{"id":6816,"date":"2016-05-25T04:11:26","date_gmt":"2016-05-25T04:11:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sabasics.com\/?p=98"},"modified":"2016-05-25T04:11:26","modified_gmt":"2016-05-25T04:11:26","slug":"how-unisa-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/how-unisa-works\/","title":{"rendered":"How Unisa Works"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>How Unisa Works<\/h1>\n<div class=\"advads-atf\" style=\"margin-top: 15px;margin-bottom: 20px;\" id=\"advads-3873458160\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- Responsive ads atf -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"8381596201\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div><p>Unisa is run on the distance learning model. You apply, get admitted, you register as a student, get your study materials posted to you, then you write assignments and exams. You study in your own convenient time.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How does Unisa Educational system works?\n<ul type=\"circle\">\n<li>Hours<\/li>\n<li>Course weight<\/li>\n<li>Percentages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Can assignments be done online?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes they can be done online, but first you have to be a registered student for the academic period and also be a registered user on\u00a0myUnisa (<a href=\"https:\/\/my.unisa.ac.za\/\" target=\"blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/my.unisa.ac.za<\/a>).\u00a0 After you have been registered as a user on students online you have to login using your student number and password to be able to submit your assignments online.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What are the advantages of studying at Unisa?<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>You can study at your own pace, moving quickly through the parts you find easy, and taking your time with the difficult sections.<\/li>\n<li>Your lecturers provide help and guidance through tutorial letters. It is your responsibility to contact them should you run into difficulties.<\/li>\n<li>You can work and earn a living while studying. You can therefore work when it suits you, either late at night or early in the morning.<\/li>\n<li>Unisa is less expensive &#8211; the study fees are nearly 60 percent less that those of residential universities. You save time and money not having to attend classes. By studying at home, you cut down on transport and accommodation costs as well.<\/li>\n<li>You can choose to join or form a study group to help you with your studies. Alternatively, you can attend tutorials at a learning centre.<\/li>\n<li>Unisa degrees are recognised internationally<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The three core business areas of Unisa are teaching, research and community engagement. Our world-class research is spearheaded by the Research and Innovation portfolio and community engagement by\u00a0our Community Engagement and Outreach Policy.<\/p>\n<h1>Open Distance Learning (ODL) is a different way of learning<\/h1>\n<p>ODL is a different way of learning\u2026 there is a physical distance between you and your university. For most of us, this means that our previous learning experiences will not have prepared us for the Unisa study journey. In distance learning, YOU are responsible for your studies. You don\u2019t attend daily lectures. You learn from a distance and you connect to the university mostly via the internet.<\/p>\n<p>But this doesn\u2019t mean that you are on your own. Unisa has a number of support services for our students \u2013 from tutorial support and counselling, to online tools. The \u201cdistance\u201d in distance learning means that most of your interactions with Unisa will take place at a distance &#8211; mostly in digital format.<\/p>\n<h3>Your study material<\/h3>\n<p>Your study material will consist of written content, whether on paper or online, instead of listening to a teacher or lecturer in a classroom. In some instances, Unisa provides access to computers and the internet at our regional offices and other partner organisations, but we suggest that you have your own computer and access to the internet if at all possible &#8211; it will just make your studies so much easier.<\/p>\n<h3>Your study world<\/h3>\n<p>The best way to cope with distance learning is to take full responsibility for your own learning experience and environment. Your study world will be the environment you create &#8211; a room at home, a desk somewhere at work and, of course, the connections you make and the virtual networks you develop.<\/p>\n<h3>Your time<\/h3>\n<p>You will also need to remind your friends, family and work colleagues that your studies demand a lot from you, because they will probably forget that you are studying and make demands on your time.<\/p>\n<h2>What is it like to be an ODL student?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.unisa.ac.za\/contents\/applyUG\/images\/odl-student.gif\" alt=\"What is it like to be an ODL student? \" width=\"820\" height=\"428\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Student services &amp; support<\/h2>\n<p>As an open distance learning university, there is not much face-to-face contact between Unisa and our students. Nonetheless, our students come first and we provide many services to support you during your Unisa journey, such as our libraries, counselling services, regional centres and various student bodies.<\/p><div class=\"advads-content\" id=\"advads-1745254676\"><div style=\"width: 300px; padding: 20px; margin: 0 auto; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 8px; background-color: #f9f9f9; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\">\r\n    <p style=\"font-size: 16px; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Need Information or Confused about Something ? <\/p>\r\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/onlineapplications.co.za\/ask\/\" style=\"display: inline-block; padding: 10px 20px; background-color: #007BFF; color: #fff; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px; transition: background-color 0.3s;\">Ask a Question<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><div class=\"advads-btf\" style=\"margin-top: 15px;margin-bottom: 20px;\" id=\"advads-3891975912\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- Responsive ads btf -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"5513273173\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div>\n<h3>Unisa provides you with a number of support services that will help you on your journey:<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"full_Width_Padded light_Grey_All\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"subheading\" width=\"20%\">myUnisa<\/th>\n<td>Unisa\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/my.unisa.ac.