If you’re a student at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and feel that your exam results do not reflect your performance, you have the right to apply for a remark. UNISA allows students to request a remark if they believe an error occurred in the marking process.
How to Request an Exam Remark at UNISA
This guide explains the process, deadlines, fees, and important things to consider when requesting a remark.
1. What Is an Exam Remark?
An exam remark is a re-evaluation of your exam script by a different examiner. It is not a re-write of the exam, but rather a quality assurance step to ensure that the marking was accurate and fair. This process is available for written, formal exams and is not applicable to multiple-choice question (MCQ) exams or assignments.
2. When Can You Request a Remark?
UNISA opens the exam remark request window shortly after the release of official exam results. Students must submit their application within five weeks (35 days) of the release of the final result for the module they wish to have remarked. Late applications are not accepted.
3. Who Is Eligible to Apply?
You can request a remark if:
- You wrote a formal, written exam (not MCQ-based).
- Your exam script is available and was marked.
- You received your official exam result and believe there has been a marking error.
- You are not satisfied with the mark and want it re-evaluated.
Remark requests are not accepted for:
- MCQ-based modules.
- Practical modules or oral exams.
- Modules where a supplementary exam is already granted.
4. How Much Does It Cost?
As of 2025, the fee for a remark is R570 per module. This fee is non-refundable, even if your mark stays the same or changes. However, if the remark results in a higher mark that alters your final result (e.g. from a fail to a pass), the fee will be refunded.
5. How to Apply
You can request a remark by following these steps:
Step 1:
Log into your myUnisa student portal.
Step 2:
Navigate to “Assessment Admin” under the “Examinations” section.
Step 3:
Select the module(s) for which you want to request a remark.
Step 4:
Pay the remark fee using the correct UNISA banking details and include your student number and module code as the payment reference.
Step 5:
Upload the proof of payment through the system or email it to the appropriate UNISA email address (usually provided during the application process).
Ensure you keep a copy of the proof of payment and confirmation email for your records.
6. What Happens Next?
Once your request is submitted and payment is confirmed, UNISA will assign a different examiner to re-mark your paper. This process can take up to six weeks. You will receive the outcome via the student portal or email.
7. Possible Outcomes
- Mark stays the same: No refund is issued.
- Mark increases: If your final result changes (e.g. from fail to pass), you will get a refund.
- Mark decreases: Your new mark will stand, even if it is lower than the original one.
Keep in mind that the remarked result is final and cannot be appealed further.
8. Important Tips
- Apply as soon as results are released to avoid missing the deadline.
- Make sure to follow the correct payment procedures—incorrect payments may delay processing.
- Only request a remark if you genuinely believe there was a mistake in the marking.
- Read the official UNISA student policies on exams and remarks for updated rules.
Also check: UNISA Exam Issues? Here’s How to Get Support
Requesting a remark at UNISA is your right as a student, but it’s a process that should be approached with careful consideration. Understand the implications, deadlines, and fees involved before submitting your application. With the right approach, a remark can potentially change your academic outcome for the better.
