Can I do distance learning at Unisa?

Asked by: Eloise Hagenes  |  Last update: December 4, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (52 votes)

UniSA Online degrees are designed specifically for online learning so you can Study On Demand - access support seven days a week, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

Does Unisa offer distance learning?

As an open distance e-learning university, there is not much face-to-face contact between Unisa and our students. Nonetheless, our students come first and we provide many services to support you during your Unisa journey, such as our libraries, counselling services, regional centres and various student bodies.

Can I study at Unisa from another country?

Yes! Submit your enquiry today, our degree advisers will take you through the application process.

Can you do a degree online in South Africa?

A quality tertiary education is now at your digital fingertips. You can choose to study teaching online or a BCOM degree, or you could complete one of our Accounting or Project Management courses online.

Is Unisa 100% online?

Enquire now to study with UniSA Online

Control how and when you study with our 100% online degrees.

How To Survive Studying At UNISA | 5 Tricks | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA | ONLINE LEARNING

45 related questions found

Are Unisa degrees recognized?

International accreditation of Unisa's qualifications

Unisa is inter alia listed in the International Handbook of Universities published by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and officially verified by the International Association of Universities.

How much does it cost to apply to Unisa?

Pay the application fee

Pay the online application fee of R140,00. Click here for Unisa's payment methods and banking details.

Which university in South Africa offers distance learning?

List of Top 10 Distance Learning Universities in South Africa
  • University of South Africa (UNISA) R20,000-R70,000. ...
  • University of Pretoria (UP) R30,000-R80,000. ...
  • University of Cape Town (UCT) ...
  • Stellenbosch University (SU) ...
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) ...
  • University of Johannesburg (UJ) ...
  • Regenesys Business School. ...
  • Mancosa.

Does Unisa have face-to-face classes?

All UniSA College courses are multi-modal which means you can enrol in a delivery mode that suits you. All lectures are delivered online and you can choose to either attend face to face tutorials or select online delivery for all of your classes.

Can I get a degree by online only?

You can now earn most types of degrees online, including from top-rated universities. Earning an online degree remains a popular choice. Twenty percent of undergraduates at both public and private non-profit institutions learned online exclusively in 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics [1].

What documents do you need for Unisa?

Copy of your school qualifications (eg Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate) Copy of your official tertiary academic record(s) (if applicable) (internet copies will not be accepted) Copy of your ID document (RSA students) or ID/passport (international students)

What is the cheapest university in South Africa?

Most affordable universities in South Africa, according to our data:
  • University of South Africa (UNISA)
  • University of Pretoria.
  • Rhodes University.
  • University of Johannesburg.
  • University of Cape Town.

Which university in South Africa is internationally recognised?

WITS University

The University is internationally recognised for research, high academic standards and commitment to social justice in Africa and beyond.

When did Unisa start distance learning?

In 1946, UNISA was given a new role as a distance education university, and today it offers certificate, diploma and degree courses up to doctoral level.

Does Unisa have online exams?

Invigilated online exams are taken on your own computer in your own home, however regular exam conditions and rules still apply. This means you must be in a room on your own with no unauthorised materials present. Your computer will require a webcam and microphone and the minimum system requirements.

What to do if you don't meet university requirements in South Africa?

There are plenty of options avenues to pursue if this happens.
  • 1) Repeat some subjects. There are plenty of institutions through which you can redo some matric subjects. ...
  • 2) Do a bridging course. ...
  • 3) Accept another offer if you have one. ...
  • 4) Consider alternative qualifications to a degree. ...
  • 5) Improve your skillset.

Can you study online with UniSA?

As a UniSA Online student, you'll have the opportunity to be mentored by professionals with a wealth of experience. Throughout your degree, you'll also be able to engage with industry representatives and make valuable connections with those who have gone on to exciting roles in your field.

Do you need a laptop for UniSA?

Yes. It would be very difficult to study without a home computer. Your reading, activity participation, assignment work and correspondence with staff will require a computer with Microsoft Office and high-speed internet access. Current students can download Office365 standard software through the UniSA Intranet.

How many hours is equal to one credit?

Definitions

4 A measure of the volume of learning required for a qualification or part-qualification, quantified as the number of notional hours required for achieving the learning outcomes specified for the qualification or part-qualification. One credit is equated to ten (10) notional hours of learning.

Does Unisa offer full-time learning?

As we support students with 100% online degrees, there is no 'typical' online student. We offer two study modes, full-time or part-time, depending on the time you have available to commit to your studies.

Which degree is best for distance education?

Top 10 Online/Distance UG Courses in India
  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) ...
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) ...
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) ...
  • Bachelor of Library Science (BLIS) ...
  • Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) ...
  • BA/BSC in Psychology. ...
  • Bachelor of Architecture (B. ...
  • Bachelor of Education (BEd)

What is the best online college in South Africa?

Best Universities for Online Programs in South Africa 2025
  • PCi Business School (PCIBS) Swakopmund, Namibia. ...
  • University of Cape Town (GetSmarter) Cape Town, South Africa. ...
  • Wits University Online Digital Campus. ...
  • The Natural Health Academy. ...
  • REGENT Business School. ...
  • The MBA Tour. ...
  • Mind Development Academy. ...
  • Chartall Business College.

What documents are needed to apply at Unisa?

I have the following documents scanned & uploaded to an electronic device
  • Copy of your ID document (RSA students) or a valid passport (international students)
  • Copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree (if applicable)
  • Sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans.

Is studying at Unisa free?

Our fees differ depending on your qualification, your number of modules, and so on, but basically they include prescribed student fees (including registration fees), miscellaneous fees and fees for additional study material. You can choose your modules and calculate your fees during the online registration process.

Which bank does Unisa use?

Please note that Unisa banks with First National Bank (FNB) and ABSA Bank. Unisa is a pre-approved public beneficiary. if you already have a student number. in respect of fees, for example: study fees, examination fees (supplementary, sick or special exam fees), exemption fees and library charges.