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online student portal<\/a> is the university\u2019s most important study tool. It is how you will communicate with Unisa and how Unisa will communicate with you.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"subheading\">myLife e-mail account<\/th>\n<td>Registered Unisa students all get a free myLife e-mail account. Important information, notices and updates are sent exclusively to this account.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"subheading\">Social media<\/th>\n<td><a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/UniversityOfSouthAfrica\">Facebook<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/unisa\">Twitter<\/a>, LinkedIn and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/unisavideos\">YouTube<\/a> are great channels through which to share ideas, find other students, ask questions and generally stay informed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"subheading\">Unisa Radio<\/th>\n<td>Internet-based <a href=\"http:\/\/radio.unisa.ac.za\/\">Unisa Radio<\/a> is a vibrant and informative platform of information and topics focused on our Unisa students. Its programming consists of music, informative interviews and talk shows.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"subheading\">E-tutors<\/th>\n<td>Unisa has introduced e-tutoring in all undergraduate learning programmes, thus integrating support that is potentially accessible to each student, irrespective of their geographic location. A group of about 200 students is linked to one e-tutor. Students in a group are able to interact and learn from one another.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"subheading\">Regional centres<\/th>\n<td>Unisa\u2019s distance education character is also reflected in the regional structure, which includes <a href=\"http:\/\/www.unisa.ac.za\/regions\">seven regions<\/a>, namely Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Midlands, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. Together, these comprise 28 hubs, service centres and agencies that serve many thousands of students. At most of the regional offices we have learning centres where distance learners can go to in order to get various forms of support for their studies. This includes face-to-face tutorials and access to computers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"subheading\">Telecentres<\/th>\n<td>Through the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.unisa.ac.za\/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&amp;ContentID=23650\">telecentre<\/a> initiative, Unisa students have access to 1 450 computers with internet access in rural areas throughout South Africa. Telecentres are private facilities equipped with computers connected to the internet, printers, photocopiers, scanners, faxes, telephones, and so on. Administrators are also on hand to assist students.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"subheading\">The Dean of Students and Student Affairs<\/th>\n<td>The<a href=\"https:\/\/my.unisa.ac.za\/portal\/site\/%21gateway\/page\/9e7aa382-a0cc-4d56-b428-3d970cfe495e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Dean of Students<\/a> promotes students&#8217; psychosocial needs and develops globally networked student leadership.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"subheading\">Student counselling<\/th>\n<td>Unisa\u2019s <a href=\"http:\/\/www.unisa.ac.za\/counselling\">counselling services<\/a> provide career, academic and personal support to students. Support is available online and by e-mail, in person, by telephone and by letter.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"subheading\">Library<\/th>\n<td>The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.unisa.ac.za\/library\">library<\/a> is one of the university\u2019s indispensable resources. Knowing how to use it (and using it extensively) is central to the successful Unisa student experience. The Unisa library is the largest academic library in Africa, containing more than 2.7 million items, including books, reference resources, e-books, e-newspapers and e-journals.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"advads-cpc\" id=\"advads-3241544037\"><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Sponsored Guide<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the <strong>National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)<\/strong> is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of <strong>bursaries and loans<\/strong> to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.<\/p>\n<p>This guide will walk you through <strong>everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process<\/strong>, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udccc What is NSFAS?<\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)<\/strong> is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.<\/p>\n<p>NSFAS <strong>offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bursaries<\/strong>: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loans<\/strong>: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\u2705 Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?<\/h2>\n<p>To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Be a <strong>South African citizen<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Be <strong>financially needy<\/strong>, with a household income of <strong>less than R350,000 per year<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Have a <strong>valid South African ID<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Be <strong>enrolled or accepted<\/strong> to study at a <strong>public university or TVET college<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain satisfactory <strong>academic progress<\/strong> (returning students).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcda Courses Funded by NSFAS<\/h2>\n<p>NSFAS primarily funds <strong>undergraduate qualifications<\/strong>, but certain <strong>postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB)<\/strong> may be considered under the <strong>NSFAS loan scheme<\/strong>, not bursaries.