Unisa Registration 2026: Dates for the Second Semester Intake

Unisa is the largest open distance learning university in Africa and serves students across South Africa and beyond. 

Its flexible registration system allows students to enrol for the academic year in structured registration windows. 

The second semester intake in 2026 gives students a chance to begin or continue their studies if they could not register in the first semester. 

When Does Second Semester Registration Open and Close in 2026?

Registration for the second semester of the 2026 academic year at UNISA is scheduled to start in July 2026. 

The university has communicated the period for registering semester modules as follows:

1. Registration for undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees, and postgraduate diplomas that use semester modules will be open from 8 July 2026.
2. The closing date for second semester registrations for these qualifications is 19 July 2026.
   This registration window gives students a specific period to select and enrol for second semester modules before the deadline.

All registrations must be completed and the minimum payment made by the closing date to finalise your enrolment for semester 2. 

Registration does not become official until Unisa records the required minimum payment on your student account.

Who Can Register for Second Semester Modules?

Before you can register for second semester intake:

1. You must have applied for admission and received an acceptance offer from UNISA.
2. Returning students already admitted and continuing with their qualification will use the existing admission status to register.
3. First‑time students who were offered placement after the second semester application period can register for semester 2 modules.

If you have not yet been offered admission, you may first need to check whether your qualification is open for second semester intake and that your acceptance has been confirmed via the Unisa portal or official email communication.

How Do You Register for Second Semester Intake?

1. Visit the official Unisa registration portal.
2. Log in using your student number and password.
3. Update your contact details in the system.
4. Select the semester 2 modules you intend to study.
5. Pay the minimum initial registration fees before or on the closing date.
   Your registration is completed only when Unisa confirms your module choices and the required minimum payment has been received in the system.

What Qualifications Are Included in Second Semester Registration?

Second semester registrations apply to:

1. Undergraduate qualifications, including certificates, diplomas, and degrees that have semester modules in the second half of the year.
2. Honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas structured with semester modules.
3. Some postgraduate coursework degrees where module offerings are split across semesters.

Master’s and doctoral research qualifications typically follow a year‑long registration window and may not have a separate semester 2 registration period. 

Students in these programmes must refer to the Unisa postgraduate registration schedule for specific guidance.

When Should You Make Your Registration Payment?

You must make the minimum payment for second semester modules before the registration closing date. 

For second semester in 2026:

1. The deadline for payment aligns with the registration closing date on 19 July 2026 for semester 2 modules.
2. Unisa also advises you to use your 8‑digit student number and allocation number as the reference on your payment to avoid delays.
   Payments not received by the deadline may result in your registration being cancelled and you losing your chance to study in the second semester.

Why You Must Meet the Second Semester Deadline

Failure to register before the 19 July 2026 deadline can delay your academic progress by a full semester or even a year. This impacts:

1. Module availability for your qualification.
2. Academic progression, especially for modules with prerequisites.
3. Exam scheduling, since second semester examinations usually occur in October or November.
   Ready registration ensures you are allocated to your chosen modules and can access study material and academic support on time via myUnisa and myLife email accounts.

How to Check Your Registration Status

Once you have registered:

1. Log in to myUnisa to view your registered modules.
2. Check your myLife email for official communication from Unisa.
3. Confirm that Unisa has acknowledged your payment and module selections. Evaluation notices and study material availability are usually sent via your Unisa email or the student portal.

Unisa Contact Information for Registration Support

For help or questions about second semester registration:

• Telephone: 0800 001 870 (toll‑free)
• Email: enquire@unisa.ac.za
• Registration Portal
  Contact the Unisa Student Enquiries Centre if you experience technical issues or need module guidance.