Why Generation Z is choosing Unisa for flexible learning

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is increasingly becoming the university of choice for Generation Z students looking for an education that fits around their lives rather than forcing them to put life on hold.

As more young South Africans balance work, family commitments and financial responsibilities while pursuing higher education, demand for flexible learning has grown. For many, Unisa offers a practical solution by allowing students to study at their own pace while working towards a recognised qualification.

Second-year LLB student Jennifer Ramoshaba says choosing Unisa was one of the best academic decisions she has made.

“I chose Unisa because I can work according to my schedule as I am a working student. This flexibility is something you cannot get from other universities,” she said.

For Ramoshaba, flexibility is only part of the experience. She also credits the university’s lecturers for creating a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to seek help whenever they need it.

“Whenever you struggle with something, you can easily talk to your lecturer, and they are always ready and willing to help,” she said.

Her experience also challenges the long-held perception that Unisa mainly attracts older students returning to study later in life.

“There are many young people studying at Unisa,” she said. “They are ambitious, motivated and choosing flexible learning because it allows them to build their careers while earning their qualifications.”

While students value the flexibility, many lecturers see their role as extending far beyond delivering course material.

Mochekoane Molise, a lecturer in the College of Accounting Sciences’ Department of Management Accounting, has been teaching at Unisa since 2021. He believes meaningful learning begins with building strong relationships with students.

“I want to be someone whom students can turn to with the same trust and ease they might extend to an elder sibling. For me, teaching is about more than delivering content. It is about building genuine connections,” he said.

Mochekoane Molise CA(SA), Lecturer, Department of Management Accounting, College of Accounting Sciences, Unisa

Molise deliberately makes himself approachable, believing that accessibility helps students feel more confident in asking questions and seeking guidance.

“I make sure my students know who I am, not just my name but my face, so that connecting with me never feels like a barrier,” he explained.

“My involvement across the institution and departmental programmes has meant that many students recognise me long before we officially meet, which helps build familiarity and trust from the outset.”

His teaching philosophy is centred on ensuring students master the fundamentals before progressing to more advanced concepts.

“I believe in going back to basics,” he said. “My teaching style is engaging and interactive, always ensuring students have a solid understanding. I also prioritise equipping them with practical examination techniques, so they walk into assessments feeling prepared and confident.”

Ultimately, Molise hopes to create an environment where students feel supported throughout their academic journey.

“My goal is to be a lecturer that students feel they can approach, relate to and grow with.”

As higher education continues to evolve, Unisa’s combination of flexible learning, accessible lecturers and student-centred teaching is attracting a new generation of learners. For many Generation Z students, university is no longer about choosing between work and study. It is about finding an institution that makes it possible to succeed at both.

* By Sipho Jack, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement