Undergraduate & honours qualifications

Non-degree purposes (NDP)

Step-by-step process to apply for NDP

Step 1 

Read the following rules carefully to ascertain whether or not you qualify to apply and register for non-degree purposes (NDP). 


Rule for concurrent registration

You may not register concurrently at two higher education institutions (HEI’s) without prior approval from Unisa's Directorate: Student Admissions and Registration. Please send any enquiries via e-mail to licensee@unisa.ac.za

  • To be considered, the module(s) must be part of the curriculum to be credited at the other HEI.
  • The registration at Unisa will be for non-degree purposes (NDP)
  • Submit the supportive admission documents. 


General rules

  • Permission granted for NDP registration is only valid for the approved academic year, unless stated otherwise in the approval letter.
  • You must meet the admission requirements for the qualification level in which the modules are offered and also satisfy the prescribed co-requisites and/or pre-requisites (where applicable).
    For example: To be considered for an honours-level module, you must meet the honours degree's admission criteria.
  • Modules registered for or passed for NDP may not be recognised/credited towards a formal qualification or for future admission purposes unless prior approval has been granted and all admission and registration rules have been met. 

Possible scenarios for which NDP may be considered

  • To complete a qualification, to qualify for admission to Unisa or another HEI or for re-admission to the other HEI
  • Requirements to register with a professional body
  • Employer requirements
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where additional modules are prescribed for registration

Required admission documentation, depending on the circumstances

  • Letter of permission/recommendation from the other HEI, professional body or RPL office, specifying the Unisa module codes and reasons for the NDP registration.
  • As part of your application for non‑degree purposes (NDP), you must submit a letter of motivation that clearly explains why you wish to register for NDP modules and, importantly, how the specific modules you are proposing align with your goals.
  • Complete official academic record.

When NDP modules are required to gain admission to postgraduate studies

  • You must satisfy the admission requirements and/or co-prerequisite(s) for the qualification level in which the qualification and/or modules are offered.
  • You must first apply for admission to your intended postgraduate qualification during the official application period. Only after your application has been submitted and received will your respective college determine the eligible modules you may register for on a non‑degree purpose (NDP) basis.


If you qualify in terms of these rules, please proceed to step 2. 

Step 2 

Go to the Unisa application website. 

For undergraduate qualifications, go the Apply for admission page and click on the Apply now button:  

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You will be taken to the following page. Select "Undergraduate". 

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Step 3 

Select the correct option. 

  • If you select "NO" and you do not have a student number, you will be directed to the "First-time applicant" screen (see step 4 below). 
  • If you already have a student number, select "YES". You will be directed to "Returning student applying" screen (see step 5 below).

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Step 4 (for new applicants) 

This is the authentication screen. Complete the detail as requested. 

Click "Continue" and you will be directed to the next screen (see step 6 below). 

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Step 5 (for returning applicants)

Type in your student number.

Then click "Continue". You will be directed to the password screen (see below). 

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Type in your password.
Then click "Continue". You will be directed to the password screen (see below). 

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Step 6

Select the second choice on the list below: "Completed or completing any Higher Certificate or Diploma or undergraduate Degree at another institution/Unisa". 
Then click "Continue". You will be directed to the next screen (see step 7 below). 

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Step 7

On the screen below, select "College", "Category", "Qualification" and "Stream". 

  • For College, select "Occasional".
  • For Category, select "Occasional". 
  • For Qualification, select "Non-Degree Purpose".
  • For Stream, select "Not applicable". 

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Your selection onscreen should now look like the screen below: 

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Click "Continue" and you will be directed to the next screen below where you will make your selection and complete the process.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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 admission to 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 have never applied for admission to modules on a non-degree purpose (NDP) basis/I previously applied for admission to modules on a non-degree purpose (NDP) basis, but did not proceed with registration.

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.  

I have previously applied for admission to modules on a non-degree purpose (NDP) basis and registered. 

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

Please include your student number in the subject field when communicating with Unisa. If you cannot access your myLife e-mail account, attach a copy of your ID or passport to your e-mail as proof of identity. 

Documents to be submitted as part of your NDP application

First-time NDP applicant or if you were previously registered for NDP at Unisa

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

  • Letter of permission or recommendation from your previous university. The letter must 
    • be valid for the academic year for which you’re applying.  
    • clearly list the recommended Unisa module code(s).
    • explain the reason for the NDP recommendation.
  • Motivation letter from you (the student). The letter must 
    • explain why you want to register for NDP modules.
    • emphasise your academic goals and intentions behind the proposed modules.
    • include the relevant Unisa module code(s).
    • be valid for the academic year for which you’re applying. 
  • Recommendation letter from your employer in support for your application. 
  • Official academic record from your previous university (if applicable).
  • Copy of your ID or passport.
  • Copy of your Grade 12 certificate. 


NDP application for registration with a professional body

  • A letter of recommendation from the professional body and/or a copy of their relevant regulations or requirements. 


Please note: 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.

How should I register for NDP?  

If your application for NDP was approved by Unisa (ie you received and accepted Unisa's offer), you should register online during the relevant registration period. 

There are no NDP modules on the online registration system? What should I do? 

Select the "List all study units" option when completing your online registration. You will then be able to search for your approved modules. 

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 for your modules for the formal qualification. Then send an e-mail to licensee@unisa.ac.za to request the addition of the additional 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. 

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

Your 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.

Last modified: Fri Sep 05 09:40:03 SAST 2025