The University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of South Africa’s largest and most accessible educational institutions, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. As we move into the second semester of 2025, UNISA has opened its application window, and it’s time for prospective students to apply for the upcoming semester.
Whether you are a first-time applicant, a returning student, or someone wanting to change courses, the process is fairly straightforward. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the UNISA second semester application for 2025.
1. Application Opening and Closing Dates
The application for the second semester of 2025 at UNISA opened on 14 April 2025. Prospective students should mark the closing date on their calendars: 9 May 2025. Applications must be submitted within this time frame to ensure you are considered for the semester. It is essential to keep track of this deadline to avoid any delays or missed opportunities.
2. Who Should Apply?
The second semester applications are open to a variety of students, including:
- New undergraduate students: If you’re planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree, higher certificate, advanced certificate, honours degree, or a postgraduate diploma, you should apply for admission to the second semester.
- Current UNISA students: If you are already studying at UNISA and want to change your course, this application period is for you.
- Previously accepted students who didn’t register: If you were previously accepted into UNISA but did not register, you can still apply to be admitted for the second semester of 2025.
- Students wanting to register for second semester modules: If you are an existing student and need to register for the second semester, this is the time to do it.
3. How to Apply for UNISA Second Semester 2025
The application process for UNISA is completely online. Here’s an overview of the steps:
- Visit the UNISA application page: Go to the official UNISA website and select the “Apply for Admission” section. This is where you will begin your application.
- Choose your qualification: Select the type of qualification you wish to apply for. This can include undergraduate degrees, certificates, diplomas, or postgraduate courses.
- Fill out the online application: Follow the step-by-step instructions. You’ll need to provide some personal and academic information. Be sure to carefully read each section to avoid mistakes.
- Upload the required documents: You will need to upload several important documents to complete your application. These documents include:
- A copy of your South African ID (or passport if you are an international student).
- Your school qualifications (e.g., National Senior Certificate or equivalent).
- Any previous tertiary academic records (if applicable).
- If applicable, marriage or divorce certificates.
- Pay the application fee: Once you’ve filled out the application and uploaded the necessary documents, you will need to pay the non-refundable application fee of R140. You will only receive your student number after making this payment.
- Submit the application: After paying the fee, submit your application. Ensure that you’ve included all required documents to prevent delays in processing.
4. Important Documents for Application
To avoid any setbacks in your application, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- South African ID or passport: International students should ensure that their passport is valid.
- School qualifications: This includes your National Senior Certificate or equivalent.
- Tertiary academic records: If you’ve studied before, make sure you provide your official tertiary academic records.
- Marriage or divorce certificate: If applicable, include this document as it might be necessary for administrative purposes.
5. Second Semester Registration and Payment Deadlines
Once your application is successfully processed and accepted, you must proceed to register for your second semester modules. Here are the key dates for registration:
- Undergraduate and honours/postgraduate diploma modules: Registration for these modules opened on 8 January 2025 and closes on 28 February 2025.
- Payment deadlines: For semester modules, the final date for the initial minimum payment to finalize your registration is 28 February 2025. If you’re registering for year modules, the registration closes on 31 March 2025, with payment due by the same date.
If you don’t register or make the necessary payment by these deadlines, your place at UNISA may be forfeited.
6. Tracking Your Application Status
After you’ve submitted your application, you can track your status online through the UNISA application portal. This tool will allow you to see if your application has been accepted, if you need to provide any additional documents, or if there are any other issues that need to be addressed.
- If your application is successful, you will receive an offer. You must accept the offer online and complete the registration process for your modules.
- If your application is pending or if you haven’t received any updates, don’t hesitate to contact the UNISA admissions office for further information.
7. Additional Notes
- Non-refundable application fee: Remember that the R140 application fee is non-refundable. This means that regardless of whether you are accepted or not, the fee will not be returned.
- Online-only process: UNISA only accepts online applications. Make sure you have a stable internet connection to avoid disruptions in the process.
- Document errors: Technical problems or incorrectly submitted documents can cause delays in your application processing. Double-check all uploads before submission, and contact UNISA support if you run into any issues.
Check also: University of Limpopo 2026 Applications
Applying to UNISA for the second semester of 2025 is a simple process if you follow the steps and meet the deadlines. Ensure you submit your application between 14 April and 9 May 2025, and provide all required documents to avoid unnecessary delays. With the right preparation and attention to detail, you’ll be able to secure your place at one of South Africa’s leading universities.