative that you ensure that you meet the minimum admission requirements for your qualification of choice before applying for admission.
• All applications for admission must be submitted online. No self-help stations will be available for applications at the regional offices.
• Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission and departmental requirements, and if space is available.

Unisa’s application process

Applying for admission to a master’s or doctoral degree comprises three steps:

1. Apply for a student number (only applicable if you do not already have a formal Unisa student number). 
2. Apply for admission. 
3. Upload the compulsory supporting documents. These documents are displayed in red on the upload platform. Students who obtained qualifications outside the borders of South Africa must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and upload a SAQA certificate of evaluation during the application process (https://www.saqa.org.za). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Unisa will accept applications based on the following criteria:

1. The suitability and viability of the intended research.
2. Adequate supervisory capacity and research expertise in the discipline or department. 
3. An approved selection procedure which is in line with Unisa’s Policy on Equality and Diversity.

1. Apply for a student number

Who must apply for a Unisa student number?

You must apply for a Unisa student number if you have never before studied towards a formal qualification at Unisa. Student numbers issued for Unisa’s short learning programmes are not valid for formal qualifications. Your formal Unisa student number will be your permanent Unisa student number.

If you are applying for admission to a Graduate School of Business Leadership (GSBL) qualification, please apply for a Unisa student number, unless you previously studied at Unisa towards a formal qualification.

If you are applying for admission to a selection degree, you must apply for a Unisa student number if you have never before studied towards a formal qualification at Unisa. If you do not have a formal Unisa student number and are selected for admission to one of the selection degrees, you will not be able to register for the 2023 academic year.

An application for a Unisa student number is NOT an application for admission to a qualification.

You must complete the process by applying for admission and uploading the supporting documents.

Pay the application fee

Pay the online application fee of R125,00.

• Use the student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (eg STUDENTNUMBER 5370810030)
• Send your proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za
• Click here for Unisa’s payment methods and banking details.

Unisa does not accept cash at any of its offices. You may, however, deposit cash into the university’s First National Bank account.