Applying and registering are two completely different processes. Make sure you acquaint yourself with the different meanings. Give UNISA quite a few weeks (3 to 4) to process your application, unless the deadline is obviously looming.
Tracking your registration status
An online tool exists for this purpose: https://my.unisa.ac.za/tool/406818c5-9e45-4aac-b740-b47e12345443/default.do
Should you be worried about extensive delays and lack of feedback from UNISA, follow the steps as prescribed for checking your application status.
Tracking your application status (or dealing with a problematic registration)
No online tracking tool is available for checking your application status! You will have to email/phone/visit UNISA. I strongly suggest visiting the UNISA campus and don’t leave until you get a proper answer or have your issues resolved. Take a picnic basket and sleeping bag and have a fun day out in the UNISA building.
Take all your supporting documentation along, this includes but is not limited to:
- Your matric certificate and possibly previous results (plus certified copies!)
- Your ID (plus certified copies!)
- Any kind of communication you’ve received from UNISA (e.g. acceptance letter if this is w.r.t. registration and not application)
- Any financial details or proof of payment applicable
Have anything on hand that you had to submit during your application/registration. UNISA can lose some of your documentation, despite your submission of these documents. Have them on hand. If the campus assistant says your matric certificate, for example, is not on record, you can immediately hand the document to him/her.
UNISA staff can accurately track your admission process. They can see where your forms are and what status they’ve been assigned, including issues regarding docs, etc.
Be professional and courteous, people are less likely to be helpful while you’re frothing at the mouth. Be persistent and get answers, though. Try to tackle these issues early, don’t wait until the queues are piling up. Be pro-active.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.