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re studying:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Undergraduate degree or diploma<\/strong>: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Postgraduate study<\/strong>: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcc4 Required Documents for NSFAS Application<\/h2>\n<p>When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proof of income<\/strong> (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consent Form<\/strong> signed by your parent(s)\/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Academic transcripts<\/strong> (for continuing or postgraduate students).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udda5\ufe0f How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online<\/h2>\n<h3>Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Visit the NSFAS Website<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Go to: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za\/\">https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Create an Account<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Click on <strong>\u201cMyNSFAS\u201d<\/strong> and register your profile.<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019ll need a <strong>valid email address<\/strong> and <strong>South African cellphone number<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Login and Start the Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>After registration, log in to your <strong>MyNSFAS<\/strong> account.<\/li>\n<li>Click on <strong>\u201cApply\u201d<\/strong> to begin a new application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Fill in Your Personal Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Input your <strong>ID number<\/strong>, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.<\/li>\n<li>Provide <strong>household income information<\/strong> and living arrangements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Upload Required Documents<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Upload all supporting documents in <strong>PDF or JPEG format<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Submit Your Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Review your application for accuracy.<\/li>\n<li>Click <strong>\u201cSubmit\u201d<\/strong> and wait for a confirmation message.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><strong>Track Your Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Log in regularly to check your application status.<\/li>\n<li>You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Important NSFAS Dates (2025)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Application Opening Date<\/strong>: September 1, 2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>Application Deadline<\/strong>: January 31, 2026<\/li>\n<li><strong>Appeals Period<\/strong>: February 2026 (if rejected)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Disbursement<\/strong>: After registration and approval<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcb8 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?<\/h2>\n<p>NSFAS funding typically includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Tuition fees<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Registration fees<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Accommodation (if living away from home)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Meals and transport<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For <strong>loans<\/strong>, repayment is only required <strong>once you start working and earn above a threshold<\/strong> (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udd04 NSFAS Loan Repayment<\/h2>\n<p>Repayments are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Income-contingent<\/strong> \u2013 you only repay when you can afford to.<\/li>\n<li>Administered by <strong>DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interest-bearing<\/strong>, but interest rates are low and favorable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can also apply for a <strong>partial loan conversion to a bursary<\/strong> if you perform well academically.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udd01 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application<\/h2>\n<p>If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Log into your MyNSFAS account.<\/li>\n<li>Click on <strong>\u201cTrack Funding Progress\u201d<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>If rejected, click on <strong>\u201cSubmit Appeal\u201d<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Upload any missing or corrected documents.<\/li>\n<li>Provide a clear explanation or motivation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcf1 NSFAS Contact Information<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Website<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za\/\">https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Email<\/strong>: <a href=\"mailto:info@nsfas.org.za\">info@nsfas.org.za<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Toll-Free Number<\/strong>: 08000 67327 (Monday\u2013Friday, 8 AM\u20135 PM)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Twitter<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/myNSFAS\">@myNSFAS<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Facebook<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/myNSFAS\">NSFAS<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcdd Final Tips Before Applying<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Apply <strong>early<\/strong> to avoid system overload near the deadline.<\/li>\n<li>Use <strong>your own email and cellphone number<\/strong> (do not use someone else\u2019s).<\/li>\n<li>Double-check that all your documents are <strong>certified and legible<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Keep a <strong>copy of your submission confirmation<\/strong> for reference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams\u2014without the burden of immediate financial pressure.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Unisa Works Unisa is run on the distance learning model. You apply, get admitted, you register as a student, get your study materials posted to you, then you write assignments and exams. You study in your own convenient time. &nbsp; How does Unisa Educational system works? Hours Course weight Percentages Can assignments be done\u2026 <span class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/how-unisa-works\/\">Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6816","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6816"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6816\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6816"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6816"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uni1.co.za\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}