Unisa offers a standalone Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (code 90180). It needs a National Senior Certificate with degree endorsement and at least 50% in English, or one of the other routes Unisa lists. The qualification is NQF level 7, 360 credits, with a listed APS of 20.
Applications for the 2027 academic year closed on 9 October 2026, so check the Unisa BA Psychology page for the next cycle. The degree alone does not make you a psychologist: professional registration is handled by the HPCSA.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Qualification: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (90180), NQF level 7, 360 credits
- School-leaver route: NSC with degree endorsement and at least 50% in English
- Listed APS: 20
- Maximum time to complete: 8 years
- Application fee: R160 for online applications, non-refundable
- Place: not guaranteed, because some qualifications have limited spaces
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
For the 2027 intake, Unisa accepts any of the following for the BA in Psychology.
- A National Senior Certificate (degree endorsement) with at least 50% in English
- A National Certificate (Vocational) with at least 50% in English
- A Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption, with a D on Higher Grade or a C on Standard Grade in English
- A completed Higher Certificate at NQF level 5
Unisa also has a recognition of prior learning route for applicants who are at least 23 years old, have completed at least Grade 10 and have at least five years of relevant work experience. See the qualification page for the full wording.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Unisa calculates its APS on the NSC 1 to 7 scale using six recognised 20-credit subjects, to a maximum of 42. Life Orientation is a 10-credit subject and is excluded. The BA in Psychology lists an APS of 20.
The entry requirements Unisa lists for this degree set an English mark but no Mathematics mark. Unisa states that meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place for 2027 (general admission requirements).
Documents and Application Requirements
All Unisa applications are online, with a non-refundable fee of R160. Unisa lists the documents it needs during the online application, so work from the Unisa application page. Have the certificate or transcript for the route you are using ready. If you apply through the recognition of prior learning route, you will also need to show your work experience.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
The 2027 undergraduate window ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026 and has closed.
Postgraduate study is more selective. Unisa’s 2024 Honours brochure asks for an appropriate Bachelor’s degree with Psychology as a major and an average of 60% or more for Psychology 3, and states that students below 60% are not admitted. The department’s FAQ says Honours admission is subject to enrolment management (Unisa Psychology FAQs). Check the current Honours requirements with Unisa before you plan around them.
Unisa’s brochure also states that its Honours degree is an academic qualification and is not registered with the HPCSA as an applied professional qualification, so it does not on its own lead to registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Unisa psychology requirements?
An NSC with degree endorsement and at least 50% in English (listed APS 20), or an accepted alternative such as a National Certificate (Vocational) with 50% in English or a completed NQF level 5 Higher Certificate.
Can I study psychology as a standalone degree at Unisa?
Yes. Unisa lists a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (90180) as a 360-credit degree. Psychology is also available as a major in combined BA degrees.
What are the psychology course requirements in general?
They differ by institution. At Unisa, the BA in Psychology sets an English mark and an APS. Check the entry requirements of any other university you are considering.
Do I need Mathematics?
The requirements Unisa lists for the BA in Psychology do not include a Mathematics mark.
How do I become a psychologist?
The HPCSA Professional Board for Psychology registers psychologists in eight categories: Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Industrial, Neuropsychology, Research, Psychometry and Registered Counsellor. Each has its own training requirements, so confirm the route for your category with the HPCSA.
Are there shorter registration routes?
Psychometry and Registered Counsellor are separate HPCSA categories. Unisa’s 2024 brochure says registration as a counsellor needs a B.Psych equivalent plus a six-month internship. Confirm the current requirements with the HPCSA. The 2026/27 annual fee (including VAT) is R1 383 for a psychometrist or registered counsellor and R2 696 for a psychologist, per Board Notice 870 of 9 January 2026.
Confirm current requirements with Unisa and registration with the HPCSA. See UNISA courses and requirements, admission requirements and browse all education requirements.