The University of South Africa, also known as Unisa, is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest standing dedicated distance education university in the world. We enrol nearly one-third of all South African students.
Founded in 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope, the institution became the first public university in the world to teach exclusively by means of distance education in 1946. Throughout the years, Unisa was perhaps the only university in South Africa to have provided all people with access to education, irrespective of race, colour or creed. This vibrant past is mirrored in our rich history, more particularly our massive and impressive database of alumni, some of whom are to be found in the most senior levels of society across the world.
Given our rootedness in South Africa and the African continent, Unisa today can truly claim to be the African university in the service of humanity.
We have embraced the fact that we need to adapt quickly to the fast-paced higher education environment of the 21st century and this is reflected in our management style and leadership practice. In addition, one of our main aims is to harness the new and emerging potential in information and communication technology to catapult the university into a truly digital future.
We offer an unparalleled range of study choices, ranging from short courses and certificate programmes to three-and four-year degrees and diplomas, to over 400 000 current students. As one of the leading research institutions on the continent, our research efforts have won us numerous awards, recognitions and honours.
Through our efforts we contribute to the knowledge and information society, advance development, nurture a critical citizenry and ensure global sustainability.
Structural barriers such as inaccessible infrastructure and lack of transport options affect South Africa’s reputation as a disability-friendly country.
A woman receives free diabetes blood test on 26 April, 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Donwilson Odhiambo/Getty Images
Many African food groups significantly reduce oxidative stress linked to type 2 diabetes and lower the production of inflammatory markers.
John Steenhuisen, leader of South Africa’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), ahead of the 2024 elections.
Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images
A new DA leader will have implications for the party’s relationship with President Cyril Ramaphosa as well as the government of national unity.
Para especialista sul-africano, investimentos do governo em desenvolvimento social, expansão de infraestruturas e serviços e programas de educação digital fizeram o Brasil avançar bem no setor mais que outros países de média renda.
Image Flow/Shutterstock
A presidência sul-africana do G20 tentou avançar nas questões da desigualdade digital, dos altos custos dos dados e da banda larga, mas enfrentou oposição dos EUA de Trump
South Africa’s G20 presidency’s Digital Economy working group tried to make progress on digital inequality, high data costs and weak broadband. How did they do?
The use of social media to access health information is common among young South Africans.
Getty Images
A standard definition of recidivism would make it possible to identify what works to reduce reoffending.
The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance has lobbied for decades for a special clinic to treat victims of oil refinery and other industrial pollution.
Courtesy SDCEA
Teachers need help to talk to learners about sexual health topics.
High school students talk to each other after class in Johannesburg the day before South African elections on 28 May 2024.
Photo by MICHELE SPATARI/AFP via Getty Images)