Top 3 Universities Offering Distance Learning in South Africa
These top 3 universities are offering distance learning courses and short programmes for post-graduates and undergraduates, here is how you can apply now.
Universities Offering Distance Learning Programmes in South Africa
Not everyone can pack their bags and move onto a university campus — but that doesn’t mean your degree dreams have to wait. In 2025, more South African universities than ever are opening their doors online through accredited distance learning programmes.
From full degrees to diplomas and short courses, you can now study from anywhere without losing out on quality or recognition.
Let’s face it — life doesn’t always give you the perfect chance to attend university in person. Whether it’s money, work, family, or just the whole “campus thing” not fitting your style, traditional university can feel like a mountain too high to climb. That’s exactly why distance learning is booming in South Africa, and it’s not your old-school correspondence course anymore.
Distance learning now means you can study a real degree from your bedroom, your local café, or even while juggling a job. It’s flexible, it’s affordable, and it’s recognized by employers.
Here’s a detailed look at the universities in South Africa offering distance learning in 2025, including their courses, faculties, and requirements.
01. UNISA Distance Learning Programmes
No list about distance learning in SA can skip Unisa — the University of South Africa. It’s the biggest open distance university on the continent, with more than 370,000 students (yes, that’s a real crowd). You can study anything from business to education to law, and the best part? You don’t have to pack your bags and move cities.
According to their official site, Unisa has modernized its systems so students can access lecture notes, submit assignments, and chat with lecturers online. They even opened applications for 2026 this August, offering a new Bachelor of Laws degree for those aiming at a legal career.
Unisa Distance Learning Courses:
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Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting Sciences
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Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase Teaching)
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Bachelor of Laws (LLB) — NEW for 2026
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Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science
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Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
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Bachelor of Public Administration
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Diploma in Marketing Management
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Diploma in Project Management
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National Diploma in Electrical Engineering
More courses and details:
Unisa Undergraduate Programmes
People who couldn’t afford campus life now hold respected degrees and work in fields like finance, education, and supply chain management — all thanks to Unisa’s distance learning.
02. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
UJ has stepped up with a solid online offering. Their UJ Online platform lets students start courses six times a year, which means you’re not stuck waiting for the traditional semester start date. Plus, they’ve got flexible payment plans if cash flow is tight.
Their online degrees cover a range of popular fields, especially business and IT — perfect if you want to jump into the digital economy.
One student from Soweto shared in a 2024 testimonial how UJ’s online courses helped her land a remote job in digital marketing without ever leaving home.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
If you are intrested in some of these online qualifications offered by UJ please have a look at UJ Online Programmes for 2025 here
APPLY BY DATE: 06 OCTOBER 2025
TO START BY: 20 OCTOBER 2025
Also look: 5 Universities Open for 2026 Applications: Undergraduates and Post-Graduates
03. University of Pretoria (UP) — Online Programmes Offered
UP’s UPOnline has been gaining traction, especially with working adults who want to keep their day jobs while studying. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses fully online, including law, education, and business management.
The university boasts interactive learning modules and access to virtual libraries, so you get a rich learning experience without the commute. In 2023, UP reported a 20% increase in online enrolments, showing a clear trend toward flexible education.
UP Online Programmes:
Next start date: 25 August 2025
Module duration: 8, 16 or multiples of 8 weeks*
Conclusion
Distance learning in South Africa has come a long way and offers a real chance to earn a credible qualification while balancing the realities of life. It’s not a second-best option anymore — it’s a smart, practical choice for many young people hungry to make their mark.
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