Unisa Semester 2 Applications for 2022

If you have not heard by now, the window for the Unisa Semester 2 applications 2022 for students looking to apply to study at the University of South Africa (Unisa) is now open.

However, not all courses are available for students to apply for due to a number of qualifications being at full capacity – for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. This will come as bad news for many who were hoping to apply for higher certificate qualifications at the university. 

Read more below on the specifics on when applications are open and closed, who can apply, and how prospective applicants can apply for a course to study at the university.

When Can Applicants Apply for a Unisa Qualification for Semester 2?

New and returning students can apply for a Unisa qualification in Semester 2 during the following shortened scheduled dates:

• Undergraduate qualifications ( higher and advanced certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas, and degrees): 10 May to 31 May 2022
• Honours degrees and Postgraduate Diploma qualifications: 10 May to 31 May 2022

Admission to Masters and Doctoral qualifications are closed (some exceptions apply) while if you were planning to apply to one of Unisa’s Short Learning Programmes, then you’re out of luck.

At the same time, applications and registrations for Unisa’s Short Learning Programmes are closed. If you are planning to apply for a SLP in the near future, you can view the different SLPs offered by the university here.

Unlike Semester 1’s application window, the university only optioned for 3 weeks to operate its application window for the second semester. While some may bemoan the shortened time, there is still enough time for any student to apply for their course.

With the registration window opening in the later parts of June, there will be enough time for applications to be processed and in turn, allow students to register for their course.

Who Can Apply to Study at Unisa?

The following kind of student(s) can apply for an undergraduate programme at Unisa:

• Students who are applying for the first time
• Current Unisa students who are looking to change to a new qualification
• Students who were unsuccessful in their previous application(s)
• Successful applicants who were unable to register in Semester 1
• Students who are completing/have completed a lower qualification and looking to apply for an undergraduate qualification

Additionally, applicants who can apply for a postgraduate qualification at Unisa includes:

• Students applying to study at Unisa for the first time
• Current registered students looking to change their qualification/specialization of their current qualification
• Final-year undergraduate students who wish to continue their studies with a postgraduate qualification
• Successful applicants who were unable to register in Semester 1

Please note that for undergraduate applicants, the APS as well as admission requirements have to be met in order for your application to be successful.

Meanwhile postgraduate applicants will only be able to apply for their chosen qualification online. Applicants will have their applications assessed according to both admission requirements of their qualification and their final cumulative marks obtained at undergraduate level.

Furthermore, postgraduate applications are assessed through a formal selection and approval process which can take up to three months to finalize. However, as the registration dates for semester 2 opens in June and ends in July, the selection process may speed up due to the shortened time.

What is the Cost to Apply to Study at Unisa?

If you are a returning applicant, then you are in luck! It will cost you exactly R0 to apply for your chosen course. Great news, right?!

If you are a first-time applicant however, you will have to pay R125 for your application. It’s a one-time fee that has to be paid in order for your application to be processed. And don’t worry – if on the off-chance that your application was unsuccessful, you don’t have to pay the application fee the next time around.

The application fee is non-refundable. It’s like paying for petrol – you fill up your car and you pay for it with no chance of receiving your money back. Visit Unisa’s payment info section on all you need to know regarding banking details for study fees, application fees and more, online here

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Before you apply, make sure that you have the following documentation on hand in order for your application to be successful (both undergraduate and postgraduate):

• Copy of your school qualifications (National Senior Certificate or otherwise)
• Copy of your official tertiary academic records
• Copy of your ID
• Copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
• Sworn translations of documentation if not available in English or Afrikaans

Additional documentation can be requested from the university (dependent on course) where Unisa can reserve the right to request the original documentation for verification purposes (a mouthful, we know).

Make sure that the documentation is uploaded as individual files and no larger than 2MB. This makes sense since one long copy of all your documentation could exceed the size limit.

Postgraduate applications usually follow the same process, with the additional difference being to provide a copy of your official tertiary academic record stating the year of registration, modules passed and percentages obtained.

If you have completed your application but not paid the application fee and the application time lapses (31 May is the last date) you will not be able to register to study at Unisa for Semester 2. No pay, no play.

Applicants who failed to qualify to study at Unisa will be notified as soon as their applications are processed. And remember – spaces are limited for all qualifications, so offers will only be made once all applications are processed.

Written by Dylan Florence
Published: 19 May 2022