About Unisa
Unisa is unique in South Africa's higher education environment. It is a truly national institution and the only dedicated open and distance learning education provider in the country. Unisa's size as the largest university in South Africa, as well as its resources and reach, places it in an ideal position to increase access to higher education among marginalised communities and to support high-level capacity development on the continent. Unisa has a student headcount of over 250 000, including African and international students in 137 countries worldwide.
Our
Vision
Unisa's bold vision clearly expresses its character and aims: towards the African university in the service of humanity.
Unisa is a comprehensive university that offers a combination of careeroriented
courses (usually associated with a university of technology, whose
programmes prepare students for the world of work), as well as generally
formative academic programmes (typically linked to a traditional university).
This Institution therefore offers an unparalleled range of study choices, ranging
from short courses and certificate programmes to three- and four-year
degrees or diplomas, with postgraduate studies offered to doctoral level.
Academic Community
Tuition, research and community engagement are the three core functions of higher education institutions in South Africa. In terms of tuition, Unisa has a rich tapestry of study disciplines that includes the human sciences and industry-endorsed business and management training and education, law and criminal justice, agriculture and environmental sciences, and science, engineering and technology.
Our Students
Unisa offers its students excellence, flexibility, variety and affordable education, as well as opportunities for personal growth, career development and lifelong learning. These are just some of the reasons that prompt one in three South African students at tertiary education level to study at Unisa.
One of Unisa’s greatest strengths is that it offers students opportunities to develop at their own pace, at their own place. At Unisa, students can create a meaningful future on their own terms.
Few universities have as dynamic and diverse a student profile as Unisa, particularly as regards nationality, race, cultural affiliation, gender and age group.
Learner support
Unisa offers a helping hand by ensuring that students have plenty of support, whether they need academic or tutorial support, financial aid, career guidance and counselling, administrative support or have special needs because of a disability.
Unisa utilises an innovative learner support model to enrich its students’ learning experience and academic performance. Distance learning students need appropriate academic and administrative support to remain motivated and committed to their studies.