ODL takes commitment, discipline and initiative

When measured against a normal "contact" university, Unisa may seem like the easier choice. Don’t be fooled. In many ways, ODL requires more commitment, more discipline and more initiative. To succeed, ODL students need to be self-sufficient, self-motivated and self-sacrificing.

As with other universities, Unisa requires high academic standards, but without lectures and classes, apart from some tutorials and discussion classes. Mostly, you learn via study guides and tutorial letters, which means lots of reading and writing. If that works for you, you’re in good shape to complete your qualification. If not, you may want to think twice before registering at Unisa.

Think about the external resources you’ll need too: things like time, money, a place to study and, importantly, access to a computer and the internet. In the past, the "distance" in Open Distance Learning was bridged by the post office; these days it’s bridged by computer. If you don’t have access to a computer for a minimum of one hour a week, or you don’t know how to use one, there again, Unisa may not be right for you.

Have you asked yourself why you want to study?

Having clear goals, and a clear path towards them, can be the difference between success and failure. Do you know what you want to study?  Studying through Unisa is a long road and things change. Will you be able to adapt when they do?

If you can tick the boxes, put in the effort, make the sacrifices and overcome the challenges, then the rewards are enormous. Succeeding at Unisa proves you have commitment and, as all employers know, commitment succeeds in the workplace too.

Besides, studying at Unisa is reward in itself. There is so much to know, so much to learn, so much that will amaze, astonish and empower you.

Are you up for it? It’s an adventure as well as a journey…

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