Bridging courses at UNISA: list, form, guide, cost, application processes

Bridging courses at UNISA: list, form, guide, cost, application processes

Once you have completed your high school education, you may feel ready to tackle a new world of endless possibilities through tertiary studies to further your education. But, if your grades are not up to standard for your chosen field of study, you may not meet the minimum requirements. Luckily, bridging courses can help with that. Here are the details about bridging courses at UNISA and everything you need to know about the process.

Happy female student attending a lecture in university classroom
You can take a bridging programme if you do not meet the minimum requirements for your preferred field of study. Photo: Drazen Zigic (modified by author)
Source: UGC

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Bridging courses at UNISA in 2024 is your ticket into studying toward your dream career, especially if the qualification you aim for is a degree. With options like maths and science bridging courses at UNISA, the institution also offers a bridging course for teaching and psychology, helping you to achieve your goals even if your matric marks are not up to standard.

List of bridging courses at UNISA

University of South Africa (UNISA) offers various bridging courses across different faculties. Here is a list of some of the most popular bridging courses:

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  • Bridging courses for teaching
  • Bridging courses for medicine
  • Bridging courses for nursing
  • Bridging courses for engineering
  • Bridging courses for mathematics
  • Bridging health sciences course

Requirements for bridging courses at UNISA

The specific requirements for bridging courses at UNISA can vary depending on the program and the student's academic background. General requirements include:

  • A valid South African ID or passport
  • Matriculation certificate or equivalent qualification
  • Specific subject prerequisites (e.g., mathematics, English)
Group portrait of college students outside the University
Bridging courses help you get the necessary points to get into whatever qualification you want. Photo: Coroimage
Source: Getty Images

How to apply for a teaching bridging course at UNISA?

To apply for a bridging course or preparatory program at UNISA, follow these general steps below:

  1. Visit the official UNISA website.
  2. Click on the "Apply" option.
  3. Choose "Short Learning Programmes."
  4. Select "Apply for admission."
  5. Under "How to apply?" click on "Apply online."
  6. Choose "Short Learning Programmes."
  7. Indicate whether you have a student number starting with "7" (YES) or not (NO).
  8. Enter your personal details.
  9. Choose the qualification you wish to apply for and provide the necessary details to continue.

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Note: Application and registration for UNISA's short learning programmes were open from 14 May to 19 July 2024.

Is a higher certificate a bridging course?

Higher certificates can be classified as one, especially since you study for around a year during these certificates, giving you an excellent introduction to your chosen field of study. A higher education certificate at UNISA is a prime example of what is considered a bridging course.

This may not be the case with every qualification, and some specific instances, like a life science bridging course, may have different requirements. So, you should check in with your learning institution beforehand to avoid disappointment.

A university student holding books
Bridging courses can take anywhere from six months to a year. Photo: Maskot
Source: Getty Images

How long does a bridging course take?

The length of university bridging courses may vary depending on the programme and institution, but you can expect it to take anywhere from six months to a year. You should contact a consultant to confirm how long your relevant programme will take.

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How much is a bridging course at UNISA?

The cost of bridging courses at UNISA varies depending on the course and duration. On average, these courses can cost anywhere between R2,000 and R10,000 per module. It's important to check the specific fees for your chosen course on the UNISA website.

Does NSFAS fund bridging courses at UNISA?

These courses naturally come at your own expense, and some may wonder if they can receive assisted funding to alleviate the financial burden. Unfortunately, NSFAS does not provide financial assistance towards bridging courses at institutions.

Are there free bridging courses at UNISA?

While UNISA might not offer entirely free bridging courses, they may provide financial aid or bursaries to eligible students.

Bridging courses at UNISA offer a valuable opportunity for students who do not meet the standard admission criteria but are determined to pursue higher education. By understanding the available courses, application processes, and associated costs, prospective students can take the necessary steps to achieve their academic and career goals.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Jackline Wangare avatar

Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Briefly.co.za, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.

Justine De Lange avatar

Justine De Lange (Lifestyle writer) Justine De Lange has over 6 years of experience in lifestyle, corporate and freelance writing. She started at Now Media for their lifestyle publication 'Let's Go', then joined 'travSIM' and 'Metavaro'. She now writes for Briefly News as a content writer, working with beats such as studies, services, business tips, and celebrity biographies (joined in 2022). In 2023, Justine finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can contact her directly via JustinedeLange14@gmail.com.