Request UNISA Academic Record 2026
Request UNISA Academic Record 2026
An official academic record (transcript) from UNISA is a certified document showing all modules you have completed, the marks you achieved, and any qualifications conferred. You may need this for job applications, admission to other universities, professional body registrations, or immigration purposes. Unofficial academic records are available free on myUNISA — log in and navigate to the Academic Record section. These show the same information but are not certified and may not be accepted by external parties.
For official certified transcripts, submit a request through myUNISA's formal document request process. There is a fee (typically R100-R200 per copy). Processing takes 5-10 working days. You can request collection at a UNISA office or postal delivery.
For international use, you may need an apostille or notarised copy. South African universities and employers generally accept UNISA's standard certified academic record. For SAQA verification (required by some international institutions), submit a separate request through SAQA's website. Keep digital and physical copies of your academic record in a safe place.
Request extra copies while you are still a registered student as it is easier and faster than requesting them after you leave..
Understanding Your Academic Record
Your UNISA academic record is a comprehensive document that tells the story of your academic journey. It lists every module you registered for, the marks you achieved, your pass or fail status, and any qualifications conferred. Understanding how to read your academic record is important for tracking your progress and planning future studies.
The academic record shows modules organised by academic year and semester. Each entry includes the module code, module name, your final mark (combining year mark and exam mark), and the result (Pass, Fail, Distinction, or Withdrawal). Modules you passed with 75% or more are typically indicated as distinctions.
Your academic record also shows your cumulative weighted average — a calculation that takes into account the credits of each module. This average is used for academic progression decisions, Honours admission, and scholarship applications. Employers may also request this average during recruitment.
When You Need an Academic Record
- Job applications: Many employers require certified academic records as part of the hiring process
- Postgraduate admission: Honours, Master's, and PhD applications require official transcripts
- Professional registration: Bodies like SAICA, SACE, HPCSA, and the Legal Practice Council require academic records for registration
- Immigration: Work permits and immigration applications often require certified qualifications
- Credit transfers: If transferring to another institution, you need official transcripts for credit evaluation
- Bursary applications: Some bursary providers require academic records to verify your academic standing
Types of Academic Documents
Unofficial Academic Record (Free)
Available instantly on myUNISA. Shows the same information as the official record but is not certified or stamped. Useful for personal tracking and informal enquiries. Most employers and institutions do not accept unofficial records for formal purposes.
Official Certified Transcript (Fee Required)
A certified document bearing the UNISA stamp and signature. This is the document accepted by employers, other universities, professional bodies, and government departments. Available in English. Processing takes 5-10 working days.
Qualification Certificate
Issued upon completion of a qualification. This is your degree, diploma, or certificate document. It is separate from the academic record and is issued after graduation. Replacement certificates can be ordered if the original is lost or damaged.
SAQA Verification
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) can verify your UNISA qualifications through their online verification service. International institutions and some South African employers require SAQA verification. Apply through the SAQA website — processing takes 20-30 working days.
Step-by-Step: Requesting Your Academic Record
- Log into myUNISA using your student number and password
- Navigate to My Admin or Academic Record section
- For an unofficial record, you can view and print it directly
- For an official certified transcript, select Request Official Document
- Choose the type of document you need and the number of copies
- Make the payment online (credit/debit card or EFT)
- Choose delivery method: collection at a UNISA office or postal delivery
- Track your request status on myUNISA
- For postal delivery, allow additional days for delivery to your registered address
Frequently Asked Questions
For an unofficial record, log into myUNISA and navigate to Academic Record. For an official certified transcript, submit a request through myUNISA's document request process. A fee applies.
Processing takes 5-10 working days from the date of payment. During busy periods (registration and graduation), it may take longer.
The fee for an official certified academic record is typically R100-R200 per copy. Check the current UNISA fee schedule for exact amounts.
Yes, you can request your academic record even years after leaving UNISA. However, the process may take longer as a former student.
For international use or some South African employers, you may need SAQA verification of your qualification. This is a separate process through SAQA's website and incurs additional fees.
Related UNISA Guides
- UNISA Status Checker — check your application status
- UNISA Courses List — browse all qualifications
- Fees Calculator — estimate costs
- How to Apply to UNISA — application guide
- Registration Guide — step-by-step registration
Frequently Asked Questions
For an unofficial record, log into myUNISA and navigate to Academic Record. For an official certified transcript, submit a request through myUNISA's document request process. A fee applies.
Processing takes 5-10 working days from the date of payment. During busy periods (registration and graduation), it may take longer.
The fee for an official certified academic record is typically R100-R200 per copy. Check the current UNISA fee schedule for exact amounts.
Yes, you can request your academic record even years after leaving UNISA. However, the process may take longer as a former student.
For international use or some South African employers, you may need SAQA verification of your qualification. This is a separate process through SAQA's website and incurs additional fees.