Supplemental Instruction programme

The Student Retention Unit (SRU) is excited to launch the internationally renowned Supplemental Instruction (SI) programme, an academic support programme designed to enhance students’ learning and success in challenging courses. Having originated at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1974, SI has been widely adopted by educational institutions around the world.

What is SI?

Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Unisa is strategically aligned with the university’s Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) model, serving as a key component in promoting equitable access and academic success. By fostering collaborative learning and peer support, SI complements Unisa’s student success initiatives, particularly for first-year students who often face challenges in transitioning to higher education. Through structured, student-led sessions, SI enhances engagement, deepens understanding of course content, and builds essential skills for independent learning—critical for thriving in an ODeL environment.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is considered a student support pillar because it directly addresses academic and social integration challenges that often impact student success, especially in an ODeL context like Unisa. Thus, SI offers numerous benefits to various stakeholders within the educational ecosystem, namely: (a) improved academic performance; (b) enhanced learning skills; and (c) an increased retention and graduation rates. Through this programme, the university aims to foster student-centred collaboration with academic and support staff members in order to promote student success at Unisa. Most importantly, UNISA aims to set globally recognised standards on Supplemental Instruction within the Open Distance eLearning context.

What is an SI leader?

SI sessions are facilitated by peer leaders who have successfully completed the course. SI leaders will walk every step of the Unisa journey with you by attending your weekly lectures, meeting with your lecturer, hosting voluntary SI sessions outside of class, supporting you in your modules and sharing learning tips to help you succeed.

How to become a Supplemental Instruction Leader (SIL) at UNISA?

The Supplemental Instruction (SI) Programme at UNISA provides high-performing students with the opportunity to support their peers by facilitating collaborative learning sessions in selected modules. To ensure that suitable candidates are identified, UNISA identifies potential SI Leaders through an eligibility screening process based on academic performance and module-specific requirements. 

 Eligibility criteria

Students may be considered for an SI Leader opportunity if they:

• Successfully passed the specific module for which SI support is required
• Achieved a minimum final mark of 65% in that module
• Completed the module within the period determined by the relevant Module Leader (Lecturer). This period may include:
  • The immediate past semester;
  • The previous academic year; or
  • Another specified period aligned with the needs of the module

Invitation to Apply

Being identified through the pre-qualification process does not automatically result in appointment as an SI Leader. Students who meet the requirements will receive an invitation to apply via myUnisa email address, and will be required to complete the prescribed application form as part of the recruitment and selection process. Appointment is subject to:

• Submission of a successful application;
• Verification of eligibility requirements;
• Successful participation in a selection process (interviews); and
• Successful completion of the prescribed training programme

Why Academic Performance Matters

SI Leaders play an important role in helping fellow students understand difficult concepts, develop effective study strategies, and engage in collaborative learning. Selecting students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement in a module helps ensure that SI Leaders are well positioned to support the learning success of their peers.

Please note: Meeting the minimum academic requirements only qualifies a student to be invited to apply. Final appointment as an SI Leader is based on the outcome of the selection process and the availability of opportunities within the relevant module.

Benefits of attending SI Sessions

• SI sessions help clarify complex concepts through peer discussion and collaborative learning
• Students who attend SI sessions regularly often achieve better marks
• Click here for a comprehensive list of benefits

Supplemental Instruction (SI) Modules 2026

SI Session Schedules: Please click the relevant college to book your session

CAS

CAES

CEDU

CEMS

CHS

CLAW

CSET

Important Notes:

• To derive the best benefit out of the SI programme:

• • You must attend the online classes or review the recording of the class hosted by the lecturer
  • Stick to the group you are allocated to
  • Engage and participate actively