The University of South Africa (Unisa), the only higher education institution to carry the name of the country, is the people’s university in every sense of the word. Throughout its history, spanning more than 15 decades, Unisa has responded to the developments brought about by changing times, the needs of a developing country and society at large, and an ever-evolving higher education environment. This was achieved through ongoing and dynamic transitioning. Unisa’s journey has been one of continuous growth and transformation, aimed at shaping tomorrow through education. Located at the southern tip of Africa, Unisa takes pride in its identity and has the interests of the continent at heart.

Through its teaching and learning, relevant research and innovation, and engaged scholarship initiatives, the university acknowledges its African roots and acts on the needs of South Africa and the continent. As a comprehensive university, Unisa offers both vocational and academic programmes from undergraduate and postgraduate certificates and diplomas to degrees, including postgraduate diplomas, master’s and doctoral qualifications. Unisa also offers short learning programmes targeting specific needs of industry and civil society.

As an open distance learning pioneer, Unisa is known for delivering well-designed, interactive study material. A wide-ranging menu of support services caters for the needs of its diverse student population and includes tutorials, peer group support, video conferences and satellite broadcasts to a virtual learning environment. Unisa’s “classroom”, known as myUnisa, allows students to engage with their lecturers and e-tutors and to participate in discussion forums and wikis, among others. Students can enrol for learning programmes in a wide spectrum of disciplines.

Unisa has eight colleges and a business school, comprising of the following:

College of Accounting Sciences

College of Agriculture and

Environmental Sciences

College of Economic

and Management Sciences

College of Education

College of Human Sciences

College of Law

College of Science,

Engineering and Technology

College of Graduate Studies

Graduate School of Business Leadership

Unisa has identified ten catalytic niche areas that will not only activate and enhance the institution’s academic agenda but also intensify academics’ experiences as engaged scholars who refuse to be academic pies in the sky; scholars who will care to address the needs of our society.

Unisa’s ten catalytic niche areas:

Marine Studies

Aviation and Aeronautical Studies

Automotive Studies

Energy Studies

Space Studies and the Square Kilometre Array

Fourth Industrial Revolution and Digitalisation

Biotechnological Studies

Health/Pharmaceutical Studies

Feminist/Womanist/Bosadi Theorisations

Student Support and Co-curricular Activities

Unisa has a vibrant and dynamic research culture, and its strong transformative agenda encourages a creative approach to new ways of knowing. Here academics and postgraduate students are committed to finding research and innovative solutions that will address important national and global questions, and contribute to the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of South Africa and the African continent.

The Unisa community is inspired by its vision to become the African university shaping futures in the service of humanity. Our vision defines everything that we do. It describes our wish to serve every country on the African continent and the broader global community while transcending language and cultural barriers. We are 100% committed to the communities and individuals we serve.