Beyond graduation: How Unisa prepares students for lifelong learning and career success

At the University of South Africa (Unisa), student success extends beyond obtaining a qualification. It is about equipping students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate the workplace, embrace lifelong learning and make meaningful contributions to society.

Guided by the African proverb “Inkunzi isematholeni”—tomorrow’s leaders are nurtured today —the Student Retention Unit (SRU) plays an important role in preparing students for life beyond university.

Through Step 4 of the Unisa Student Walk, the unit supports students as they progress towards completing their qualifications and transitioning into the next phase of their personal and professional journeys.

Its initiatives, including Supplemental Instruction (SI), the Final-Year Experience (FYE) Programme, and the Student Success Coaching Programme, show how Unisa creates opportunities for students to develop leadership capabilities, gain practical experience, and prepare for the demands of an evolving world of work.

One of the ways Unisa nurtures student leadership is through Supplemental Instruction, a peer-assisted learning initiative in which registered students serve as SI Leaders.

While helping fellow students understand academic content and navigate learning challenges, SI Leaders also develop valuable skills that contribute to their own personal and professional growth.

These include communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and facilitation skills, all of which are essential in the workplace.

By taking responsibility for supporting their peers, SI Leaders gain practical experience in guiding others, managing group interactions and communicating information effectively.

The programme therefore contributes to student success in two ways: strengthening academic support for participating students while preparing SI Leaders for future professional responsibilities.

As students approach the completion of their qualifications, the Final-Year Experience Programme provides support to help them transition confidently from university into employment, further studies or other personal and professional opportunities.

The programme focuses on personal development, career readiness, future planning and lifelong learning.

Through these activities, students are encouraged to reflect on their academic journeys, identify their strengths and prepare for the opportunities and responsibilities that await them after graduation.

The initiative recognises that completing a qualification is an important milestone, but that graduates also need the confidence and adaptability to apply their knowledge in different environments.

By supporting this transition, Unisa reinforces its commitment to developing graduates who are prepared not only to enter the workplace but also to continue learning and growing throughout their careers.

Unisa’s commitment to student development continues beyond graduation through the Student Success Coaching Programme, which creates employment opportunities for Unisa graduates.

Student Success Coaches serve as an important link between students and the university, drawing on their own experiences to provide guidance, encouragement and practical support.

Their role reflects the African saying “Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili” — seek guidance from those who have travelled the path before you.

Having experienced the opportunities and challenges of studying at Unisa, these graduates are well positioned to understand the needs of current students and help them navigate their academic journeys.

At the same time, the programme enables coaches to strengthen their professional capabilities, gain workplace experience and develop skills that contribute to their career advancement.

This approach creates a cycle of support in which graduates use their experiences to empower others while continuing to develop themselves.

At the heart of these initiatives is the African philosophy of ubuntu, expressed through the principle “Umntu ngumntu ngabantu” — a person is a person through others.

This philosophy recognises that individual success is strengthened through collaboration, shared knowledge and mutual support.

The Student Retention Unit continuously refines its programmes through student feedback, research and benchmarking against good practices to ensure that its interventions remain relevant to students’ changing needs.

These efforts reflect Unisa’s commitment to inclusive student development and align with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes quality education and lifelong learning, as well as SDG 8, which advances decent work and productive employment.

They also support the university’s focus on Student Support and Co-curricular Activities by creating opportunities for students to develop capabilities that extend beyond their formal academic qualifications.

Through peer learning, final-year preparation and graduate coaching, Unisa is helping students build a foundation for continued growth, professional development and meaningful participation in society.

Ultimately, student success is not measured only by crossing the graduation stage, but by the confidence, skills and opportunities graduates carry with them into the future.

By investing in students throughout their academic journeys and beyond, Unisa is nurturing lifelong learners who are equipped to succeed, support others and contribute to the development of their communities.

* By Ntokozo Sigwane and Maatlou Matsetse, Student Success Practitioners, Student Retention Unit, Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL)