Master of Public Administration

Qualification code:	98651
Qualification type:	Coursework
NQF level:	9
Total credits:	180
SAQA ID:	5799
Rules: 4 modules, a research proposal module and a dissertation of limited scope. Student must first pass 2 modules before they are allowed to register for the research proposal module. Candidates are required to first register and comply with the requirements of the research proposal module before registration for the mini-dissertation will be allowed.
Purpose statement: The primary purpose of the qualification is to enable MPA graduates to become specialists in Public Administration by gaining in-depth, abstract knowledge in a complex area of study. A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who can synthesize information autonomously in specialised fields of study in order to provide public sector leaders who can handle contradictions and evaluate complex problems independently. A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can demonstrate specialized leadership, self-reflexivity and adaptability and play an innovative role as leaders in the public sector.

Who can register?

Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa that their application for admission has been accepted. Returning students must please check their myLife e-mails for confirmation. New Unisa students will receive confirmation via the e-mail address they provided at the time of application.
Re-registering students (who made sufficient progress during the current academic year) and students who officially deferred their studies must register online during the approved registration period for 2026.
Should you wish to start a new qualification, please apply for admission during the next application period or check whether the qualification for which you intend to apply is on the list of qualifications that you can apply for until the end of June 2026.

Registration opens	Registration opens	Registration closes	Final date for payment
Master's & doctoral qualifications	7 January 2026	31 March 2026	31 March 2026
MCompt, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Business Leadership (MBL) qualifications * All GSBL students with a 7-series student number should contact the Graduate School of Business Leadership for assistance with re-registration: www.unisa.ac.za/sbl	7 January 2026	21 February 2026	21 February 2026

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. Refer to sections 4.14 and 4.15 in the Procedures for master’s and doctoral degrees.

Coursework master's degree: A maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
Research master's degree: A maximum of three years with an option to apply for one additional year.
Doctoral degree: A maximum of six years with an option to apply for one additional year.

Both you and your supervisor are responsible for ensuring that you complete your studies within the approved duration for your qualification.

Unisa has identified the following 10 Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) to be operationalised within the colleges:

If you are interested in any of these areas, please discuss it with your supervisor to incorporate one or more of the CNAs into your studies.

Please click on the modules below to see further information (eg semester/year module, NQF level)