The University of South Africa (Unisa) is an open distance e-learning university which reaches into places where other institutions do not, making a difference to everyone.
Unisa offers a combination of career-orientated courses usually associated with a university of technology, combined with general formative academic programmes typically linked to a traditional university.
This university offers many certificates, degrees and diplomas at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels.
They also give students the freedom to pursue their studies in a schedule and time frame of their choice.
So you may be wondering what the time limits are to complete a qualification, well Unisa has stated the following:
- 4 years to complete a 120-credit qualification (eg higher certificate or advanced certificate, or honours and postgraduate diploma)
- 6 years to complete a 240-credit qualification (2-year advanced certificate or diploma)
- 8 years to complete a 360-credit qualification (3-year degree or diploma)
- 10 years to complete a 480-credit qualification (4-year degree)
These limits should be taken into consideration with Unisa's academic progression rules.
These rules include the decision of the Senate to exclude students on the basis of poor academic performance.
Click here for the academic progression rules.
Students are allowed to study full-time or part-time and students make use of both online resources and study materials which are provided by Unisa. However, some courses offered at Unisa do require students to attend workshops and tutorials which take place outside their homes.
Unisa encourages students to take responsibility for planning their studies and managing their time effectively so that they have the most positive experience of the university. Despite being a distance university they do offer support to students should they struggle.
Students may also receive financial support as NSFAS funds students who attend Unisa.
