Are you considering studying at UNISA but need help figuring out where to start? Choosing a university and a course can be tasking, especially with many options.
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of the best institutions in Africa. It offers a variety of courses across many different fields. It’s an excellent option for students who want to study in a well-recognized institution,
But here’s the thing: before you start, it’s super important to understand what courses are available, what the admission requirements are, and (of course) how much it will cost. Trust me, you don’t want any surprises down the line.
This article is here to help guide you through all of that. We’ll break down everything you need to know about UNISA’s 2024 course offerings, their admission requirements, and the fee structure so you can plan and make the best decision for your future.
Table of contents
- About the University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Is Unisa South Africa Internationally Recognized?
- Which Courses Are Offered at UNISA?
- What Are the Qualifications for UNISA?
- How Much Is the Tuition Fee for UNISA?
- 1. Education, Law, Psychology, and Public Management & Services
- 2. Business, Management, Communication, IT, Languages, and Social Sciences
- 3. Architecture, Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics
- 4. Agriculture, Visual Arts, Health Professions, and Life Sciences
- Payment Options
- Additional Costs to Consider
- Benefits of Studying at UNISA
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
- Recommendations
About the University of South Africa (UNISA)
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a pioneer in higher education, especially distance learning. It was established in 1873, making it one of the oldest universities in South Africa.
Originally known as the University of the Cape of Good Hope, it underwent several changes and became UNISA in 1916. Today, it’s not just a national institution but a global one, with a footprint that extends across many countries.
UNISA’s mission has always been to make education accessible to everyone, regardless of location. It’s about breaking down the barriers often preventing people from pursuing higher education.
UNISA’s core belief is that education is a tool for empowerment, and it strives to provide affordable, quality education to students from all backgrounds.
What makes UNISA so unique is its focus on distance learning. Unlike traditional universities, where students attend in-person classes, UNISA allows students to study from home or anywhere they prefer.
This is perfect for working full-time, having family responsibilities, or living in remote areas. You can set your schedule, which makes balancing education with life’s other demands a lot more manageable.
UNISA’s student body is incredibly diverse. You’ll find students from every corner of South Africa, but its reach doesn’t stop there. UNISA boasts over 370,000 students from more than 130 countries. That’s pretty impressive, right?
So, UNISA might be the perfect fit if you’re looking for a university that offers flexibility, quality, and a genuinely global community.
Also see:Nosa Courses and Prices in South Africa
Is Unisa South Africa Internationally Recognized?
UNISA is a leader in distance learning within South Africa and has a solid international reputation. Let’s explore why UNISA’s qualifications are respected across borders.
UNISA is fully accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This means that all of its courses meet the rigorous academic standards required in South Africa, and those qualifications hold weight globally.
A key indicator of UNISA’s global recognition is its membership in the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), a prestigious network of universities worldwide.
This partnership demonstrates that UNISA adheres to the highest education standards, ensuring its qualifications are comparable to those of leading institutions worldwide.
Which Courses Are Offered at UNISA?
UNISA offers various courses across various disciplines, catering to different levels of education. Below is a breakdown of some of the courses available:
1. Higher Certificate Courses
- Accounting Sciences
- Animal Welfare
- Archives and Records Management
- Banking
- Criminal Justice
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education
- Law
- Life and Environmental Sciences
- Marketing
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Physical Sciences
- Retailing
- Supervisory Management
- Tourism Management
2. Undergraduate Courses
(Note: The list below includes some but not all courses. To see the complete list, visit here)
- Accounting Sciences
- Internal Auditing
- Management Accounting
- Taxation
- Administration
- Human Settlements Management
- African Languages
- Archaeology
- Criminology
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Communication Studies
- Political Leadership and Citizenship
- Forensic Science and Technology
- International Relations
- Business Administration
- Commerce
- Law
3. Diploma Courses
- Accounting Sciences
- Administrative Management
- Agricultural Management
- Animal Health
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Corrections Management
- Early Childhood Care and Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Explosives Management
- Grade R Teaching
- Human Resource Management
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Law
- Local Government Finance
- Marketing Management
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Nature Conservation
- Operations Management
- Ornamental Horticulture
- Policing
- Public Administration and Management
- Public Relations
- Pulp and Paper Technology
- Safety Management
- Security Management
- Small Business Management
- Tourism Management
Explore to see Free Online Courses With Certificates In South Africa
4. Masters Courses
(Note: The list below includes some but not all courses. To see the complete list, visit here)
- Master of Accounting Sciences (Auditing)
- Master of Accounting Sciences (Financial Accounting)
- Master of Accounting Sciences (Financial Governance)
- Master of Accounting Sciences (Financial Intelligence)
- Master of Accounting Sciences (Management Accounting)
- Master of Accounting Sciences (Taxation)
- Master of Administration in Public Administration
- Master of Arts in African Languages
- Master of Arts in African Politics
- Master of Arts in Anthropology
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
- Master of Arts in Communication Science
- Master of Arts in Development Studies
- Master of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology
- Master of Arts in History
- Master of Arts in International Politics
- Master of Arts in Linguistics (Translation Studies)
- Master of Arts in Nursing Science
- Master of Arts in Religious Studies
- Master of Arts in Psychology (General)
5. Doctoral Courses
(Note: The list below includes some but not all courses. To see the complete list, visit here)
- Doctor of Business Leadership
- Doctor of Education Adult Education
- Doctor of Education Curriculum Studies
- Doctor of Education Early Childhood Development
- Doctor of Law Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure
- Doctor of Laws Mercantile Law
- Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting Sciences Auditing
- Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy
- Doctor of Philosophy in Communication
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
- Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Physics Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Science, Engineering and Technology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Archaeology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry
- Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology
What Are the Qualifications for UNISA?
