UNISA Semester Dates & Academic Calendar 2026

Why the UNISA Academic Calendar Matters

The academic calendar is the backbone of your study plan at UNISA. As a distance learning institution, UNISA operates on a structured semester system with specific dates for registration, study periods, assignment submissions, examinations, and results releases. Missing any of these dates can have serious consequences — from missing registration entirely to losing exam admission or graduating a semester late.

Unlike contact universities where you physically attend classes and are reminded of deadlines in person, UNISA students must proactively track their own dates. The university publishes its academic calendar at the start of each year, and while SMS and email reminders are sent, the ultimate responsibility lies with you to know your deadlines.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all key UNISA dates for the 2026 academic year. Bookmark this page, and check back regularly as we update it when UNISA publishes changes or additions to the calendar.

UNISA 2026 Academic Calendar – Key Dates at a Glance

Semester 1 – Detailed Timeline (January to June 2026)

UNISA's first semester runs from January through June 2026. Here is a detailed breakdown of what happens each month:

January 2026

• Registration opens (7 January): The online registration portal opens for first semester and year module registrations. New students must first accept their offer of admission and complete the First-Year Experience MOOC before registering.
• Study materials: Materials for early registrants begin appearing on myUNISA within 3-5 working days of successful registration.
• Orientation: New students should familiarise themselves with the myUNISA platform, their module pages, and the library resources available online.

February 2026

• Registration deadline – semester modules (20 February): Last day to register for first semester modules. No extensions are typically granted.
• Study begins in earnest: Most modules' study plans begin in February. Start reading your study guide and working through the prescribed material.
• First assignments may be due: Some modules have early assignment deadlines in late February. Check your Tutorial Letter 101 immediately after registration.

March 2026

• Year module registration closes (20 March for UG, 31 March for Honours).
• First fee payment due (31 March): If you are on a payment plan, the first instalment is due.
• Assignments: Most modules have their first assignment deadline in March. Submit on time — assignments contribute to your Year Mark, which determines exam admission.
• Graduation ceremonies begin: Students who completed their qualifications in 2025 attend graduation ceremonies during March-May.

April–May 2026

• Assignment deadlines continue: Second and third assignments for Semester 1 modules are typically due in April and May.
• Exam preparation: Start your exam preparation early. Review all assignment feedback, re-read key chapters, and practise with past exam papers (available on myUNISA library).
• Exam admission: UNISA releases exam admission statuses on myUNISA. Verify that you qualify to write each exam. If you don't qualify (usually due to missing assignments), contact your lecturer immediately.
• Second fee payment due (15 May).

May–June 2026

• Semester 1 examinations: Final exams are held during this period. Check your exam timetable on myUNISA for specific dates, times, and venues. Arrive early and bring your student card and ID.

Semester 2 – Detailed Timeline (July to December 2026)

June–July 2026

• Semester 2 registration opens: If you are registering for second semester modules, do so during the mid-year registration period. Only currently admitted UNISA students can register — new applicants must wait for the next annual application cycle.
• Semester 1 results released (July): Check your results on myUNISA. If you believe a result is incorrect, you can apply for a remark within the specified timeframe.

August 2026

• Semester 2 study begins: Module activities for second semester kick off. Download materials and start studying.
• Final fee payment due (15 August): Last instalment for students on payment plans.
• Assignment deadlines begin: First assignments for Semester 2 modules are typically due in August or September.

September–October 2026

• Assignment submissions continue.
• Exam preparation begins.
• Exam admission released: Check your exam admission status for Semester 2 exams.

October–November 2026

• Semester 2 examinations. Same process as Semester 1 — check timetable, venues, and bring required identification.

December 2026

• Semester 2 results released.
• 2027 applications: If you are applying for a new qualification for 2027, submit your application during the open application window (typically September-November 2026).

Supplementary Examinations (January–February 2027)

Supplementary examinations provide a second chance for students who did not pass their final exam but met certain criteria. Not all students automatically qualify for supplementary exams. Eligibility is typically based on:

• Having achieved a combined Year Mark + exam mark within a specific range (e.g., 40-49%)
• Having been admitted to the original exam and having written it
• Not having committed any academic misconduct

Supplementary exams are usually held in January or February of the following year. Check myUNISA after your results are released to see if you qualify. There may be an additional fee for supplementary exams. The supplementary exam replaces your original exam mark — your Year Mark remains the same.

Tips for Managing Your UNISA Calendar

• Create a personal study calendar: At the start of each semester, go through every Tutorial Letter 101 and add all assignment due dates and exam dates to your personal calendar (Google Calendar, phone calendar, or a physical planner).
• Set reminders: Set reminders 1 week and 1 day before every assignment deadline and fee payment due date. The consequences of missing these dates are real — lost marks, exam exclusion, or deregistration.
• Plan backwards from exams: Calculate how many weeks you have between registration and exams. Divide your study material evenly across these weeks. Include revision time in the final 2-3 weeks before exams.
• Use our tools: Our Study Load Calculator helps you plan a realistic module load. Fewer modules done well is better than many modules done poorly.
• Check myUNISA regularly: UNISA occasionally updates dates or adds supplementary deadlines. Make it a habit to check myUNISA at least twice a week for announcements.
• Don't wait until the last minute: Submit assignments early, pay fees before the deadline, and start exam preparation at least 4-6 weeks in advance. The system gets congested near deadlines, and technical issues are more likely.

Frequently Asked Questions – UNISA Semester Dates

Related UNISA Guides

• UNISA Registration Guide 2026 — how to register step by step
• UNISA Fees Calculator — estimate your tuition costs
• Study Load Calculator — plan a manageable module load
• UNISA Status Checker — check your application or registration status
• NSFAS Application Guide — funding your UNISA studies