The University of South Africa (UNISA) offers a wide range of postgraduate qualifications, including honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. As one of Africa’s largest distance-learning institutions, UNISA provides flexible study options for students across South Africa and beyond. Registering for a UNISA postgraduate qualification requires careful planning, as students must navigate an online registration system, select appropriate modules, and ensure timely payment of fees.
UNISA postgraduate Registration Guide
This guide provides a step-by-step process for registering as a postgraduate student at UNISA, including key dates, requirements, and common challenges.
1. Understanding UNISA’s Postgraduate Registration Process
UNISA follows an online registration process for postgraduate students. Once accepted into a postgraduate programme, students must complete the registration process within the stipulated timeframe to secure their place.
2. Application Process
Before registering, ensure you have applied and been accepted into your chosen program.
- Application Period: For the 2025 academic year, applications for honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas are open from 13 to 27 January 2025. unisa.ac.za
- Application Method: All applications must be submitted online. No hard copy or email applications will be accepted. unisa.ac.za
- Required Documents: Prepare certified copies of your academic transcripts, identification documents, and any additional materials specified by your chosen program.
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3. Steps for Postgraduate Registration at UNISA
Step 1: Accept Your Admission Offer
- If you applied and were accepted into a UNISA postgraduate programme, you must accept the offer via your myUnisa account before proceeding with registration.
Step 2: Access the Online Registration Portal
- Visit https://www.unisa.ac.za/register.
- Click on “Register” under the appropriate category (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral).
Step 3: Select Your Modules or Research Components
- For coursework-based programmes (honours and postgraduate diplomas), select your modules according to the curriculum requirements.
- For research-based master’s and doctoral degrees, register for your research proposal module first, followed by the dissertation or thesis in subsequent years.
Step 4: Verify Your Fees
- The UNISA fees structure for postgraduate qualifications varies depending on the number of modules, research supervision, and other administrative costs.
- Use the fee quotation tool on the UNISA website to check how much you need to pay.
- Ensure that you pay the minimum initial payment before your registration is finalized.
Step 5: Make Payment
- Payments can be made via:
- Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT)
- Credit or debit card (via the online payment portal)
- Bank deposits using the correct UNISA reference number
- Once payment is received, your registration status will be updated.
Step 6: Confirm Registration and Access Study Materials
- Log into myUnisa to confirm that your registration is active.
- Download study materials and course resources from the myModules section.
- If your registration status is pending or shows issues, contact UNISA’s postgraduate registration support immediately.
4. Common Challenges and Solutions
- Delayed Registration Confirmation: This may occur if your payment has not been processed. Ensure that you use the correct payment reference number.
- Module Selection Issues: Some students may struggle to select modules due to curriculum changes. Refer to the UNISA curriculum guide for your programme.
- Missing Study Material: If materials are not available immediately, check myUnisa regularly or contact your department.
- Late Registration Requests: If you miss the registration deadline, you may submit a motivation letter, but approval is not guaranteed.
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5. Contacting UNISA for Postgraduate Registration Assistance
- Email: Study-specific email addresses can be found on the UNISA website.
- Phone: The postgraduate support team can assist with registration-related queries.
- UNISA Regional Offices: Visit a regional office for in-person support.
Registering for postgraduate studies at UNISA requires careful planning and adherence to deadlines. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping track of important dates, you can successfully complete your registration process and focus on your academic journey.
