Unisa registration for Semester 2 of 2020 for undergraduate studies, postgraduate studies, and honours degrees open from 9 June 2020. Learn more on all you need to know on the when and how to register for a qualification at Unisa.
First – Apply to Study at Unisa
Let’s first get this out of the way – many applicants get confused when it comes to navigating the Unisa website. There are 2 sections to the website: Application and Registration.
The Unisa Application section is where students can search for a qualification it is that they want to study as well as determine its availability (via the Unisa Application Tool website). Also, it’s associated with the colour red.
On the other hand, the Unisa Registration section looks similar to the Applications section. One major difference between the websites is that it’s blue instead of red. On the website, students can choose their modules for the qualification that they applied for, but more on that later…
Unisa has an open application policy which was first introduced in late 2019. Because of this, applicants can apply for a qualification at any time during the year (once per semester). This came as a welcome addition for applicants who missed out on applying in previous semesters. However, not everyone who applied to study at Unisa is successful.
Students who can apply for a Unisa qualification include:
- First-time Unisa applicants;
- Unisa students changing to a new qualification/specialisation;
- Applicants who had applied for admission and were not offered a space/were offered a space and failed to register; or
- Students completing a higher certificate or alternative pathway / extended programme.
To successfully apply, students would have to meet standards set by the university. Rejected applications to study at Unisa can result from one of the following reasons:
- An over-subscription for a specific qualification;
- Not meeting the admission requirements or APS of a qualification; or
- Applying during the registration period.
Not everyone who applies to study at Unisa can study at the university, especially if a qualification is full.
Furthermore, students would need to apply within a period of time where they have at least 15 weeks for semester modules or 30 weeks for year modules available for study. Applicants can only apply for a maximum of two qualifications per application period but can only register for one.
Applicants would have to make sure that the second qualification choice is one that they can qualify for just in case the university rejects the first choice.
Once an applicant receives an offer, they have up to 10 days to accept or decline the offer. Failure to do so will result in the offer falling away and passed onto the next qualifying candidate.
Unisa Registration – When?
Once a student has successfully applied, they can move onto the next step of the process – registration. Only students who are currently registered or have received an offer to study at Unisa can register.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the university has issued that for safety reasons, second semester registration can only be conducted online.
The registration dates for undergraduate studies (higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, PGCE & degrees) are:
- New and Returning Students: 9 June 2020 – 24 July 2020 (changed from 26 June as of 26 June 2020)
- Students Awaiting Results: 9 June 2020 – 24 July 2020
Registration dates for honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas are:
- New and Returning Students (qualifications with semester modules only): 9 June 2020 to 26 June 2020
- Students Awaiting Results (qualifications with semester modules only): 9 June 2020 – 24 July 2020
Final date for applicants to make the initial minimum payment for finalization of registration for all qualifications bar Masters & Doctoral studies is on 31 July 2020. Registration of a student will be declared null and void if payment has not been made within the required time period.
Students would have to reapply to study at Unisa during the next application period. This is not applicable to students who are already registered to study at the university.
Unisa Registration – How?
In the digital age, it’s more convenient than ever to do things online. Shopping. Interactivity. Multimedia. It’s all available for us in the palm of our hands or on our computers.
This is the same when it comes to registering for a Unisa qualification – it’s a quick and efficient way to help speed up the registration process and allowing the university to delegate its human resources elsewhere.
While there are multiple ways that students can register for their Unisa qualification, the university has stated that students can ONLY register online. This is the most convenient (and safer) method of registration. Other forms of registration include registering by:
- Fax
- Post; or
- At a self-help terminal via your nearest Unisa regional centre.
One issue that always confuses applicants when it comes to registration is
The guidelines for each qualification offered by Unisa is found on the Unisa Registrations: Qualifications page. On the page, applicants can find out what their specific qualification entails.
Unisa Registration – How Much?
Once a student is registered for their chosen qualification, they would have to pay the minimum required fees in order for the registration to be finalized.
Students who do not pay the minimum registration fee in time will have their registration forfeited. They would then have to re-register or apply (depending on which end of the spectrum they lie) during the next period.
The university offers a variety of payment methods for students to pay for their studies, more of which your can find online here.
Students registering in Semester 2 of 2020 have to finalize their registration by 31 July in order to start studying. Whether the date is subject to change is yet to be known.
Students who decide to voluntarily cancel their registration of a module will forfeit either a portion or the entire study fees (depending on when the cancellation occurs).
Dates for cancellation of study fees for modules during the second semester:
- Semester 2 modules: 15 August 2020.
Minimum payment will be forfeited upon cancellation of module. However, the full amount of the module will be forfeited after 15 August.
- Year Modules (final payment): 15 August 2020.
Cancellation of the module before 15 August will result in a forfeit of the minimum and second payments. The full amount of the module will be forfeited after 15 August. To cancel a module, students can either complete the DSAR02 form or use the myUnisa platform.
Once registration is complete, there are rules and regulations that students have to adhere to in order to successfully study at the university, like:
- Passing a minimum amount of modules each year for continuation of studies at the university; and
- Finishing your qualification within a specific time frame (depending on the type of qualification).
