Microsoft Office 365 is an integrated service that offers a collection of Microsoft tools designed to enhance your productivity and streamline your studies. It includes the latest version of Microsoft Office 2016 (Pro Plus), along with various other applications and services available on the Office 365 portal. With this suite, you can complete assignments, create presentations, and collaborate on group projects with ease.
Benefits of Microsoft Office 365 for Unisa Students
1. Familiar Software at Your Fingertips
With Office 2016 (Pro Plus), you gain access to popular software such as:
- Word: Ideal for writing essays and reports.
- Excel: Perfect for data analysis and budgeting.
- PowerPoint: Useful for creating stunning presentations.
These applications can be installed on up to three devices, including your laptop, tablet, and smartphone, ensuring you can work on your assignments anytime, anywhere—even offline!
2. 1TB of Online Storage with OneDrive
One of the standout features of Microsoft Office 365 is OneDrive, which offers you 1TB of cloud storage. This means you can store everything from photographs and videos to your important Unisa assignments securely online. Access your files whenever you need them by simply logging into your 365 account with your Unisa MyLife email address and password.
3. Seamless Collaboration
Office 365 allows for easy collaboration with classmates. You can share documents, work on projects in real-time, and communicate effectively—all within the Microsoft ecosystem.
How to Access Microsoft Office 365
Getting started with Microsoft Office 365 is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to download and install the suite on your devices:
For Your Laptop
- Visit portal.office.com.
- Sign in using your Unisa MyLife email address and your myUnisa/MyLife password.
- Click on “Install Office 2016” to begin downloading the software.
- Unlock your 1TB cloud storage using the same Unisa credentials.
For Tablets and Smartphones
- Open the Play Store, App Store, or Windows Store on your device.
- Download the OneDrive, OneNote, and Word apps.
- Use the “sign-in” option and enter your Unisa MyLife email address and password to unlock your cloud storage.
Now you’re all set to use OneDrive! Start uploading your documents, pictures, and other important files today.
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.