Undergraduate qualifications
1. What is the process for appealing an application rejection at Unisa?
If your application for admission to any of the qualifications you applied for is declined, you may appeal the outcome. The appeal must be submitted online and must include detailed reasons for the appeal and any supporting documentation.
2. Who qualifies to appeal?
- Applicants who were declined and have outstanding results.
- Applicants who are writing or rewriting Matric.
- Applicant who submitted some, but not all the necessary supporting documents (eg ID or passport), before the closing date for applications.
3. Who does not qualify to appeal?
An applicant may NOT appeal if they
- have been declined due to qualification over-enrolment (non-availability of space).
- are on Enrolment Management (ie awaiting an offer for space).
- applied for the wrong qualification.
- do not meet the statutory and/or college requirements.
- missed the qualifying subject points by 1 or more marks.
- do not meet the 60% or more admission requirement for an honours degree and/or postgraduate diploma.
4. What happens after I submit my appeal?
After submitting an appeal, it will be reviewed by the relevant department. You will be notified of the decision via e-mail. If your appeal is approved, your application will be reconsidered. If it is declined, you will receive a detailed explanation of the decision.
5. Can I appeal the decision if my appeal is rejected?
No, there is no further appeal process. You may only appeal once per application cycle. The decision is final. Please ensure that you include all the relevant information and supporting documents in your initial appeal to strengthen your application.
6. What documents must I submit when appealing?
Please submit the following documents as part of your appeal:
- Higher certificate, diploma and degree certificate with your academic record.
- A letter stating that the qualification is complete if the certificate has not yet been issued or if you owe fees from the previous institution.
- A National Senior Certificate (Matric certificate). You must submit all the certificates if you rewrite Matric. If there has been a change in your Matric status (eg Diploma or Bachelor pass), a combined Matric certificate that reflects the new status must accompany your application.
- An academic record/transcript that was not previously submitted.
- Any other supporting documents related to your appeal.
- Postgraduate applicants must submit a detailed motivation.
7. When is the deadline to submit an appeal?
The deadlines are typically aligned with Unisa's application periods. Appeals must be submitted within 10 days after receiving a decline letter. Always check the latest date on the Unisa website.
8. Is there a fee required to apply for an appeal?
No, there is no fee payable.
9. When can I expect feedback on my application appeal?
You will receive feedback from Unisa 2 to 6 weeks after you submitted your application.
10. Will an appeal guarantee admission?
No, submitting an appeal does not guarantee that your application will be approved. An appeal is re-evaluated based on new information provided.
11. If I'm declined for not meeting the 60% average requirement for a qualification I applied for, can work experience be considered for an appeal?
Relevant work experience might be considered for possible admission to certain qualifications, but such cases must be sent directly to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) office. Please contact the RPL office for more information about their procedures.
Last modified: Fri Jul 18 09:16:16 SAST 2025