media releases - Unisa Registration show 18% increase

22 February 2006

The number registrations within the first semester closing date at the University of South Africa has increased by 18%.

To date Unisa has 145 059 registrations compared to 122 948 the same time last year.

There are two more registration closing dates, namely 16 March which is mainly for year courses and 4 April for honours and master’s students who were waiting for results from the January February examination.

The second semester registrations open in June.

The College of Economic and Management Sciences has 73 181 compared to 61 080 last year; the College of Human Sciences has 31 008 compared to 27 204; the College of Law 15 356 compared to 13 608; the College of Science, Engineering and Technology has 8 535 compared to 6 344 and the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences has 1 163 students compared to 519 last year.

A further 6 565 students are enrolled for non-degree purposes compared to 6117 last year. The number of students enrolled for access courses has increased from 8 076 last year to 9 251 this year.

The new Unisa which came into being after Unisa and Technikon SA merged at the beginning of 2004, and Vista Vudec was incorporated, is now a comprehensive institution offering both academic and career oriented qualifications.

Although research has not yet been completed on the reasons for this increase, it is believed that the University’s aggressive brand campaign, student recruitment campaigns have contributed. In addition, there is a huge demand for continuing education in the market place and Unisa, as an established distance education provider is extremely well placed to supply it. Its qualifications are recognised in most countries, its fees are very affordable and students can study at their own pace.

Large numbers of students also need support and good service, which the Principal, Prof Barney Pityana, undertook to address in his speech at the academic opening this year. A university ombudsman will be appointed to ensure any and all students complaints are proactively addressed.

ISSUED BY: DOREEN GOUGH: MANAGER MEDIA AFFAIRS, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION AND MARKETING, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA.

TEL (012) 352-4150

FAX (012) 352-4136

Email: goughdd@unisa.ac.za