How Unisa Credits Work
Qualifications: credits, modules and NQF levels
Credits are the number of notional study hours required for achieving the learning outcomes. Notional hours include study time, assignments and examinations. The credit rating system rates 10 notional hours as equivalent to one credit.
For example: a Higher Certificate has 120 credits consisting of a 10 x 12 credit module. A module consisting of 12 credits equates to 120 notional hours. It therefore requires at least 8 hours of study per week in a 15-week semester.
Qualifications require a certain number of credits, broken down into smaller units. At Unisa, undergraduate modules are usually 12 credits. Each module is pegged according to a specific NQF level. A bachelor’s degree of 360 credits, for example, consists of 30 modules of 12 credits each.
A bachelor’s degree may consist of between:
- 8 and 10 modules of 12 credits each at NQF level 5;
- 10 to 12 modules of 12 credits each at NQF level 6;
- 10 modules of 12 credits each at NQF level 7.
These levels follow on from one another. When choosing a module, you must first have passed the module at the lower level. Before you can be awarded a qualification, you must have completed the required number of credits; and the modules must be completed at the required NQF level.
Plan your curriculum using the information in the my Registration @ Unisa brochure and website.
| New NQF level | Vocational | Professional | General |
| 10 | Doctoral degree | Doctoral degree | |
| 9 | Master’s degree | Master’s degree | |
| 8 | Postgraduate diploma | Postgraduate diploma Bachelor’s degree | Honours degree Bachelor’s degree |
| 7 | Advanced diploma | Bachelor’s degree Advanced diploma | Bachelor’s degree |
| 6 | Diploma (240 credits and 360 credits) | Diploma (360 credits) | |
| 6 | Advanced certificate (120 credits) | ||
| 5 | Higher certificate (120 credits) |
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Did you know : International Scholarships 2024
There are several international scholarships available for South Africans to study abroad. Here are a few examples:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program: This program provides fully funded scholarships to study at selected universities in Africa, Europe, and North America. It is open to African students, including South Africans, who are committed to giving back to their communities.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including South Africa. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright program offers scholarships for South Africans to study at U.S. universities for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
- Erasmus+ Programme: The Erasmus+ programme offers scholarships for South Africans to study in Europe for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
- Australia Awards Scholarships: The Australian government offers scholarships for South Africans to study at Australian universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
These are just a few examples of the many international scholarships available to South Africans. It is important to research the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each scholarship program.