About the University of South Africa

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is a comprehensive, open, distance and e-learning (CODeL) institution that offers internationally accredited qualifications and has world-class resources. Its vision is to be “the African university that shapes futures in the service of humanity”, providing answers to Africa’s educational and developmental problems.

Founded in 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope, Unisa was initially an examining body for higher education. In 1916, it changed its name to the University of South Africa and in 1918 relocated to Pretoria. It prides itself on pioneering tertiary education in South Africa as other universities were born out of Unisa. 

In 1946, Unisa became one of the first public universities in the world to teach exclusively by distance education and is today widely recognised as a leading CODeL university. But like all other universities in the 21st century, Unisa understands that it is functioning in a VUCA world, a fast-paced environment dictated by disruptive technologies which can be harnessed to catapult the university into a truly digital future.

Unisa offers a range of accredited study choices, including certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate qualifications, master’s and doctoral degrees across nine colleges. In addition, Unisa offers a wide range of short courses and certificate programmes. With close to 400,000 students, Unisa is the largest university in South Africa and on the African continent. It enrols almost 30 per cent of all higher education students in South Africa and attracts more than a million applications each year. 

With offices across South Africa and students from more than 100 countries, Unisa has a global reach and is the only higher education institution in South Africa to carry the name of the country. It is the people’s university in every sense of the word and is perhaps the only university in South Africa to have provided all people with access to education, irrespective of race, sex, colour or creed.

Unisa’s scenic main campus in Pretoria, Tshwane, is supplemented by a dedicated student campus, Sunnyside campus (also in the city), a science campus in Johannesburg and the Graduate School of Business Leadership in Midrand. 

Unisa’s research efforts have won numerous awards, recognitions and honours. It has more than 240 researchers with National Research Foundation ratings. It also places great importance on the celebration and promotion of African arts and culture, and is proud of the contributions it has made to society in South Africa and on the African continent.

 Visit Unisa's website