The University of South Africa (UNISA) is presently the biggest University in South Africa. It is famous for being the biggest campus in South Africa by enrolment consisting of over 370,000 students. Presently students from over 109 countries are engaging in courses provided by the campus via distance learning and on site. UNISA is also famous for being a mega university comprising of offices around the country.
An Introduction to the University of South Africa (UNISA)
The historical roots of UNISA date back to 130 years, when it was initially called The University of the Cape of Good Hope. It was founded in 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope.
The university underwent a name change in 1916, becoming the University of South Africa and it relocated from Cape Town to Petoria. And during 1918 the focus of the university changed into offering distance learning education.
During the past decades UNISA was the only and biggest university campus in South Africa providing access to education to all people. This is despite race, colour or creed.
The University rests on the Mucleneuk Ridge when entering Petoria consists of a long heritage serving the nation. Currently UNISA hosts over 4000 University teaching as South Africa’s largest university.
Some of the colourful reserves the university comprise of Nelson Mandela, President of Zimbabwe, Tokyo Sexwale a former political prisoner and Cabinet minister, activist of ant-apartheid Robert Mugabe, South African painter Walter Battiss…etc.
Annual lectures hosted by the University which consist of The Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture Dialogue Series. This lecture series is a prominent event which is hosted by the University for decades. The lecture also has the prerogative in hosting global leaders which includes Presidents Bill Clinton and Thabo Mbeki, Nobel Laureates Desmond Tutu and Kofi Annan…etc
UNISA being among the top biggest campuses in South Africa comprise of a UNISA Space Art Gallery. The Gallery was established in 1986, and currently hosts a diversity of exhibitions each year. This galley is also among one of the research centres permitting public access to their online inventory catalogues.
Degrees and Courses Offered at the University of South Africa (UNISA)
Being among the big universities in South Africa, UNISA is one of the leading research institutions in the continent winning numerous awards. As one of the Top University in South Africa, a varied range of study choices are offered in UNISA. This ranges from short courses, certificate courses, bachelors degrees, Master degrees and PhD programs.
Some of the presently offered undergraduate bachelor’s degrees consist of the following areas:
- Administration
- Accounting Sciences
- Arts
- Business and Management
- Education
- Fashion
- Food service management
- Politics
Undergraduate qualifications at the University of South Africa (UNISA)
In order to qualify for undergraduate degrees, different NQF levels offer the qualification criteria. Admission can be applied to two qualifications. And as per popular advice you may apply to a lower level qualification in addition to your chosen qualification of choice.
In the event you want to apply for admission to a diploma or a degree of your choosing, you can find list of related qualifications here. However, completion a lower level qualification does not warrant admission to the higher level qualification. This is the case due to limited space.
To find a wide range of bachelor’s degrees offered in the biggest university in South Africa, the UNISA click here.
Master’s Degree and PhD Program Qualifications offered at the University of South Africa (UNISA)
Applications in UNISA have a unique structure which requires the candidate to pass an approximate number of modules.They should do this within a certain time period in order to graduate.
Students enrolling in Masters Degrees have to fulfil a requisite where two modules must be passed prior to registering for the research proposal module. After two years of study a student must pass a minimum of two modules. This will allow students to continue to the next academic year.
The Mini dissertation is mandatory and the research proposal module is a pre-requisite for the mini dissertation. In the event a student fails the research proposal module, the student will not be able to progress his/her studies in the University for two academic years.
These regulations does aren’t applied to the MBA and MBL students. Visit the Graduate School of Business and Leadership website pertaining to the MBA and MBL degrees.
Students registering for the doctoral degree programs incorporating a research proposal must register for the research component. To find a wide range of Master degrees and PhD programs offered at UNISA click here.
Conclusion
UNISA being the biggest University in South Africa remains dedicated in fostering higher education and empowering young minds. Being among one of the Top University in South Africa their commitment to ensure education reaches every corner of the continent and beyond is truly exemplary.
Key Points
- UNISA holds the title of the biggest university in South Africa, with a staggering student body exceeding 370,000.
- UNISA stands as a frontrunner in distance learning, offering educational opportunities to students both on campus and remotely.
- UNISA prioritizes making education accessible, ensuring everyone has the chance to learn regardless of race, colour, or creed.
- UNISA boasts a rich history, tracing its roots back to 1873 when it was established as the University of the Cape of Good Hope.
FAQs
What is the top 1 university in South Africa?
University of Cape Town is currently the top most campus in South Africa.
What is the lowest ranking university in South Africa?
Sol Plaatjie University is South Africa’s most lowest ranked campus. It has a global ranking of 7,889.
Which city is the best to study in South Africa?
The de factor national capital of South Africa, Petroria is one of the nation’s leading academic cities. This city is also the home to University of South Africa, the biggest university in Africa.
What is South Africa ranked in education?
As per 2022, South Africa has a rank of 50th out of 63 countries.
