Unisa Online Exams 2026 Start on 29 September: What Students Need to Know

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has announced that its October/November 2026 online examination period starts on 29 September 2026.

The university is encouraging students to prepare before their examinations by using its available online-exam support resources and familiarising themselves with the latest Invigilator App process.

One important change students should know about concerns how invigilation is started in the app. The Invigilator App no longer uses a QR code to initiate invigilation. Instead, invigilation starts directly from the dropdown menu within the application.

Unisa October/November 2026 Exams: Key Information

Detail	Information
University	University of South Africa (Unisa)
Examination period	October/November 2026
Online exams start	29 September 2026
Examination format	Online examinations
Important app	Invigilator App
QR-code initiation	No longer used
New initiation method	Dropdown menu in the application
Announcement published	29 September 2026

The information above is based on Unisa’s official examination announcement published on 29 September 2026.

When Do the Unisa October/November 2026 Online Exams Start?

According to Unisa’s Examination Directorate, the October/November 2026 online examination period starts on 29 September 2026.

Students should check their individual examination information and make sure they understand the requirements applicable to their examinations.

Important Invigilator App Change

One of the most important updates in the announcement concerns the Invigilator App.

Unisa says the app no longer uses a QR code to initiate invigilation.

Instead, students will start invigilation directly from the dropdown menu in the application. The university directs students to its Student User Guide for detailed instructions.

This means students who previously relied on instructions involving a QR code should make sure they are using the latest guidance before their examination.

Unisa Provides Online Examination Support Resources

Unisa has made several resources available to help students prepare for online examinations.

The university specifically highlights:

• Student Training Programme: Basic Skills in Online Exams
• Step-by-Step Guide for Online Examinations
• Student User Guide for the Invigilator App

These resources are intended to help students become familiar with the online examination process and the tools they will use.

Students should work through the relevant guidance before their examination rather than waiting until the examination session begins.

What Should Unisa Students Do Before Their Exam?

Students preparing for an October/November 2026 online examination should make sure they understand the current examination instructions.

In particular, students should:

1. Review Unisa’s online examination support resources.
2. Read the latest step-by-step examination guidance.
3. Familiarise themselves with the Invigilator App.
4. Note that QR-code initiation is no longer used.
5. Check the Student User Guide for instructions on starting invigilation.
6. Make sure they understand the procedures before their examination begins.

These preparation steps are based on Unisa’s current announcement and are intended to help students become familiar with the university’s online examination process.

What Has Changed in the Invigilator App?

The key change announced by Unisa is straightforward:

Previous process: QR code used to initiate invigilation.

Current process: Invigilation starts from the dropdown menu within the Invigilator App.

Students should therefore follow the latest Unisa instructions rather than older examination guidance that refers to QR-code initiation.

Why Students Should Check the Latest Instructions

Online examination procedures can depend on the university’s current systems and instructions.

Using outdated guidance could cause confusion during an examination, particularly if the student expects to find an older QR-code process.

Unisa is specifically encouraging students to familiarise themselves with the guidelines and tools ahead of their examinations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do Unisa’s October/November 2026 online exams start?

The October/November 2026 online examination period starts on 29 September 2026, according to Unisa’s Examination Directorate.

Does the Invigilator App still use a QR code?

No. Unisa says the Invigilator App no longer uses a QR code to initiate invigilation. Students should start invigilation from the dropdown menu in the application.

Where can students find help with online examinations?

Unisa has provided a Student Training Programme: Basic Skills in Online Exams, a Step-by-Step Guide for Online Examinations and a Student User Guide for the Invigilator App.

When was the examination announcement published?

Unisa published the announcement on 29 September 2026.

Final Reminder for Unisa Students

The October/November 2026 online examination period has started, with Unisa confirming 29 September 2026 as the start date.

Students should use the university’s latest examination resources and pay particular attention to the updated Invigilator App process.

Most importantly, do not rely on old QR-code instructions for starting invigilation. Unisa says the process now starts through the application’s dropdown menu.

Official Source

Unisa — October/November 2026 online examination announcement

The official announcement confirms the 29 September 2026 start date and the Invigilator App change.

Last Checked Date

30 September 2026

Author/Updated Information

Written by: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Published: 30 September 2026
Updated: 30 September 2026
Information checked: 30 September 2026