Can you study at UNISA without Matric? All your questions answered
Most South Africans go to school and work hard so that they receive their Matric certificates. After that, they want to go to top institutions in SA and the world such as the University of South Africa (UNISA), which offers a wide variety of courses. Many without their Matric certificates have asked, "Can you study at UNISA without Matric?" Find out today.
Source: UGC
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Can you study at UNISA without Matric? Before knowing this answer, Matric or matriculation refers to the final year of high school exam for which you get a certificate in SA. Sometimes, the word is used to mean the minimum requirements for joining a university. Anyone in his or her final year of school in SA is also known as a matriculant.
Can you study at UNISA without Matric?
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa. Throughout its history spanning 15 decades, UNISA's journey has been one of continuous growth and transformation.
This institution of higher learning aims at shaping tomorrow through education. The university has more than 370 000 students and is the largest university in South Africa and on the African continent, and one of the world's mega-universities. Find out if there are UNISA courses without Matric.
Matric requirement for studying at UNISA
The reality is that you cannot study at UNISA without matriculation. You should also know that simply obtaining your National Senior Certificate is not enough.
Your Matric certificate does not guarantee you a student slot at UNISA because the institution is quite competitive. You must meet the specified minimum entry criteria for the course you wish to pursue to be considered for admission.
If you do not have a Matric certificate, you should consider enrolling in other learning institutions that do not need one. Alternatively, you can pursue your dream course at lower education levels and work your way up.
Does UNISA have Matric?
It does not. You cannot sit your Matric examinations at UNISA. If you sat your Matric exams but failed to meet the minimum entry requirements, you should know there are plenty of options for improving it.
An adult can consider Adult Basic Education Training (ABET), which is for anyone with an education level below Grade 9.
Source: UGC
What is Matric exemption at UNISA?
Matriculation exemption is a legal requirement for first-degree study at a South African university. Students who did not pass Senior Certificate with endorsement are required by law to apply for a matriculation exemption through the Matriculation Board.
Possible alternatives if you do not have Matric
If you desire to study at UNISA but do not meet the Matric grade requirements, you can simply upgrade your matric and improve your chances of admission.
You can also consider joining another institution. There are schools in SA that allow people to study without a Matric certificate. It is your duty to confirm if the institution you wish to join can accept you without this important certificate.
There are various courses and schools that do not require matriculation. These schools have tailor-made courses for people without the National Senior Certificate.
The duration for these courses is anywhere between three months and two years. A good example is the Skills Academy, which offers a variety of courses and is accredited by FASSET, QCTO, and ICB. Other popular schools are listed below.
- The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)
- The Learning Group
- The TWP Academy (accredited by FASSET, QCTO, and ICB)
- The Decor School
Some of the courses to study without matric are listed below (not offered in UNISA).
- Beauty Therapy Studies
- Bookkeeping and Accounting Studies
- Child Day Care Studies
- Computer Studies
- Management Studies
- Occupational Health and Safety Studies
- Policing, Investigations and Forensic Studies
- Project Management Studies
- Workplace Administration and Secretarial Studies
- Work Environment Skills Quick Courses
Source: Getty Images
Are there short courses at UNISA without Matric?
UNISA's Short Learning Programmes are introductory, practical, non-degree programmes that develop skills and knowledge in a chosen subject field in a quick manner. These courses are offered by different academic departments of UNISA's colleges.
Application for Short Learning Programmes in the university is open and all applicants must have Matric. All applications must be submitted online, and applicants can only apply for a maximum of two Short Learning Programmes in order of preference.
Note that you can only register for one programme at a time. All applications must be submitted online. You will be required to upload supporting documents, including your Matric certificate, when submitting your application. Note that there are no short courses at UNISA without Matric.
What can you study at UNISA without Matric?
Admission into UNISA requires you to have a Matric certificate. If you do not have one, you cannot become a student at the university.
Which are the free UNISA courses without a Matric certificate?
There are no free UNISA short courses offered without a Matric certificate.
What documents do you need for UNISA?
The documents you need include copies of your academic qualifications, a copy of your ID document or passport, a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree, if applicable, and sworn translations of documents if they are not in English or Afrikaans.
How long does UNISA take to process applications?
The University of South Africa may take up to three months to review your documents because it receives thousands of forms yearly. Once reviewed, the institution will offer feedback on whether your application was accepted or rejected.
Can you study at UNISA without Matric? You cannot study at UNISA without matriculation. If you have not completed matric or your results do not grant you admission to UNISA, you may want to consider other study alternatives related to your career goals.
Briefly.co.za recently published a list of higher certificate courses at UNISA. Students who fail to obtain the minimum requirements for a particular diploma or degree qualification at UNISA can still pursue their dream course by doing a related higher certificate course.
The minimum requirement for enrolment is a grade 12 certificate or an equivalent qualification. There are over 15 higher certificate courses at UNISA.
Source: Briefly News
Jedidah Tabalia Jedi is a journalist with over 5 years working experience in the media industry. She has a BSc. in Human Resource Management from Moi University (graduated in 2014) and a working in progress MBA in Strategic Management. Having joined Genesis in 2017, Jedi is a passionate Facts and Life Hacks, Fitness, and Health content creator who sees beauty in everything. She loves traveling and checking out new restaurants. Her email address is jedidahtabalia@gmail.com
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
