Registration FAQs

Useful links:

• Forgot your student number?
• Study fees quotation
• Online payment
• Track your registration status
• Download study material
• Application for exemption

Pre-registration

I want to register, but didn’t apply during the application period. What should I do?

You will need to apply for admission during the next application period. Please visit www.unisa.ac.za/apply for more information.

Can I register with Unisa and another university simultaneously?

Only if your Unisa registration is for non-degree purposes and if you have written permission from the other university allowing concurrent registration. You must submit this written permission at the time of application and registration.

Can I register for two or more formal programmes at Unisa simultaneously?

Unfortunately not.

How do I get an academic record or credit certificate?

Submit your request via myUnisa and it will be e-mailed to your myLife e-mail account. This PDF document is password protected. You will only be able to access it with your identity number / passport number (the ID number or the password number on record at Unisa).

Why does my qualification have a new NQF level?

In 2008, the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act No 67 replaced the South African Qualifications Authority Act No 58 of 1995.

In line with the NQF Act, there are now 10 levels on the NQF, which means that all qualifications changed from the 8-level framework to the 10-level framework, for example: A 3-year bachelor degree was previously placed on an NQF level 6. The new NQF level is a 7. Click here for more information.

Please note: Qualifications with the old NQF levels will continue to receive the same recognition as qualifications awarded in terms of the new NQF levels and the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework alignment.

When can I register for a module if I was registered before and did not write the exam for the module?

After the official release of the exam results for that exam period, but before the appropriate closing date for registrations.

What is workplace-based learning?

Specific modules in certain qualifications offered at Unisa include workplace-based learning that must be completed. Please check if the qualification you have chosen has any work-integrated learning (WIL) modules. This experience is called work-integrated learning or experiential learning, and must be completed under the supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced person (mentor). This experience is mandatory for passing that module and achieving your qualification. Please check, before registering for such a module, that you will be able to complete this work-integrated learning component.

Students who do not have placement at an employer can contact the relevant academic department for assistance in finding a suitable experiential learning provider to gain this experience.

I applied for exemptions previously and have not been notified whether or not I was successful. Where can I check the status of my application?

Please make sure that you have followed the application procedure for credit exemptions. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/credits for the application process for exemptions. Once you have confirmed that you followed the correct procedure, please send an e-mail to adhoccredits@unisa.ac.za for undergraduate qualifications. For honours and postgraduate diploma exemptions, please send an e-mail to pgd@unisa.ac.za

I did not register with Unisa for the past few years. Can I still complete my degree?

You will need to confirm whether or not Unisa still offers your qualification. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register to check this information. If you need to apply for a new qualification, please take note of Unisa’s application process and academic progression rules. If you are academically excluded, you must comply with the requirements for re-admission (ie completion of a one-year certificate programme of 48 credits after the year of exclusion).

How do I apply for re-admission if I was previously academically excluded?

If you are academically excluded, you must comply with the requirements for re-admission (ie completion of a one-year certificate programme or register through another accredited institution and pass 48 credits after the year of exclusion).

During registration

What are the registration dates and times for formal qualifications?

Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for all registration dates and times.

My application for admission was approved and I submitted an online registration. What must I do now?

Please be patient while we process your registration. Registrations will only be processed if the minimum required fee has been paid. Please allow 48 hours after payment has been made for the payment to reflect.

Ordinary conditional matriculation exemption certificate

If you have an ordinary conditional exemption, you will not be allowed to proceed to second or further years of study until you have passed the outstanding modules and met the condition of that exemption.

What is the NQF-level and credit weight of the module?

The information on www.unisa.ac.za/register will clearly indicate the NQF level of a module.

How do I know if a module is a semester or year module?

The module information on www.unisa.ac.za/register will clearly indicate whether the module is a semester or year module.

How do I cancel or add a module?

• You need to login to myUnisa to add or cancel a module.
• Please note that if you voluntarily cancel your registration of a module for any reason whatsoever, you will forfeit a part of or the entire fee paid as prescribed in the fee payment schedule.
• A student who is admitted to a module's examination cannot request the cancellation of that module for any reason. If the student does not write/submit the examination, the record will reflect that the student was absent from the examination.  

Please also take note of Unisa’s academic progression rules on the number of modules you are required to pass per year.

How many years do I have to complete a specific qualification?

Time limits for completing qualifications:

• 4 years to complete a 120-credit qualification (eg higher certificate or advanced certificate, or honours and postgraduate diploma)
• 6 years to complete a 240-credit qualification (2-year advanced certificate or diploma)
• 8 years to complete a 360-credit qualification (3-year degree or diploma)
• 10 years to complete a 480-credit qualification (4-year degree)

Please also take note of Unisa’s academic progression rules.

I need proof of my Unisa registration.

As soon as your Unisa registration has been finalised, a letter confirming your registration for the semester or academic year will be sent to your myLife e-mail account. You may also request this via myUnisa and a copy will be sent to your myLife e-mail account.

Post-registration

Do I need to attend classes?

Unisa is a Comprehensive, Open and Distance e-Learning university, which means that you study online. We do not offer classes, but we do offer some tutorial classes for certain modules.

I registered and paid, but have not received any correspondence from Unisa.

• If you have not yet paid your minimum initial amount, visit the Unisa payment methods and banking details information page.
• If you have already made a payment, please check that you have paid the correct amount according to Unisa’s fee structure and that you paid the amount into Unisa's correct bank account and used the correct reference. Follow this link for a quotation: www.unisa.ac.za/feequote
• Please allow 48 hours after you have made payment for your payment to reflect on Unisa's side.
• Check that you do not have any library books outstanding from a previous registration period. You can do this on myUnisa: https://my.unisa.ac.za
• Ensure that your registration meets all the pre-requisites and co-requisites. Visit the Unisa registration website for more information: www.unisa.ac.za/register

How much will I forfeit if I cancel my modules?

A student who voluntarily cancels his or her registration of a module will forfeit either a part of or the entire study fees paid as indicated. Please take note of Unisa's cancellation dates.