How Many Points Does Unisa Accept?

How Many Points Does Unisa Accept?

Understanding the Admission Points Score (APS) system is essential when applying to Unisa. APS is used to determine if you meet the minimum academic requirements for the qualification you want to pursue. It is calculated based on your final matric results, and each qualification at Unisa has its own specific APS requirements.

Generally, higher certificate programmes at Unisa require an APS between 15 and 19 points. Diploma programmes usually ask for 18 to 22 points, while degree programmes often require 21 points or more. The exact number of points depends on the specific course. For example, the APS needed for a Bachelor of Education might differ from that for a Bachelor of Commerce.

To calculate your APS, Unisa assigns points based on the percentage you achieved in each subject. Performance in English or the language of instruction is also important in meeting eligibility criteria. It’s worth noting that Life Orientation usually contributes fewer points compared to other subjects. Knowing how the APS system works can help you determine if you qualify for your desired programme and guide your application process at Unisa.

UNISA Programs APS Scores

When applying to Unisa, your Admission Point Score (APS) plays a key role in determining if you qualify for your chosen programme. The number of points required depends on the type of qualification you are applying for, as well as the specific course.

In general:
Higher Certificate programmes require an APS of 15 to 19.
Diploma programmes usually need an APS of 18 to 22.
Bachelor’s degrees often call for an APS of 21 or more.

It is important to note that each programme may have its unique requirements. For instance, a Bachelor of Education may need a different APS and subject combination compared to a Bachelor of Commerce. Always check the specific APS and subject requirements for your chosen qualification to ensure you meet the criteria before applying. Meeting or exceeding the minimum APS improves your chances of being accepted.

Admission Requirements for Diploma and Higher Certificate Qualifications at Unisa

Diploma Qualifications in Engineering

To qualify for diploma-level studies in engineering at Unisa, applicants must meet one of the following sets of requirements:

Hold a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma endorsement, including at least level 4 in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy), English, and either Physical Science or Technical Science.
Have completed N4-level Mathematics and Engineering Science with a minimum of 50%.
Hold a Senior Certificate obtained before 2008 that includes Mathematics, Physical Science, and English, with at least a D symbol on the Higher Grade or a C symbol on the Standard Grade. Alternatively, students who passed N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science with a minimum mark of 50% will also be considered.
Have a National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)) with diploma endorsement, including at least 50% in English, Mathematics, and Engineering Science.
Hold a Higher Certificate in a relevant field.

Higher Certificate Qualifications

To be admitted into a Higher Certificate programme at Unisa, you must meet one of the following:

Hold a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning and 40% in Mathematics.
Hold a Senior Certificate that meets the same criteria as above in line with NSC standards.
Have a National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning and 40% in Mathematics.

Diploma in Information Technology

For admission into the Diploma in Information Technology, one of the following qualification paths is required:

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma endorsement or an equivalent qualification, including at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and 50% in Mathematics. Alternatively, N4 Mathematics passed with at least 50%, along with N4 English, N4 Communication, or N4 Communication Technology passed with at least 50%, will be accepted.
A Senior Certificate with at least a D symbol on the Higher Grade or a C symbol on the Standard Grade in both the language of teaching and learning and Mathematics. If the course includes Physics or Chemistry modules, a D symbol on the Higher Grade or a C symbol on the Standard Grade in Physical Science is also required. Another option is passing N4 Mathematics with at least 50%, together with one of the N4 English, Communication, or Communication Technology subjects passed at 50% or higher.

In all cases, applicants must meet a minimum APS of 18 and fulfil all admission criteria for diploma-level study.

Admission Requirements for Postgraduate Qualifications at Unisa

Advanced Diploma in Engineering

To qualify for an Advanced Diploma in Engineering, you need to have completed one of the following:

A National Diploma in Engineering at NQF Level 6 in the relevant field
A 360-credit Diploma in Engineering at NQF Level 6 in the same area
An Advanced Certificate in Engineering Practice at NQF Level 6 from an accredited institution
A national or international qualification at NQF Level 6 in an appropriate engineering field

These qualifications must be relevant to the specific area of engineering you wish to study further.

Honours Degrees

To be admitted into an Honours degree programme, you must qualify for NQF Level 7 from an accredited higher education institution.
In addition, you must have achieved at least 60% in your major subjects or a selected group of modules at NQF Level 7 within your undergraduate qualification.

Advanced Diploma in Information Resource Management

To enrol in the Advanced Diploma in Information Resource Management, applicants must hold one of the following:

A relevant Diploma, National Diploma, or Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology or a related field at NQF Level 6 from a recognized institution
Alternatively, you may be considered if you have completed at least 60% of a coursework-based qualification that aligns with the vocational focus of the Advanced Diploma

Master’s Degrees

To qualify for a Master’s degree, you must have completed one of the following:

An Honours degree
A Postgraduate Diploma
A four-year Bachelor of Science degree in a related field

You need to have an overall average of at least 60% in your previous qualification. Before applying, you must contact the relevant academic department to confirm if a supervisor is available for your area of interest. If you have not yet completed a module in research methodology, you may be required to do so before your research proposal for the Master’s degree can be considered.

Doctoral Degrees

Admission to a Doctoral programme requires an appropriate Master’s degree in a relevant field. As with the Master’s application process, you must first reach out to the academic department to ensure that a supervisor is available before submitting your application.

Required Documents To Apply Online At UNISA

All documents must be certified within the last three months. Uncertified documents will be rejected. You will typically need:

A certified copy of your school qualifications, such as your Senior Certificate
A certified copy of your official tertiary academic record, if applicable (online records are not accepted)
A certified copy of your ID (for South African citizens) or passport (for international students)
A certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree, if applicable
Sworn translations of documents not in English or Afrikaans

How to Apply for a Qualification at Unisa

Choosing Your Qualification

Before starting your application, you need to decide which qualification you want to apply for. You are encouraged to select two qualification options and list them in order of preference. Since Unisa has limited space for each programme, you might not be accepted into your first choice. To improve your chances, make sure you meet the admission requirements for both qualifications you choose.

Prepare and Upload Your Documents

If you are applying for a new qualification, either as a first-time applicant or a current student starting a new course, you must upload the required documents. Unisa does not provide scanners or devices at its regional offices, so make sure your documents are scanned and saved on an electronic device before starting the application process.
All documents must be certified within the last three months. Uncertified documents will be rejected.

Pay the Application Fee

Once Unisa has issued your student number, you must pay the application fee. Use your student number as the payment reference. For details about payment methods and banking information, visit the official Unisa website at www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo. For convenience and faster processing, many applicants choose to pay online using a credit card.

Accreditation of Engineering Qualifications

Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) offers engineering programmes that are aligned with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). These programmes are endorsed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). All engineering qualifications offered by Unisa are also fully accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), meeting international standards set by the International Engineering Alliance.

UNISA Contact Details

Contact details for student assistance and service

Student enquiries: 0800 00 1870
Ethics Hotline: 0800 075 278
Visit us: unisa@thehotline.co.za
Main campus: Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria
Sunnyside campus (applications, registrations & learning centre):
Cnr Justice Mahomed & Steve Biko Streets, Sunnyside, Pretoria

Visit the official website of the University of South Africa for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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