
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a globally connected and engaged university with industry-informed teaching and research. It is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest-standing dedicated distance education university in the world, enrolling nearly one-third of all South African students. UNISA offers both vocational and academic programmes, many of which have received international accreditation. The university is recognised by the South African Department of Education (DoE) and accredited by the South African Council on Higher Education (CHE). It is also listed in the International Handbook of Universities published by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). With its high-quality education and extensive geographical footprint, UNISA provides its students with recognition and employability worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University Type | Comprehensive university offering both vocational and academic programs |
| Recognition | Listed in the International Handbook of Universities published by UNESCO, International Handbook of Universities of 1998, Commonwealth Universities Handbook of 1999, Member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU 2018) |
| Accreditation | Internationally accredited qualifications, Recognised by the South African Department of Education (DoE), Accredited by the South African Council on Higher Education (CHE), All qualifications are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) |
| Ranking | Top 10 in Australia for Quality Education and Experience, Top 10 in Australia for Graduate Skills, #1 Young University in Australia for Industry Collaborations, Top 5 Young University in Australia for Research Quality, Top 5 in Australia for Quality Education, #1 in Australia for graduate employability |
| Student Population | 355,240 students enrolled in 2013 from South Africa, Africa, and other international states |
| Notable Alumni | Two Nobel Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu |
| Campuses | Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria, Sunnyside campus in Pretoria, Florida campus in Johannesburg |
| Scholarships | Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship, International Merit Scholarship, Australia Awards, US Financial Aid and Loans |
| Application Process | Online application system with ability to track progress, Application outcomes advised within one to two weeks, No application fee |
| Student Support | Wellbeing services, English language support |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Globally recognised qualifications
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is a globally recognised university with industry-informed teaching and research. It is the top young university in Australia for industry collaborations and ranks in the top 10 for quality education and experience, graduate skills, and research quality. UniSA's research is inspired by challenges and connected to both industry and community needs. The university is also Australia's youngest university with a five-star rating for excellence.
UniSA offers a wide range of world-class degrees that are recognised and valued worldwide. The university's qualifications are accredited and registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the South African Council on Higher Education (CHE). The university operates in accordance with the Higher Education Act 1997, ensuring that its qualifications are credible and compliant with the necessary regulations.
Internationally, UniSA is listed in prestigious publications such as the International Handbook of Universities, the Commonwealth Universities Handbook, and the International Handbook of Universities. The university's qualifications are also recognised through mutual recognition agreements between qualification authorities. This ensures that UniSA's degrees are respected and accepted globally.
The University of South Australia is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that equips them with the skills and knowledge to succeed anywhere in the world. The university's innovative approach to teaching and research ensures that students graduate with globally recognised qualifications that open doors to numerous opportunities.
With its strong reputation, extensive industry connections, and commitment to excellence, the University of South Australia is an excellent choice for international students seeking globally recognised qualifications. UniSA's degrees are designed to provide students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in a global context, making it a valuable option for those seeking an internationally recognised education.
Working Full-Time as an International Student: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Employability and recognition
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is a globally recognised university with industry-informed teaching and research. It is the top university in Australia for graduate employability, according to the QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey (2020-22). UniSA's degrees are designed with a strong professional emphasis and in partnership with industries, giving students the opportunity to gain practical skills and graduate career-ready.
UniSA is the number one young university in Australia for industry collaborations, according to the 2023 and 2024 THE Young University Rankings. It is also in the top five in Australia for research quality, with 100% of assessed research rated at or above world-class. The university's research is inspired by challenges and connected to both industry and community needs.
UniSA is also Australia's youngest university with a five-star rating for excellence. It offers over 200 world-class degrees and is globally recognised for its teaching, research, and facilities. The university has been continuously providing high-quality, efficiency-driven tools for students and teachers, such as data services for accessing its virtual education environment.
UniSA is listed in the Commonwealth Universities Handbook of 1999 and the International Handbook of Universities of 1998. It is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU 2018). The qualifications offered by the College of Science, Engineering and Technology are accredited internationally through the accreditation by the Engineering Council of South Africa under the Dublin and Sydney Accords.
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest-standing dedicated distance education university in the world. It enrols nearly one-third of all South African students and has an extensive geographical footprint, providing its students with recognition and employability in many countries.
Working While Studying in China: What International Students Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Scholarships and bursaries
The University of South Australia (UniSA) offers various scholarships and bursaries to support international students in their academic pursuits. One notable opportunity is the International Merit Scholarship, which is designed for high-achieving international students who demonstrate academic excellence and meet the eligibility criteria. This scholarship provides a 15% reduction in tuition fees for successful applicants, encouraging academic excellence and supporting students in their studies.
