Identifying other study options
What should you do if you do not meet the admission requirements for any undergraduate qualification at Unisa?
You now need to explore options outside of Unisa to help you meet the admission requirements for your chosen qualification or you could reconsider your career goals and how you will plan your career.
Where to start?
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. You will need to do research to help you explore the different options you have based on your circumstances and what you want.
Upgrading your National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate
- If you completed your Senior Certificate before 2008, you may contact your local district of the Department of Education for more information about completing the Amended Senior Certificate or search for institutions that offer tuition for this online. Click here for the Department of Education’s contact information.
- You can search for institutions that offer contact and distance learning options to complete or upgrade your NSC. Do a search online for institutions that offer this option.
It is important that you enquire about the accreditation of programmes offered by private institutions. Read this article by Umalusi before you register for a qualification or programme.
What else can you consider?
Some websites to help you get started with exploring other study options:
- Explore education options at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.
- The Department of Higher Education and Training’s register of private higher education institutions will help you to identify institutions and study options. Note that only some higher certificates and diplomas will be relevant for consideration when applying for admission to a formal Unisa qualification.
Who can you talk to if you want to reconsider you career plans?
Contact a Unisa career counsellor at counselling@unisa.ac.za to have a conversation about your career and appropriate study options.
Last modified: 2025/2026/08/01
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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.
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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.