Frequently asked questions

 What qualifications do I need in order to register at Unisa?

The minimum qualification required is a certificate of full matriculation or conditional matriculation endorsement. However, should you want to study towards a specialized degree, it is suggested that you read the entry requirements in the faculty brochure of the intended degree.

The faculty brochure can be obtained from the IACI address.

If you do not have the required qualifications for the your chosen degree, Unisa offers access courses in such cases. Once you pass the access course, you will be able to register for your chosen degree. 

United States of America

Type of Exemption

• High School Graduation Diploma accompanied by certificate of eligibility for admission to study at any US university with a valid senior college accreditation issued by any of the following accreditation bodies: ACICS, MSA, NASC, NCA, NEASC,-CIHE, SACS-CC, WASC-Sr
• American High School Diploma with at least two subjects passed on grades 3, 4 or 5 for the Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations of American College Board.
• Candidates unable to submit letters of eligibility for degree purposes at appropriately accredited US university: SAT score of 1050 with Sub minimum of 500 for either the verbal or mathematics scores.or
• English and one of Physics or Chemistry with sub minimum of 500 for the English and the Physics/Chemistry score ;or
• As from March 2005 a New SAT score of 1600 with a sub-minimum of 550 for Critical Reading and 500 for Mathematics and 500 for the Writing section.;or
• An ACT mean of 22 with 22 sub minimum in English and 21 in Mathematics.
• General Education Diploma (GED) accompanied by letter of admission from an accredited US university or SAT scores as indicated above
• Mature Age*

Qualification

• Schooling system totally decentralized, hence universities generally require Standardized Aptitude Test (SAT) score to determine eligibility for admission
• Not a formal school qualification

Note: If you are 23 years of age and older, a General Education Diploma (GED) will be acceptable for registration.

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1. What does the Tuition fees pay for?

The registration fee covers the following:

• the examination, and assignment mark
• the study material – this includes tutorial letters, study guides, and stationery (e.g. writing pads, assignment envelopes)

IACI will assist you with:

• Unisa catalogues and student regulations
• Tuition payment in foreign funds
• Registration
• Examination Venues

Note: you will have to purchase all your prescribed books since Unisa is a distance learning institution.

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2. How do I finance my studies?

Finances are available by applying to the Student Assistance Program in your province (e.g. Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), British Columbia Student Assistance Program (BCSAP)).

A great advantage of studying at Unisa is that it costs less than half the fees paid at a residential university.

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3. Whom should I contact for help with career planning or course planning?

We invite you to write, phone, or e-mail your request to us. Best link to: http://www.IACI.com/requestinfo.php and submit the info webpage so we may serve you better.

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4. What should I do if I need help with my study skills?

Many students do not learn how to study in a structured and organized way. There is no single studying method that will solve all your problems – effective studying is a different process for each individual. Unisa offers a memory improvement program, which you can work on using your own computer. An alternative would be to contact Unisa or IACI by e-mail.

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5. What is the difference between part-time study and full-time study?

Most of Unisa’s students hold jobs and other responsibilities that take up the bulk of their time. As a result, these students may enroll in only a few courses or modules to complete in their spare time (part-time study). Full-time students are regarded as those who are registered for a more heavier workload (e.g. four to five courses or eight to ten modules per year).

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6. What are tutorials?

Tutorials are organized by the learning centers of the Department of Student Support. They are held in South Africa, where the course material is discussed between a tutor and other students. Summaries will be sent to you by mail.

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7. How much time will I need to spend on my studies?

In order to succeed, proper time management is essential. You need to use the time at your disposal in a very disciplined way. We recommend that you do not enroll for more than three courses or four to six modules in your first year of study. This will depend on the specific requirements of each faculty. Aim to pass all the courses that you have registered for, so do not overload yourself by taking on too many courses.

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8. Can I contact my lecturers?

All lecturers can be contacted via the Internet through Unisa’s “Student OnLine” service (SOL). The lecturers will guide you on how to:

• get an overview of the study material
• make notes
• identify key words
• write assignments
• review or think over what you have studied

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9. Modules, Semester, Examinations, Registration
   • First semester modules Application: July to mid-October of the year preceding registration
   Registration: December and January
   Examinations: May/June
    
   • Second semester modules Application: March and April
   Registration: June and July
   Examinations: October/November
    
   • Year modules Application: July to mid-October of the year preceding registration
   Registration: December to February
   Examinations: October/November
    
   • Honors modules
   Structured master’s degree modules
   Application: July to mid-October of the year preceding registration
   Registration: December to February
   Examinations: January of the following year
    
   • Research master’s and doctoral degrees Application: All year
   Registration: July to March

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10. How long do I have to complete my qualifications?

    Approved qualification  duration	You must complete the qualification within
    2 years	5 years
    3 years	8 years
    4 years	10 years

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11.  For how many modules may I register in one academic year?

    You may not register for more than 60 NQF credits in a semester, that is, not more than 5 modules per semester of 12

    Students registering for year modules may not register for more than 120 NQF credits per year.

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12. How many modules must I pass annually to avoid academic exclusion?

    In your first year of study: 3 modules per semester, and 2 per annually modules.

    In your second or further years of study: 4 modules per semester, and 3 per annually modules.

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13. Can I transfer from another university to Unisa?

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