Who can apply for non-degree purposes (NDP) 

Admission to and registration for NDP is limited and will only be considered in exceptional cases due to limited spaces available at the university. Admission to study a module for NDP will only be considered if the admission requirements and/or pre-requisites for the module have been met.

What is the qualification code to apply for admission to NDP for undergraduate modules? 

Qualification code: 00019 | Qualification description: Occasional studies

I am registered for a formal qualification at Unisa. I'd like to register for some NDP module alongside my formal qualification. Is this allowed?

Yes. In such a case, you do not need to follow the NDP admission application process to register for modules. Please note, however, that the number of NDP modules you may register for is limited, in accordance with the Unisa rules for students. This limit must not be exceeded. 

My application for admission to a formal qualification was declined due to limited space. Can I register for NDP modules to obtain credits towards a qualification?

Registration for NDP will, unfortunately, not be considered to obtain credits towards a qualification at a later stage.

I want to apply for non-degree purpose (NDP) modules so that I qualify for postgraduate studies at Unisa. What must I do?

You must first apply for admission to your intended postgraduate qualification during Unisa’s official application period. Your application will be reviewed by the relevant academic department. If the department recommends NDP studies, your application will be updated accordingly, and you will be informed.

Will I automatically be granted admission to postgraduate studies once the NDP module(s) are completed?

No. Once you have completed the recommended NDP modules and have met the necessary criteria, you must re-apply for admission to the proposed postgraduate qualification. This should be done while you’re still registered for the final NDP modules. Your application will only be considered after your exam results are released.

Important: Completing NDP modules does not guarantee admission to a postgraduate qualification. Admission is subject to meeting all academic requirements and available space.

I missed the official application period for admission to a postgraduate qualification. How should I apply for admission to modules on a non-degree purpose (NDP) basis to qualify for my proposed qualification? 

1. E-mail your request to licensee@unisa.ac.za 
2. Include the following in your e-mail:
1. A clear explanation of your intention (eg "I would like to register for NDP modules to qualify for admission to an honours degree").
2. The name of your proposed postgraduate qualification.
3. A copy of your official academic record (as an attachment). 
3. Once your request and documents have been reviewed, Unisa will advise you on the most suitable way forward. Please note that submitting a request does not guarantee approval. Guidance will be provided based on your circumstances.

I have completed my CTA qualification but have exhausted my ITC attempts. I need to repeat the CTA II modules for NDP.

You may not repeat a completed qualification. You may, however, request to register for CTA II modules for non-degree purposes (NDP) under specific conditions.

1. E-mail your request to licensee@unisa.ac.za 
2. Include your student number in the subject line of the e-mail. 
3. Include the following in your e-mail:
1. A request to register for CTA II modules for NDP.
2. An official letter from SAICA confirming that you have exhausted your ITC attempts and need to repeat the CTA modules. Please contact SAICA directly to obtain the official letter.

Your application will only be considered once all the required documentation has been submitted.

I am applying for admission to a qualification via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Should I apply for NDP while awaiting the outcome of my RPL submission?

Apply for your proposed qualification and then contact the Recognition of Prior Learning Office to start your RPL application.

How do I apply for admission towards NDP studies? 

Click here for the application process and to apply for admission. 

When completing your application, select "occasional" under college and "NDP (non-degree purposes)" under category.  

Important: All applications for admission must be submitted online. No hard copy application forms are available.

I've never applied for admission to study NDP at Unisa / I’ve applied previously for NDP but did not register. 

 To apply for admission, click here. 

• Under college, select "Occasional"
• Under category, select "NDP"

I've previously applied for admission to NDP at Unisa and registered

If you have an existing NDP record at Unisa, you will not be able to apply online for admission. Send an email using your MyLife e-mail address to licensee@unisa.ac.za to request your NDP registration.

Please quote your student number in the subject field in all correspondence with the University. If you can’t access your MyLife account, attach a copy of your ID or passport as proof of identity with your email.

What documents must I submit with the application

You must submit the following documents:

First-time NDP applicants / returning NDP students:

Depending on the reason for registering for NDP, the following documents must be uploaded when submitting your application for admission

• An official academic record issued by your previous university (if applicable)
• Copy of your ID or passport
• A copy of your Grade 12 certificate
• A permission/recommendation letter issued by your previous University/institution. This letter must:

• Be valid for the relevant academic year
• State the recommended Unisa study unit code(s)
• Explain the reason for the NDP recommendation

• A letter from the student indicating the reasons to register for NDP, with special emphasis on the intentions behind the proposed modules. This letter must be valid for the relevant academic year and must state the proposed Unisa study unit code(s). OR
• A recommendation letter from the employer to support your NDP application.

To register with a Professional body:

Submit a letter of recommendation issued by the professional body and/or attach their relevant regulations/requirements.

Unisa reserves the right to request additional and original documents and/or to verify the correctness of submitted documents at any time. Submitting fraudulent documents is an offence in terms of the Student Disciplinary Code.

NDP Registrations

How do I register for NDP

If your NDP application has been successful (i.e. approved by the University with an offer made and the offer accepted by you), you can register online for NDP during the subsequent registration period.

Visit www.unisa.ac.za

There are no modules/study units listed under NDP when attempting to register online. Where do I find modules.

When completing your registration form online, select the option that reads “List all study units” - you will then be able to search for the approved study unit code(s).

How do I register for the additional modules for NDP together with my formal qualification.

You will not be able to register online for the additional NDP modules. First, register your modules for the formal qualification, then send an email to licensee@unisa.ac.za to request the addition of the additional modules. Take note of the maximum number of modules allowed to register per semester as stipulated in the Unisa rules for students, published on My Unisa.

Can I exceed the maximum number of modules allowed per semester/year if I take additional modules for NDP

A student’s registration per semester and per annum is subject to the maximum number of NQF (National Qualifications Framework) credits as set out in the Admissions Policy.  Modules registered for non-degree purposes will also be considered when calculating the maximum number of NQF credits for a semester/year of study.