Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas

Application outcome

Unisa will assess your application according to the academic admission requirements for your qualification of choice and your final mark received at undergraduate level.

Applications follow a formal selection and approval process, which may take up to three months to be finalised.

I've received an offer. What must I do?

Unisa will inform you that your application for the 2025 academic year was successful and the qualification for which you have been accepted.

Step 1 First-time applicants to Unisa must complete the First-Year Experience MOOC (massive open online course). The aim of the FYE MOOC (UOL009-FYE101_2024) is to orientate and prepare first-time entering students so that they can successfully undertake their studies at Unisa. Please note: You will not be able to accept Unisa's offer (step 2 below) if you have not completed Unisa's free online MOOC.
Step 2 After completing the FYE MOOC, you must accept or decline Unisa's offer for the 2025 academic year within the prescribed timeframe (10 calendar days, unless otherwise indicated in the offer e-mail). If you applied for two qualifications, please wait for both to be processed and then accept your preferred choice for the 2025 academic year. Once you accept an offer, you will not be able to change your choice. To accept or decline Unisa's offer, go to www.unisa.ac.za/acceptoffer
* Unisa reserves the right to withdraw an offer if you don't accept within the time period indicated in the offer e-mail.
Step 3 Register for the 2025 academic year. You must register for the period for which you have been granted admission. Should you not register for the 2025 academic year, you will need to re-apply for admission during the next application period.

My application was unsuccessful. What can I do?

Unisa will inform you that your application was unsuccessful. Please read the letter from Unisa carefully to check whether any alternative options are provided. You may also visit www.unisa.ac.za/studyoptionsHONS to explore other study options. Incorrect/incomplete applications will be declined.


Please note:

  • If your application for admission to a qualification or to both qualifications of choice is declined, you may appeal the outcome of your application, either on the basis that you believe the decision was an error on the part of the university or that further supporting documents may result in a different outcome regarding your application for admission. You have 10 days from the date on which you receive the outcome of your application to submit an appeal online. Please note that not uploading required supporting documents during the application process is not grounds for an appeal.
  • If your application for admission to the 2025 academic year is declined based on you not meeting the minimum admission requirements for your qualification of choice, you may apply via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), provided that you are 23 years of age or older with at least 5 years current and relevant work experience related to the qualification you wish to pursue. Prior learning should have been gained through one or more of the following means: research experience, workplace learning, information/non-formal learning, company/industry-based training, working with experts or life experience. 
  • If you were previously registered with Unisa, Unisa will send the outcome of your application to your myLife e-mail account. Please check this e-mail account regularly for information. If you have forgotten your myUnisa/myLife password, please go to myUnisa (https://my.unisa.ac.za) to update your password. If you are a first-time Unisa applicant and do not have a myLife e-mail address, Unisa will communicate with you via the e-mail address and cellphone number provided during the application period.
  • Please take note of Unisa's rules for students


Remember to register

If your application for admission is successful, you must register for the 2025 academic year. Should you not register for the 2025 academic year for any reason, you will be required to apply for admission during the next application period.