Quick Summary
University of South Africa is a public open distance learning (odl) founded in 1873, located in Pretoria, South Africa. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 370000 students including 9% from outside South Africa. Known for strengths in Education, Law, Accounting and Finance, it maintains an acceptance rate of 75%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the largest university system in Africa, offering flexibility for working professionals and affordable tuition fees.
Subject Strengths
EducationLawAccounting and FinanceDevelopment Studies
Founded1873
TypePublic Open Distance Learning (ODL)
Total Students370000
Intl Students9%
Faculty Ratio185
CampusUrban/Remote (Distance Learning)
Campus SizeMultiple regional centers
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationDepartment of Higher Education and Training (DHET), CHE, SAQA
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#801-1000
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Higher Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor Degrees, Honours Degrees, Master's Degrees, Doctoral Degrees
Programs
Doctor of Philosophy in Law, Education, Science, Agriculture, Engineering, Human Sciences
PhD Programs
All programs are offered through Open Distance eLearning (ODeL)
Online Programs
Institute for Social and Health Sciences, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), CHE, SAQA
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate75%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL88
Min GPA2.5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · September 30 (for Semester 1)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · July 31 (for Semester 2)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Ensure all documents are certified. Pay the application fee immediately to initiate processing. Check specific college requirements as they vary by faculty.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in South African Rand
UG Tuition
R28,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Living Cost
R100,000/yr
per year · ZAR
PG Tuition
R40,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Application Fee
$10
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R128,135/yr
tuition + living + essentials · ZAR
Scholarships AvailableUnisa Merit Bursaries, NSFAS, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)
Avg Scholarship$1,200
Financial AidAvailable through NSFAS for qualifying South African citizens
Work-StudyLimited student assistant roles available at regional offices
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Higher Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor Degrees, Honours Degrees, Master's Degrees, Doctoral Degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Bachelor of Commerce | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Bachelor of Education | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| BA in Psychology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$18,000
Average Salary After Graduation
78%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementVaries by department; strong in Education and Accounting
Industry Connections
Strong links with SAICALaw Society of South Africaand various African government bodies
Notable Alumni
Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Cyril Ramaphosa, Thabo Mbeki
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Not Available
Sports Facilities
Limited regional sports clubs
Student Clubs
Unisa Radio, Student Representative Council (SRC), Academic Societies
Library Resources
Massive digital library, physical collections in Pretoria and regional hubs
Exchange Programs
Available through African Union and international ODL networks
Summer Programs
Not Available