The University of South Africa (Unisa), is the largest university system in Africa by enrollment and offers a wide range of courses. It is located in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa and attracts a third of all higher education students in South Africa.

Unisa was founded in 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope. In January 2004, Unisa merged with Technikon Southern Africa (formerly known as Technikon SA) and incorporated the distance education component of Vista University. The combined institution retained the name University of South Africa.

As Africa’s leading open distance learning institution, the University of South Africa offer internationally accredited qualifications and have world-class resources that inspire students to create meaningful futures on their own terms.

Offering study opportunities to more than 400,000 students from across South Africa, Africa and other parts of the world, Unisa offers a diverse choice of study fields at levels from certificate to degree.

Unisa colleges

Unisa has eight prestigious colleges offering a wide range of high quality academic and vocational programmes and over 1400 academics. In addition, they have a Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL).

The eight colleges comprise the following:

1. College of Accounting Sciences

The College of Accounting Sciences (CAS) offers several qualifications endorsed by professional financial bodies both nationally and internationally and produces high-quality graduates for the various accounting professions.

The College is made up of the School of Accountancy, the School of Applied Accountancy and the Centre for Accounting Studies.

At the College of Accounting Sciences, research activities are focused on ten research focus areas. These focus areas fall under the broader categories of taxation, auditing, financial accounting and management accounting.

2. College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) specialises in education and training in food production and the sustainable use and management of Africa’s natural resources.

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is made up of the School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the School of Environmental Sciences and the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

Unisa has made science a priority and aims to grow research capacity and support research activities in the fields of science, engineering, technology, agriculture and environmental sciences through the Unisa Science Campus.

Research is formed by two broad focus research areas viz. teaching practices and ODL, as well as research on the environment, health and sustainable livelihoods.

3. College of Economic and Management Sciences

The College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS) is the largest provider of business education in Africa and one of the largest in the world. Unisa’s Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) is an autonomous academic department within CEMS.

The College is made up of the School of Management Sciences, the School of Economic and Financial Sciences, and the School of Public & Operations Management, The Institute For Corporate Citizenship and five Centres.

The College of Economic and Management Sciences views community engagement as an opportunity to engage with communities to transform the curriculum and contribute to the development of entrepreneurship and strengthen small business enterprises through research, tuition and specific community projects.

Some of the focus areas developed in research flagships at the College of Economic and Management Sciences include demographic modelling and analysis, personal finance and corporate sustainability and etc.

4. College of Education

The College of Education (CEDU) is responsible for the professional education and training of close to 50% of all teachers in South Africa.

Unisa College of Education is made up of the School of Education, the School of Teacher Education, the Centre for Continuous Professional Teacher and Community Education and Training and the Teaching Practice Unit.

All CEDU academics include learning and insight from CE into CEDU curriculum. Currently, there are 33 Community Engagement (research) projects taking place across CEDU.

The college has a flagship 500 Schools research project, which explores the scope of challenges facing the South African education system, with an intention of generating targeted solutions.

Other research projects include the Vhembe School Project and the International Journal of Educational Development in Africa.

5. College of Graduate Studies

This college endeavours to increase Unisa’s postgraduate profile and to improve the performance of master’s and doctoral students.

The College of Graduate Studies is made up of the Department of Interdisciplinary Research, the Archie Mafeje Research Institute, the South African Research Chair in Development Education and the Institutes for African Renaissance Studies, Open and Distance Learning, Science & Technology Education, Social & Health Sciences.

The Postgraduate Administration Support section within the College of Graduate Studies handles all administration for the six colleges from first enquiries, registrations, re-registrations, capturing of research proposal module results, maintenance of the research titles, data capturing and much of the administration pertaining to students, until such time that the student is handed over to graduations.

With research methodology as a central platform of CGS, the College of Graduate Studies has developed a suite of training programmes through workshops, colloquia, video conferences and virtual research environments.

It reaches out to candidates in Unisa’s regional centres, from Gauteng to Akaki, Ethiopia. Many of the offerings are general, but some are tailor-made to fit the precise demands of specific fields of research.

