South Africa, University of

South Africa, University of, abbreviated UNISA, is the largest university in South Africa. Its main campuses are in Pretoria, with regional facilities throughout the country. The university originally was called the University of the Cape of Good Hope. It was established in 1873 and received its royal charter in 1877. It changed its name to the University of South Africa in 1916.

The university offers both traditional classroom education and distance education. Distance education allows students who cannot attend conventional university classes to pursue degrees through other means. At first, distance education relied heavily on mail service. Now, it also uses cable television, the Internet, and other technology. The University of South Africa offers degrees at graduate and postgraduate levels in a wide range of subjects. Course work at the university is offered in both English and Afrikaans.

The university’s website at https://www.unisa.ac.za/ offers additional information.