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.

Unisa is the direct descendant of South Africa’s first university — the University of the Cape of Good Hope (UCGH), which was created in 1873 by an act of the Cape Colony’s Parliament. UCGH was modelled on the University of London, which performed no direct teaching, but rather set academic standards and examinations for associated ‘university colleges’.

After the unification of South Africa’s colonies under a single government in 1910, UCGH was mandated to oversee university colleges across the country. Renamed the ‘University of South Africa’ (Unisa) in 1916 and relocated to Pretoria in 1918, it became a dedicated examination centre for many of the institutions that stand today as South Africa’s major independent universities.

In 1946, as the last of Unisa’s colleges moved towards independence, Unisa began offering ‘postal tuition’. Since then, it has grown into one of the world’s largest distance learning institutions, with more than 400,000 students in some 130 countries.

What they do:

The three core business areas of Unisa are teaching, research and community engagement. Our world-class research is spearheaded by the Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation portfolio and community engagement by our Community Engagement and Outreach Policy. We also place great importance on the celebration and promotion of our African arts and culture through various endeavours.

Muckleneuk Campus

Preller Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0003

Sunnyside Registration Centre

Corner of Justice Mohammed Street and Steve Biko Street, Sunnyside

Source: www.unisahistory.ac.za