There are currently a number of Community Engagement projects taking place across the College of Graduate Studies. These include the ISTE Winter School, MOOCS Teacher Training project and many more.

6. College of Human Sciences

College of Human Sciences (CHS) offers high-quality general academic and career-focused programmes in the arts and humanities, social sciences, education, religion and theology.

The College of Human Sciences is made up of the School of Arts, the School of Humanities, and the School of Social Sciences which house a number of centres, units and institutes.

At Unisa, Community Engagement is actively promoted through its Community Engagement and Outreach Policy. Each department within the College of Human Sciences is involved with different community projects.

In the College of Human Sciences, a number of research projects are investigating, from different perspectives, issues related to decoloniality, Africanisation, HIV/AIDS, language, teaching and learning, political and economic development, religious studies and theology, sociology, information and library sciences, psychology, and many other subjects within the humanities field.

7. College of Law

The College of Law (CLAW) confers professional qualifications that provide access to the legal profession, as well as various career-based qualifications in subjects such as police practice.

The College of Law consists of the Schools of Law and Criminal Justice, the Institute for Dispute Resolution in Africa and the Centre for Basic Legal Education, the Centre for Business Law, the Centre for Criminological Sciences, the Centre for Foreign and Comparative Law and The VerLoren van Themaat Centre for Public Law Studies.

The research areas in the College of Law are biotechnology and medical law; dispute resolution in Africa, social security; crime studies, the criminal framework for community safety; ODL; and international journal of law, society and development (multi-, inter- and transdisciplinarity).

8. The College of Science, Engineering and Technology

The College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) offers general academic and career-oriented degrees, diplomas and certificates in a range of science, engineering and technology disciplines.

The College of Science, Engineering and Technology is made up of the School of Science, the School of Engineering and the School of Computing.

At Unisa, the College of Science, Engineering and Technology has actively engaged with the community through three flagship projects: I-SET, GirlPower and MathsEdge.

Through its research activities, Unisa contributes to the knowledge and information society and ensures sustainability.

The College supports the research goals and strategies of Unisa by focusing on two of Unisa’s five research themes: Innovation and capacity building in science and technology and Open Distance Learning.

Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL)

In addition, the university has a Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) which is regarded as one of the top business schools in South Africa, the SBL has produced more than a third of all the MBL/MBA degrees awarded by South African universities since its inception.

Unisa courses

Here is a list of courses at Unisa.

Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting (98302 – FAC)
Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Internal Auditing (98303 – AUI)
Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Management Accounting (98304 – MAC)
Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Taxation (98318 – TAX)
Bachelor of Administration (98315 – BAD)
Bachelor of Administration in Human Settlements Management (90016 – HSM)
Bachelor of Arts (99311)
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science (98051)
Bachelor of Arts in Community Development (98618)
Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing (99313)
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (98681)
Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies (99312)
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management (98055)
Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology (90002)
Bachelor of Arts in Government, Administration and Development (99301)
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (99302)
Bachelor of Arts in Police Science (98683)
Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies (99303)
Bachelor of Arts in Political Leadership and Citizenship (99304)
Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (90079)
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Multimedia Arts (90091)
Bachelor of Business Administration (98316 – BBA)
Bachelor of Commerce (98314 – GEN)
Bachelor of Commerce in Business Informatics (98300 – BIS)
Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management (98310 – BSM)
Bachelor of Commerce in Economics (98305 – ECS)
Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship (90106 – ENT)
Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management (98306 – FMN)
Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management (98307 – HRM)
Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial and Organisational Psychology (98308 – IOP)
Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management (98301 – MKT)
Bachelor of Commerce in Public Procurement Management (98767 – PPM)
Bachelor of Commerce in Quantitative Management Revised Curriculum 2025/2026 (98311 – QMA)
Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain and Operations Management (98766 – SCM)
Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism Management (98312 – TRT)
Bachelor of Commerce in Transport and Logistics (98313 – TRL)
Bachelor of Consumer Science (Fashion Retail Management Stream) (98005 – FAR)
Bachelor of Consumer Science (Fashion Small-business Management Stream) (98005 – FSB)
Bachelor of Consumer Science (Food Retail Management Stream) (98005 – FOR)
Bachelor of Consumer Science (Food Service Management Stream) (98005 – FSM)
Bachelor of Consumer Science (Food and Clothing Stream) (98005 – FCL)
Bachelor of Consumer Science (Food and Nutrition Stream) (98005 – FNU)
Bachelor of Consumer Science (Hospitality Management Stream) (98005 – HOM)
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (90102)
Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching (90103)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Computer Application Technology (90104 – CAT)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Consumer Studies (90104 – CON)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Economics and Management Science (90104 – EMS)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Financial Accounting (90104 – FAC)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Geography and Languages (90104 – GEL)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: History and Geography (90104 – HIG)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Hospitality Studies and Business Studies (90104 – HSB)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Hospitality Studies and Tourism (90104 – HST)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Information Technology (90104 – IFT)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Language (90104 – LAN)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Life Orientation and Language (90104 – LOL)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Life Sciences (90104 – BIO)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Mathematics and English (90104 – MTE)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Physical Science and Mathematics (90104 – PSM)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Religious Studies (90104 – RES)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Technology (90104 – TEC)
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching School subject combination: Tourism and Management (90104 – TRM)
Bachelor of Information Science (99310)
Bachelor of Laws (98680 – NEW)
Bachelor of Music (90089)
Bachelor of Science Applied Mathematics and Computer Science Stream (98801 – AMC)
Bachelor of Science Applied Mathematics and Physics Stream (98801 – AMP)
Bachelor of Science Applied Mathematics and Statistics Stream (98801 – AMS)
Bachelor of Science Chemistry and Applied Mathematics Stream (98801 – CAM)
Bachelor of Science Chemistry and Computer Science Stream (98801 – CCS)
Bachelor of Science Chemistry and Information Systems Stream (98801 – CIS)
Bachelor of Science Chemistry and Physics Stream (98801 – CAP)
Bachelor of Science Chemistry and Statistics Stream (98801 – CAS)
Bachelor of Science General (98801 – GEN)
Bachelor of Science Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Stream (98801 – MAM)
Bachelor of Science Mathematics and Chemistry Stream (98801 – MAC)
Bachelor of Science Mathematics and Computer Science Stream (98801 – MCS)
Bachelor of Science Mathematics and Information Systems Stream (98801 – MIS)
Bachelor of Science Mathematics and Physics Stream (98801 – MAP)
Bachelor of Science Mathematics and Statistics Stream (98801 – MAS)
Bachelor of Science Statistics and Physics Stream (98801 – STP)
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science (Agricultural Business and Management stream) (90082 – ABM)
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science (Animal Science Stream) (90082 – ANS)
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science (Plant Science Stream) (90082 – PLS)
Bachelor of Science in Computing (98906 – COM)
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management (Botany Stream) (98052 – EBO)
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management (Chemistry Stream) (98052 – ECH)
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management (Zoology Stream) (98052 – EZO)
Bachelor of Science in Informatics (98907 – INF)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Biochemistry (or Physiology or Microbiology) with
Business Management Stream) (98053 – BBM)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Biochemistry and Botany Stream) (98053 – BAB)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Biochemistry and Microbiology Stream) (98053 – BAM)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Biochemistry and Physiology Stream) (98053 – BAP)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Biochemistry and Zoology Stream) (98053 – BAZ)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Botany and Microbiology Stream) (98053 – BNM)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Botany and Zoology (with Geography) Stream) (98053 – BZG)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Microbiology and Physiology Stream) (98053 – MAP)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Microbiology and Zoology Stream) (98053 – MAZ)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Physiology and Zoology Stream) (98053 – PAZ)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences Biomedical Sciences (98053 – BMI)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences Biotechnology Stream (98053 – BIT)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences Genetics and Zoology (or Botany, Microbiology,
Physiology or Biochemistry) (98053 – GZB)
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences Psychology and Physiology Stream (with Genetics) (98053 – PPG)
Bachelor of Social Work (90088)
Bachelor of Theology General (1 Major) (99305 – GEN)
Bachelor of Theology General (2 Majors) (99305 – GE2)
Bachelor of Theology General (4 Half Majors) (99305 – GE4)