To be eligible for the International Merit Scholarship, prospective students must meet specific requirements. They should be eligible to study in Australia and have not accepted any other UniSA scholarships or bursaries. Additionally, applicants need to meet the normal degree admission requirements for their chosen program and have achieved a UniSA equivalent of a credit average (Grade Point Average - GPA) of 5.0 or above in previous studies. It is important to note that this scholarship is only applicable to students studying onshore in Australia.
Another scholarship available to international students is the Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship. While specific details about this opportunity are not readily available, it is mentioned alongside other prestigious scholarships and is likely to be highly competitive and sought-after.
In addition to scholarships, UniSA also offers postgraduate bursaries to provide financial support to students pursuing postgraduate diplomas, honours, masters, or doctoral programs. The application process for these bursaries is communicated through Q&A sessions, where students can learn about the eligibility criteria, application process, and refund policies.
Furthermore, the South Australian Institute of Business and Technology (SAIBT), which is associated with UniSA, offers the Next Generation 15% Scholarship to new international offshore applicants packaged with a Diploma. To be eligible, students must hold a current student visa and meet the academic and English entry requirements for their chosen program. This scholarship is applied as a credit to the student's account in the second study period. However, it is important to note that recipients of this scholarship are not entitled to any other scholarships or bursaries.
International Students: Why the Higher Tuition Fees?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Student experience and support
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is a globally connected and engaged university with industry-informed teaching and research. It is ranked in the top 10 in Australia for quality education and experience, with 100% of assessed research rated at or above world-class levels. The university is young and innovative, offering students the chance to gain real-world experience. Degrees are designed with a strong professional emphasis and in partnership with industries, giving students opportunities to gain practical skills and graduate career-ready.
UniSA is Australia's youngest university with a five-star rating for excellence. It offers a choice of over 200 world-class degrees and is globally recognised for its teaching, research, and facilities. The university is also ranked #1 in Australia for graduate employability in the QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey 2020-22.
UniSA has a simple online application process for international students. The university does not charge an application fee, and bursaries are available for international students from their second year of study.
UniSA has an extensive geographical footprint, providing its students with recognition and employability in many countries worldwide. It is listed in the Commonwealth Universities Handbook of 1999 and the International Handbook of Universities of 1998. The university is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The qualifications offered by the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology are accredited internationally through the Engineering Council of South Africa under the Dublin and Sydney Accords.
With nearly one-third of all South African students enrolled, UNISA is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest-standing dedicated distance education university in the world. The university has continuously provided high-quality, efficiency-driven tools for students and teachers, such as data services to access its virtual education environment.
Full Scholarships at UC Berkeley: Transferring International Students' Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$11.97

Industry-informed teaching and research
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is a globally connected and engaged university with industry-informed teaching and research that is inventive and adventurous. UniSA is ranked in the top 10 in Australia for quality education and experience, with 100% of assessed research rated at or above world-class. The university is young and innovative, offering students the chance to gain real-world experience.
UniSA's degrees are designed in partnership with industry, with a strong professional emphasis. This gives students the opportunity to develop practical skills and graduate career-ready. The university's graduates are equipped to be global citizens who can create and respond to change.
UniSA is the top young university in Australia for industry collaborations, with a five-star rating for excellence. It offers a choice of over 200 world-class degrees and is globally recognised for its teaching, research, and facilities. The university's research is inspired by challenges and is connected to both industry and community needs.
UniSA has a long history of providing high-quality, efficiency-driven tools for students and teachers. It has embraced digital transformation, facilitated high scientific research output, and enhanced the open and distance learning experience through strategic partnerships. Notable partnerships include the Times Higher Education – University of South Africa on University Impact Forum: Quality Education, which aims to develop quality education in Africa to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4.
With a large geographical footprint, UniSA provides its students with recognition and employability in many countries worldwide. The university has produced notable alumni, including two Nobel Prize winners: Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
How International Students File Taxes with TurboTax
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is a globally connected university with industry-informed teaching and inventive research. It is ranked in the top 10 in Australia for quality education and experience and is Australia's youngest university with a five-star rating for excellence. UniSA offers over 200 world-class degrees and is recognised for its teaching, research, and facilities.
International students must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree or its international equivalent, and/or have equivalent professional work experience. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need to apply through a registered UniSA education agent.
UniSA offers various scholarships for international students, including the Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship and the International Merit Scholarship. Bursaries are also available for international students starting from their second year of study.
International students can apply online through UniSA's International Application System, which allows applicants to track their application progress and download offer documents. Application outcomes are typically advised within one to two weeks of receiving the application and all required supporting documentation.











