Learn more on the universities’ academic progression rules here.
Why Should You Register to Study at Unisa?
Unisa is the biggest distance learning institution in South Africa, also known as Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL). It provides a different learning experience than what students are used to.
As Unisa is a distance learning university, students aren’t required to attend any class and instead study from the comfort of their own home. This gives students the option of balancing their time well between studying and conducting other activities, like working. In other words, the ODeL is the ideal study system for students.
Furthermore, the university offers a number of additional support services (such as tutorial classes) that students use for assistance with their qualification. Students can access their university information and resources (such as study guides and tutorial letters) via the myUnisa portal.
Learn more about how the ODeL study system can help you achieve your academic goals via the Unisa Readiness Tool. The Readiness Tool provides students with a helping hand on making an informed decision on whether the university is the best tertiary institution for them.
With the country in lockdown since late March, many (if not all) universities had to shift their attention to providing assistance digitally.
It’s hard to not overlook Unisa as a viable option since they are well known as a distance learning institution.
Distance learning has always been a challenge for some students, especially when it comes to the lack of face-to-face classes. However, there are a number of services out there which caters to the needs of UNISA students, such as Together We Pass.
Since 2008, we’ve helped and assisted 1000s of students with their BCom and LLB UNISA modules via our online study groups and study resources (study notes and exam packs).
In our study groups, students will have access to a large number of study resources as well as access to our cheat-free assignment comparison tool. Additionally, students will have the chance to engage with each other to discuss their module’s work.
Our study notes and exam packs are the perfect tools to use alongside your textbook, preparing you well for your UNISA module. Combining it all together will give you a greater chance of passing your UNISA module.
Also Read: Unisa Issues New Exam Arrangements for May/June 2020 Exams
Updated: 28 June 2020
Good morning
My name is Cleopatra Mlilo how do l register for teaching bridging course
The Higher Certificate in Education is a qualification that is a sort of bridging course for students to study. Upon completion, you can then apply and study towards a BEd qualification at any university in South Africa.
View more info on the Higher Certificate in Education here.
I have a problem I want to study at UNISA but when I’m trying to apply for a student number the system says I already have it but I never study at UNISA before ,if I go to forgot student number it says no student number found I must send email to query I did even last year I had the same problem no reply.Please help I need to get it so that I will register for admission.
I need to apply for Unisa bridging course for Teaching .
Unisa’s Higher Certificates are seen as bridging courses, helping students apply for a higher qualification upon completion of the HC.
At the moment though, you cannot apply for any higher certificate qualifications at Unisa as they are not available for students to apply. The university will let students know whether the qualifications are available or not.
Hi my name is Patrica I have student number with Unisa ,but now iwould like to apply for health and safety management
Is it possible for me to apply for second semester
If the course becomes available for students to apply, then you can apply to study for the course. However, once your application goes through, you would have to wait a few weeks before you receive feedback from Unisa on whether you have been accepted or not.
But now unfortunately, registration for new and returning students close on 26 June, meaning you would miss the cut-off registration date for new applicants. Furthermore, it’s unsure what qualifications are available for students to apply for (space issues).
If the course is unavailable on the Application tool, then you will not be able to apply for the OHS Management Degree.
Good day,
I am a final year student from another university and only left with one module to complete, so i was doing NDP lat year and now only left with one module so that i can complete my credits, how do I register because usually it does not allow online registration because of the letter that we submit at unisa for registration?
Before you register, you have to apply for a qualification. Once your application is successful, then you can register for a qualification at Unisa.
However, as of this moment in time, registration closes today for new and returning students looking to study an undergraduate, postgraduate, or honours qualifications. You may fall under the new student category, so you won’t be able to apply and study within a few hours.
But I do have to ask, are you planning to move your entire qualification to Unisa and only register for one module to complete your qualification?
No,I am not moving my qualification,I am just completing that one module hence I am trying to register Non Degree Purpose.
It’s a bit difficult to apply for a qualification or just non-degree purpose modules at the moment at Unisa as the majority of qualifications are not available for students to apply.
This is an excerpt from the Unisa website regarding NDP modules:
Can I register with Unisa and another university simultaneously?
Only if the qualification you register for at Unisa is for non-degree purposes and if you have written permission from the other university allowing concurrent registration. You must submit this written permission at the time of application and registration.
Remember too, if you do not have a Unisa student number you first need to apply. Please visit http://www.unisa.ac.za/apply for the dates for the next application period.
In other words, you will need to get the letter from your university and then apply to get your student number. Once (or if) your application is successful, then only you can register for it. The NDP module should be made available for you since you applied for it.
Greetings i registered for second semester on the 9 june received email on myunisa that was successful.since waiting for it to be finalised am Nsfas beneficiary am very stressed please assist.
We cannot assist you with this matter as you would have to wait for the university to finalize your registration with your NSFAS funding.
As you are a NSFAS beneficiary, your registration should be finalised within the registration period (with the final initial payment date only ending on 31 July 2020). So there’s just over a month left before registration is officially closed. Your registration payment should be completed by then, but you can contact NSFAS or Unisa’s Student Finance departments to inquire about your student fees.