University of South Africa (UNISA)

The University of South Africa is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest-standing dedicated distance education university in the world. With more than 370,000 students, it is the largest university on the continent and enrols close to a third of all South African students.

Founded in 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope through an Act of the Cape Colony Parliament and modelled on the University of London, it operated initially as an examining body — setting standards and conducting examinations for affiliated colleges rather than teaching. In 1946 it became the first public university in the world to teach exclusively at a distance.

UNISA offers programmes across eight colleges, supported by seven regional campuses, 28 learning centres across South Africa, and an international campus in Ethiopia.