Higher Certificates

Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences (98201)
Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare (90098)
Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management (98577)
Higher Certificate in Banking (98225)
Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice (90006)
Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences (98237)
Higher Certificate in Education (90093)
Higher Certificate in Insurance (90013)
Higher Certificate in Law (98751)
Higher Certificate in Marketing (98229)
Higher Certificate in Physical Sciences (90101)
Higher Certificate in Retailing (90014)
Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (90011)
Higher Certificate in Supervisory Management (90015)
Higher Certificate in Tourism Management (98226)

Advanced Certificates

Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences (90017)

Diplomas

Diploma in Policing (98220)
Diploma in Accounting Sciences (98200)
Diploma in Administrative Management (98216)
Diploma in Animal Health (98026 – AHE)
Diploma in Corrections Management (98218)
Diploma in Explosives Management (98222)
Diploma in Human Resource Management (98211)
Diploma in Information Technology (98806 – ITE)
Diploma in Law (98750)
Diploma in Local Government Finance (90083)
Diploma in Marketing Management (98202)
Diploma in Nature Conservation (98024 – NCO)
Diploma in Ornamental Horticulture (98025 – HOR)
Diploma in Public Administration and Management (98203)
Diploma in Public Relations (90077)
Diploma in Security Management (98221)
Diploma in Small Business Management (90073)
Diploma in Tourism Management (98223)

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences Certificate in The Theory of Accounting (98230 – CTA)
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences Financial Accounting (98230 – FAC)
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences Internal Auditing (98230 – AUI)
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences Management Accounting (98230 – MAC)
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences Taxation (98230 – TAX)
Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management (98027)
Advanced Diploma in Animal Health (90112)
Advanced Diploma in Education in Intermediate Phase Mathematics Teaching (90113)
Advanced Diploma in Information Resource Management (90007)
Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation (98028)
Advanced Diploma in Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture (90094)
Advanced Diploma in Security Management (98235)

Unisa short courses

Unisa’s Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) focus on “just in time” and “just enough” learning to meet a specific learning need to be identified by society. They are offered by different centres within the university – each with their own processes, rules and contact details.

Professional Practice Framework for Internal Auditor
Financial and Accounting Principles for Public Entities
Introduction to Performance Auditing
Introduction to the Internal Audit Process
Managing Health and Nutrition in Adverse Conditions
Introduction to Agribusiness Management
Community Asset Mapping for Change
Environmental Law and Liabilities for the Regulated Community
Environmental Law & Environmental Management Legal Enforcement
Barista Skills
Blended-learning Studies
Business Management
Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Public Administration and Management
School of Business Leadership
Decision Sciences
Transport Economics, Logistics, and Tourism
Business Law
Criminological Sciences
Applied Criminal Justice

Unisa courses and fees

Fees charged for the courses offered by UNISA is much lower than other educational institutions. The fees charged depends on your qualifications and the number of modules you have chosen.

The average fees that you will pay for between four and six modules will between *R1 470,00 and *R3 800,00 per module.

You should understand that the module costs are not inclusive of prescribed books. Therefore, you should factor in the costs of the books in your calculation of the total costs of the study. Unisa short courses fees will be charged just like other courses.

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Did you know : International Scholarships 2024

There are several international scholarships available for South Africans to study abroad. Here are a few examples:

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program: This program provides fully funded scholarships to study at selected universities in Africa, Europe, and North America. It is open to African students, including South Africans, who are committed to giving back to their communities.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including South Africa. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright program offers scholarships for South Africans to study at U.S. universities for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
Erasmus+ Programme: The Erasmus+ programme offers scholarships for South Africans to study in Europe for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
Australia Awards Scholarships: The Australian government offers scholarships for South Africans to study at Australian universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.

These are just a few examples of the many international scholarships available to South Africans. It is important to research the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each scholarship program.

University of South Africa (Unisa) Courses and Fees