UNISA has specific requirements depending on the type of course or degree you are applying for. These requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for their chosen field.
1. National Senior Certificate (NSC)
To qualify for most undergraduate programs at UNISA, you must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Diploma endorsement or equivalent.
2. N4 Certificate
For students who have completed the N4 Certificate route, the following is required:
- N4 English, N4 Communication, or N4 Communication Technology passed with at least 50%.
- This is particularly helpful for students who may still need to complete the traditional NSC but have technical training through the N-courses.
3. Senior Certificate (Pre-2008)
If you completed high school before 2008, you might have a Senior Certificate (SC). This is still acceptable for entry, provided you meet the following criteria:
- You must have a Diploma endorsement indicating you qualify for diploma-level study.
- Your results in English (or the language of instruction) and Mathematics must meet the minimum (usually 50%).
Before you apply, double-checking the specific entry requirements for your chosen program is always a good idea. This way, you can be sure you meet the necessary qualifications and avoid surprises during the application process.
How Much Is the Tuition Fee for UNISA?
When studying at the University of South Africa (UNISA), tuition fees can vary depending on your chosen program and modules.
Unlike many traditional universities, UNISA allows students to pay per module, which provides more flexibility, especially for those balancing work, family, and studies.
Here’s a breakdown of the prescribed fees for 2024 across different fields of study:
1. Education, Law, Psychology, and Public Management & Services
- Half module: R1,025.00
- Full module: R2,045.00
- Comprehensive module: R3,985.00
- Half module: R1,010.00
- Full module: R2,005.00
- Comprehensive module: R3,905.00
3. Architecture, Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics
- Half module: R990.00
- Full module: R1,995.00
- Comprehensive module: R3,875.00
4. Agriculture, Visual Arts, Health Professions, and Life Sciences
- Half module: R950.00
- Full module: R1,905.00
- Comprehensive module: R3,700.00
Payment Options
UNISA offers the flexibility to pay the tuition fees in installments, making it easier for students to manage their finances. Upon registration, an initial payment is typically required, with the remaining balance spread over the academic year. This approach allows students to plan their studies without being overwhelmed by upfront costs.
Additional Costs to Consider
While the module fees are the primary cost, it’s also worth keeping in mind other potential expenses, such as:
- Study materials (books, online resources, etc.)
- Examination fees
- Administrative fees (which can arise during the registration process)
These costs can vary based on the specific requirements of your course, so be sure to budget accordingly.
Benefits of Studying at UNISA
The University of South Africa (UNISA) offers a range of benefits that make it a top choice for many students, whether they are fresh out of high school, working professionals, or international learners. Let’s look at some of the key advantages of studying at UNISA.
1. Flexibility and Accessibility
One of the standout benefits of UNISA is its flexibility. Unlike traditional universities, where students must attend lectures on campus at set times, UNISA’s distance-learning model allows you to study from anywhere.
2. Internationally Recognized Degrees and Diplomas
UNISA’s qualifications are recognized not just in South Africa but worldwide. This global recognition ensures that your degree or diploma holds value no matter where you go.
Employers worldwide respect the institution’s reputation for providing high-quality education and producing well-rounded, skilled graduates.
3. Opportunities for Working Professionals
UNISA is an excellent option if you’re already in the workforce and looking to upskill or change careers. The university offers a range of courses designed specifically for working professionals who need to study part-time.
You can continue to earn a salary while studying, and because of the university’s flexible schedule, you can balance both without compromising your job performance.
4. Affordability
While education can be expensive, UNISA offers more affordable tuition fees than many other universities, especially when considering paying per module. This allows students to manage their education costs more efficiently, making higher education accessible to a larger population.
5. Global Community
At UNISA, you’re part of a diverse, international student body. With students from over 130 countries, you can connect with people from all walks of life, sharing experiences and learning from different cultures.
Check out to see the Official List of ALX Courses in Africa | Requirements by Country
Frequently Asked Questions
UNISA offers courses, including Higher Certificates, Diplomas, Undergraduate Degrees, Master’s Degrees, and Doctoral Programs. Some fields of study include Accounting, Law, Engineering, Education, Health Sciences, Information Technology, and Business Management. UNISA also provides various short courses and specialized programs.
The minimum requirements depend on the level of study. Applicants typically need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a diploma endorsement for undergraduate programs. An appropriate NQF 7 qualification from an accredited higher education provider is required for postgraduate programs, with at least 60% in the major subjects or in selected NQF 7 modules.
Yes, UNISA offers short courses that usually last three to six months and consist of one to three modules. These are designed to provide quick, targeted learning.
Conclusion
UNISA stands out as a premier institution that offers quality education through flexible and affordable distance learning programs.
If you want to start your higher education journey or advance your career, UNISA’s wide range of courses and internationally recognized degrees make it an excellent choice.
With precise admission requirements, manageable tuition fees, and a global community of students, UNISA provides the tools you need to succeed in today’s world.
References
- unisa.ac.za– Qualifications
- unisa.ac.za– All Programmes
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