UNISA International Students Guide 2026
UNISA International Students Guide 2026
UNISA welcomes international students from across Africa and the world. As a distance learning university, UNISA offers the unique advantage of allowing international students to study from their home countries without the need for a study visa in many cases. International applicants must meet the same academic admission requirements as South African students, plus additional requirements including: SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications (your matric equivalent must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority), certified copies of all academic documents (translated into English if necessary), and a valid passport. Fees for international students are higher than for South African students.
International tuition fees include a surcharge that varies by qualification level. Use our Fees Calculator for estimates and check the UNISA website for the current international fee schedule. If you plan to study at UNISA while residing in South Africa, you will need a study visa from the Department of Home Affairs. This requires proof of acceptance from UNISA, proof of financial means, medical and radiological reports, and police clearance.
If studying from outside South Africa, no visa is required — UNISA's distance learning model allows you to study from anywhere. Examination arrangements for international students vary. In some countries, UNISA has examination centres. In others, arrangements can be made through South African embassies or partner institutions.
Contact UNISA's international office for examination arrangements in your country..
Step-by-Step Application for International Students
- Check admission requirements: Ensure your qualifications meet UNISA's minimum requirements for your chosen programme
- SAQA evaluation: Submit your foreign qualifications to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for evaluation. This can take 6-8 weeks, so start early. SAQA evaluates your qualifications against South African standards.
- Prepare documents: Certified copies of your academic records (translated into English if necessary), valid passport, SAQA evaluation certificate, proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Apply online: Submit your application through the UNISA online application portal. Include all required supporting documents.
- Pay application fee: International students pay an application fee. Payment can be made via international bank transfer.
- Wait for outcome: Application processing takes 4-8 weeks. You will be notified of the outcome via email.
- Accept your offer: If accepted, follow the registration instructions provided. Pay the registration and tuition fees.
Study Visa Requirements (If Residing in South Africa)
If you plan to live in South Africa while studying at UNISA, you need a study visa from the Department of Home Affairs. Requirements include:
- Proof of acceptance letter from UNISA
- Proof of financial means to cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses
- Medical and radiological reports from a registered South African medical practitioner
- Police clearance certificate from your home country
- Valid passport with at least 30 days validity beyond your intended stay
- Medical aid/health insurance coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
If you study from outside South Africa (distance learning), no visa is required. If you plan to reside in South Africa while studying, you need a study visa from the Department of Home Affairs.
Yes, international students must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before applying to UNISA.
Yes, international students pay a surcharge on top of standard tuition fees. The surcharge varies by qualification level. Check the UNISA website for the current international fee schedule.
UNISA has examination centres in some countries. In others, arrangements can be made through South African embassies or partner institutions. Contact UNISA's international office for arrangements in your country.
UNISA accepts students from most countries worldwide. However, some programmes may have residency requirements (particularly those with practical components). Check with the relevant department.
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
If you study from outside South Africa (distance learning), no visa is required. If you plan to reside in South Africa while studying, you need a study visa from the Department of Home Affairs.
Yes, international students must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before applying to UNISA.
Yes, international students pay a surcharge on top of standard tuition fees. The surcharge varies by qualification level. Check the UNISA website for the current international fee schedule.
UNISA has examination centres in some countries. In others, arrangements can be made through South African embassies or partner institutions. Contact UNISA's international office for arrangements in your country.
UNISA accepts students from most countries worldwide. However, some programmes may have residency requirements (particularly those with practical components). Check with the relevant department.