UNISA Postgraduate Application Guide 2026
UNISA Postgraduate Application Guide 2026
Postgraduate study at UNISA opens doors to advanced careers, research opportunities, and academic excellence. UNISA offers Honours degrees (1-2 years), Master's degrees (1-3 years), and Doctoral degrees (2-5 years) across all eight colleges. The application process for postgraduate study differs from undergraduate applications. Honours programmes require a completed bachelor's degree with a minimum average in your major subjects (usually 60%+).
Master's programmes require an Honours degree or equivalent. Doctoral programmes require a Master's degree. Research-based programmes (Master's and PhD) require a research proposal and an identified supervisor. The application timeline for postgraduate study also differs — some programmes have earlier closing dates, and the Honours registration deadline is 31 March 2026.
Funding for postgraduate study comes from sources including NRF bursaries, departmental scholarships, employer sponsorships, and UNISA's own postgraduate funding. Contact your department directly for supervision arrangements and specific requirements..
Additional Information
Postgraduate Application Checklist
- Confirm you meet the admission requirements for your chosen programme
- Identify a potential supervisor (for research degrees)
- Prepare your research proposal (if required)
- Gather certified copies of your qualifications and transcripts
- Write a motivation letter explaining your research interests
- Submit your application through the myUNISA portal before the deadline
- Follow up with the department to confirm receipt
Types of Postgraduate Qualifications
- Honours (1-2 years): Coursework + mini-dissertation. Deepens specialisation knowledge.
- Master's Coursework (1-2 years): Structured modules + minor dissertation. Available in some fields.
- Master's Research (2-3 years): Full dissertation under supervision. Original research contribution.
- PhD/Doctoral (3-5 years): Thesis only. Significant original research contribution to the field.
Choosing the Right Postgraduate Path
Honours vs Master's vs PhD
Understanding the differences between postgraduate levels helps you make the right choice:
- Honours (NQF Level 8, 120 credits): Your first step after a bachelor's degree. Combines advanced coursework with a research component. Required for admission to most Master's programmes. Duration: 1-2 years.
- Master's Coursework (NQF Level 9, 180 credits): Structured modules plus a minor dissertation. Suitable for professional advancement. Duration: 1-2 years.
- Master's Research (NQF Level 9, 180 credits): Full dissertation under supervision. Suitable for those pursuing academic or research careers. Duration: 2-3 years.
- PhD/Doctorate (NQF Level 10, 360 credits): Original research contribution. The highest academic qualification. Required for university lecturing positions. Duration: 3-5 years.
Writing a Strong Research Proposal
For research-based programmes, your proposal is crucial to your application. Include:
- Title: Clear and specific, reflecting your research focus
- Background/Rationale: Why is this research needed? What gap does it fill?
- Research Questions: Specific questions your research will answer
- Literature Review: Brief overview of existing research in your area
- Methodology: How will you conduct the research? Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods?
- Timeline: Realistic timeline for completing each phase of the research
- References: Key academic sources informing your proposal
Frequently Asked Questions
Postgraduate application deadlines vary by programme. Honours programmes typically close 31 March 2026. Master's and PhD programmes may have earlier deadlines. Check with your specific department for exact dates.
Yes, research-based Master's programmes require a preliminary research proposal as part of your application. This should outline your research topic, methodology, and objectives. Some departments provide proposal templates.
Contact the relevant department directly. Review staff profiles on the UNISA website to identify potential supervisors whose research interests align with yours. Some departments assign supervisors; others require you to approach one yourself.
Yes, UNISA's distance learning model inherently supports part-time study. Most Master's students at UNISA study part-time while working. A research Master's typically takes 2-3 years part-time.
Options include NRF bursaries, UNISA postgraduate bursaries, departmental funding, employer sponsorships, and external scholarships. Apply for multiple funding sources simultaneously.
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
Postgraduate application deadlines vary by programme. Honours programmes typically close 31 March 2026. Master's and PhD programmes may have earlier deadlines. Check with your specific department for exact dates.
Yes, research-based Master's programmes require a preliminary research proposal as part of your application. This should outline your research topic, methodology, and objectives. Some departments provide proposal templates.
Contact the relevant department directly. Review staff profiles on the UNISA website to identify potential supervisors whose research interests align with yours. Some departments assign supervisors; others require you to approach one yourself.
Yes, UNISA's distance learning model inherently supports part-time study. Most Master's students at UNISA study part-time while working. A research Master's typically takes 2-3 years part-time.
Options include NRF bursaries, UNISA postgraduate bursaries, departmental funding, employer sponsorships, and external scholarships. Apply for multiple funding sources simultaneously.