How to Pass Unisa Exams

Passing Unisa exams starts from reading to this message, and from day one when you receive your study materials.

These are the tasks that I think you have to go through in order to pass Unisa exams:
(1) Check that you have received all the required materials.
When you receive your Unisa study materials, check the inventory note to make sure that you have received all study materials you are supposed to receive. If you have not received all materials, make note of the materials you have not yet received.

(2) Read Tutorial 101 first.
It is important to read Tutorial Letter 101 first because it contains important information such as your assignments, assignment due dates and the prescribe books you have to buy.

(3) Buy study materials in time.
The earlier you get all your prescribed books, the better the chance of making proper preparations.

(4) Make a time table for your studies.
Give each course appropriate time to study, prepare assignments and make enough time to make revisions.

(5) Consider the “test yourself” questions.
How you study, it’s up to you. We all have different study tactics, so use one that is suitable for you.
When you are studying, you will frequently see some test yourself questions at the end of each chapter in your study materials. It is important that you attempt to answer these questions. In this way, you will be able to identify the gaps you still have in your studies and might as well tackle those sections you are still lacking.

(6) Submit all assignments.
The possibility for you to fail exams are high if you have only submitted one assignment than when you have submitted all the assignments. This is because most of Unisa exams only covers 70% of the total mark and the other 30% you get from submitting assignments.

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(7) Familiarise yourself with exam structure.
On your MyUnisa portal, you will find useful resources to help you in your studies. Such materials may include past exam question papers. Download some of these question papers and see how the previous exams were structured. It is also important that you attempt to answer some of these question papers in preparation for exams.

(8) Make time for enough revision before the exam date.
Using all study resources and your notes, make sure that you revise in time and be ready for the exam day.

(9) Arrive at least 15 minutes before exams.
It is important that you arrive on time during exams. Unisa recommends that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the actual exam time. This will allow you to settle down, listen to the instructions from the invigilator and get enough time to go through your question paper.

(10) Relax, go with the flow.
If you know that you have made enough preparation, why stress? You have made it, good luck.

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.