‘Radical’ new application procedures at Unisa
‘You need to apply now or surely lose chance to study at the facility’
BOSTON City Campus and Business College will be helping students with their Unisa applications from this week until September 30.
As a Unisa licencee, Boston offers tuition support for students who register for the Unisa BCom, LLB, BBA, BAdmin and BCompt undergraduate degrees, as well as the postgraduate Hons BCompt.
Boston’s Natalie Rabson points out that Unisa changed its applications and registrations procedures last month and that these changes are quite radical.
“From now on, Unisa will have only one application period a year,” she says. “In the past, students had the luxury of applying twice annually, both in April and August.”
Now students who want to study at Unisa next year must apply between August 17 and the end of September.
“If you wish to pursue degree studies in 2016, you need to make applications now or you will surely lose the opportunity to study at Unisa next year,” Rabson cautions.
“It would be a pity because Unisa is the largest distance learning university in Africa and it makes it possible for students to study from home or attend classes at a Unisa-licensed college close to home. This way, students save on time as well as on travelling and accommodation costs.”
Studying through Unisa is a popular option because distance studying gives students the freedom to study when it is convenient for them to do so. Many Unisa students have full-time jobs.
“Another reason to get your ducks in a row regarding your Unisa application is the fact that from now on, student numbers will be limited, per faculty,” Rabson says. “Students will also no longer be accepted automatically on their matric results. Unisa will from now on work on a points system that considers results, school attendance and biographical data when assessing study applications.”
Students can now apply for admission to three different study options at once whereas in the past, Unisa only allowed two choices.
So if you’re not sure whether you will be accepted into the degree of your choice, it is recommended that you apply for a relevant higher certificate as a back-up option.
(Traditionally, Unisa has recommended completing the higher certificate to meet degree application requirements.)
And if you are currently completing a Unisa higher certificate with the intention of progressing to a degree, you must ensure that you complete an application for degree studies before the deadline date, says Rabson.
If you’re a current Unisa student and wish to change courses or you want to apply for honours, note that there’s a new procedure here too: first you have to get a full academic record from Unisa; then you must have it certified at a commissioner of oaths; write a letter motivating your change, then submit all these documents together with a new application.
“The best is to tackle your application step by step so that you stay on track and don’t become confused,” advises Rabson.
Unisa starts assessing applications in October and releases the admission results between November and December. Once students receive confirmation that their degree applications have been successful, they must pay a deposit of R1 020 immediately – this is the new ruling. If students fail to pay their deposits, they lose their seats. If they change their minds and don’t want to register for the course any more, they forfeit the deposits paid.
“You simply have to make double sure that you apply for courses that really interest you and for which you meet all the requirements, otherwise you will be wasting your time and money,” says Rabson.
If you’re unsure, Rabson recommends that you make an appointment to speak to a trained career adviser who can help you choose an appropriate course as well as finalise your Unisa application properly.
Boston City Campus & Business College also offers a free computerised career compass assessment to help you make an informed career choice as part of the college’s corporate social responsibility.
Note, however, that Boston accepts no responsibility for final Unisa registrations and applications, as the responsibility for these lies directly with Unisa.
For more information, contact Boston City Campus & Business College at 011 455 6992, e-mail evy@boston.co.za or see www.boston.co.za.