This time of year many thousands of young people (and some older people) are scrambling to apply to Unisa and secure one of the limited places on the courses that are available.
You need to apply before the closing date and then follow all the correct procedures. Unfortunately whenever there are people who are desperate to secure one of a limited number of spaces, there are scammers who will try to make some money.
Unisa has issued an official warning to prospective students and others to be on the look out for a fake poster that is being spread on social media accounts.
You should always remember that on social media anyone can setup an account that looks like it is linked to the official organisation, even when it isn't. It's also easy to copy a corporate logo and paste it onto a message.
Fake Poster on Social Media
The fake poster on the social media accounts promises to give guaranteed registration to applicants who were denied places on Unisa courses even though they had the relevant marks to qualify. The fake poster also says that it can 'guarantee' places on courses to applicants who were on waiting lists.
The fake poster gives a cellphone number which is not linked to Unisa at all. Anyone who phones the number is promised acceptance if they pay money into a bank account that the fraudsters provide to them.
As often happens with scams, the message concludes with a message to act quickly to avoid disappointment.
It is very important that when communicating with Unisa you only use the official Unisa channels. The official phone number is 0800 001 870 and the official email address is [email protected]
Do not contact Unisa via any other cellphone number.
Ten Interesting Facts About Unisa
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Historical Significance: Established in 1873, Unisa is one of the oldest universities in South Africa. It originally started as the University of the Cape of Good Hope.
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Pioneering Distance Education: Unisa became one of the world's first dedicated distance education universities in 1946. This shift revolutionized access to higher education, particularly in South Africa.
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Large Student Population: Unisa is known for its massive student enrollment. It is one of the largest universities worldwide in terms of the number of students, with hundreds of thousands of students enrolled.
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Diverse Student Body: With its distance learning model, Unisa attracts a diverse student population from across Africa and around the world, making it a melting pot of cultures and ideas.
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Influential Alumni: Unisa boasts an impressive list of alumni, including Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela and former South African President Thabo Mbeki, among other notable figures in various fields.
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Innovative Research: The university is a hub for research innovation, particularly in areas such as African politics, social sciences, and education.
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Academic Offerings: Unisa offers a wide range of programs across its colleges, including Accounting Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Graduate Studies, Human Sciences, Law, Science, Engineering, and Technology.
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Environmental Commitment: The university has initiatives focused on sustainability and environmental conservation, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility and ecological awareness.
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Digital Transformation: Embracing the digital era, Unisa has invested in modernizing its teaching and learning platforms, providing digital resources and online support to its students.
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Cultural Impact: Beyond academics, Unisa plays a significant role in South African culture and society. It has been instrumental in the democratization of education in the country and continues to influence policies and debates around education and social justice.
