How Much is UNISA School Fees 2025 Academic Session – A Detailed Guide

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of the largest and most renowned distance learning institutions in the world. With over 400,000 students enrolled annually, UNISA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs to both South African and international students. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in business, law, science, education, or humanities, understanding the tuition fees at UNISA is an essential part of your educational planning.

In this article, we’ll break down the 2025 school fees for different programs at UNISA, discuss additional costs, and highlight the financial aid options available to help you manage your educational expenses.

About UNISA

Founded in 1873, UNISA has grown to become the largest university in South Africa, offering flexible learning options to students across the country and internationally. As a distance learning university, UNISA is known for its affordable tuition fees and the opportunity to study from home, which is ideal for students who need a more flexible approach to education.

UNISA offers a wide variety of qualifications, including diplomas, undergraduate degrees, honours degrees, master’s programs, and doctoral degrees. As an open distance learning institution, UNISA offers various forms of support, such as online resources, tutorials, and academic guidance, to ensure students receive a quality education.

UNISA School Fees for 2025

UNISA tuition fees are generally lower than those at traditional residential universities in South Africa. The fees depend on the program you choose to study, as well as whether you are a South African or international student.

1. Undergraduate Program Fees

UNISA’s undergraduate tuition fees for 2025 vary across different programs. Below is a general breakdown of the fees for South African students:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): The BA programs, which include majors in English, Psychology, History, Philosophy, and Sociology, cost between R6,000 to R12,000 per year. The cost depends on the number of courses you register for and the credit load.
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): The BCom programs in Accounting, Management, Economics, and Marketing typically cost between R7,500 to R15,000 annually. This includes tuition fees, study materials, and access to online resources.
• Bachelor of Science (BSc): The BSc programs in Environmental Science, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry generally range between R8,000 and R15,000 per year, depending on the course load and any additional laboratory fees.
• Bachelor of Education (BEd): The BEd program, designed for students wishing to pursue a career in teaching, typically costs between R6,500 and R14,000 per year. Fees may vary based on the number of subjects or specializations you choose.
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB): The LLB program costs between R12,000 to R20,000 per year for South African students. This fee includes tuition, study materials, and access to online legal resources.

2. Postgraduate Program Fees

Postgraduate studies at UNISA are generally more expensive than undergraduate programs. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated tuition fees for 2025 for postgraduate qualifications:

• Master’s Degrees (MSc, MA): The master’s programs in Social Work, Business Administration (MBA), Science, Education, and Law typically cost between R15,000 to R40,000 per year, depending on the program and research requirements.
• Doctoral Programs (PhD): The PhD programs at UNISA cost between R35,000 and R50,000 per year. These fees include tuition, research supervision, and access to academic resources. The cost may vary depending on the length of the research program.

3. International Students Fees

International students typically pay higher tuition fees compared to South African students. The following is a general estimate of the fees for international students in 2025:

• Undergraduate Programs: For international students, undergraduate programs typically cost between R20,000 to R30,000 per year, depending on the degree and course load.
• Postgraduate Programs: Postgraduate master’s programs and doctoral programs for international students can cost between R40,000 and R60,000 per year.

4. Short Courses and Certificate Programs

UNISA offers various short courses and certificate programs that cater to professionals seeking to upgrade their skills. These programs are generally more affordable, with fees ranging from R3,000 to R10,000, depending on the course and duration.

Additional Costs to Consider

Apart from tuition fees, students should anticipate additional costs related to their studies at UNISA. These include:

1. Application Fees

All prospective students must pay an application fee when applying to UNISA. The standard application fee for South African students is R115, while international students generally pay R160.

2. Registration Fees

Once accepted into a program, students must pay a registration fee. The registration fee typically ranges between R1,000 and R2,000. It is usually paid upfront and secures your place in the program.

3. Study Materials and Textbooks

Although study materials are often provided online through myUnisa (the university’s online platform), students may still need to purchase textbooks or other learning resources for their courses. These additional costs can range between R1,000 and R3,000 per year, depending on the program.

4. Examination Fees

For most courses, examination fees are included in the tuition fees. However, if students need to resit an exam, they will incur additional charges. Re-examination fees generally range between R500 and R1,500, depending on the course.

5. Accommodation and Transport

As a distance learning institution, UNISA students generally study from home. However, students who need to attend workshops, exams, or other in-person events will need to budget for transportation and accommodation (if necessary). Transportation costs typically range from R500 to R2,000 per month, depending on the location.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UNISA offers a variety of financial aid options to help ease the financial burden of tuition and related expenses:

1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

South African students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for NSFAS funding. NSFAS covers tuition fees, study materials, and living expenses for eligible students. The application process for NSFAS funding typically opens in the second semester of the preceding year.

2. UNISA Bursaries and Scholarships

UNISA provides a range of bursaries and scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. These awards are typically based on academic merit, financial need, or both. Students should check the university’s website for specific opportunities and application deadlines.

3. Payment Plans

UNISA offers payment plans to students who may not be able to pay their fees upfront. Payment plans allow students to pay their fees in installments over the academic year. Students can contact the Student Finance Office for more information on available plans.

How to Apply to UNISA for 2025

To apply for admission to UNISA for the 2025 academic year, follow these simple steps:

1. Check Admission Requirements: Review the specific admission requirements for the program you wish to apply for, including the required academic qualifications and other criteria.
2. Complete the Application Form: Visit the UNISA website and fill out the online application form. Be sure to upload all required documents, such as your identity document, academic records, and proof of residence.
3. Pay the Application Fee: The application fee must be paid when submitting your application. This can be done via the payment methods available on the UNISA website.
4. Submit Supporting Documents: Along with the application form, submit proof of identity, academic transcripts, and any other necessary documents as outlined in the application instructions.
5. Wait for Admission Feedback: After submission, UNISA will assess your application and inform you of your admission status.

The tuition fees for UNISA in 2025 range from R6,000 to R20,000 per year for undergraduate programs, and from R15,000 to R50,000 per year for postgraduate programs, depending on the program and student status (South African or

international). In addition to tuition, students should also budget for application fees, registration fees, study materials, and transport costs.

Financial aid options, such as NSFAS funding, UNISA bursaries, and payment plans, are available to help reduce the financial burden of studying at UNISA. Interested students can apply for financial assistance through the appropriate channels.

If you are interested in applying, visit the UNISA official website to start your application for the 2025 academic year.

Apply Now to UNISA