As a student at the University of South Africa (UNISA), you may have completed various modules or courses that you believe are equivalent to certain credits within your current program.
Claiming credit for these completed modules can help reduce your study load and tuition fees.
UNISA’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy
The University of South Africa recognizes prior learning, which allows students to receive credits for modules or courses completed at other institutions or through relevant work experience.
This recognition is based on the principles of fairness, transparency, and consistency.
To qualify for recognition of prior learning, you must demonstrate that your previous learning is equivalent to the learning outcomes of the UNISA module for which you are seeking credit.
Eligibility Criteria for Claiming Credit
To be eligible to claim credit from UNISA, you must meet certain criteria.
Firstly, you must be a registered student at UNISA.
Secondly, the module for which you are seeking credit must be part of your current qualification.
Thirdly, the module must not have been used as a basis for admission to your current qualification.
Finally, you must provide sufficient evidence to support your claim for credit.
This evidence may include academic transcripts, certificates, and a detailed description of your prior learning.
Types of Credit that Can Be Claimed
There are two types of credit that can be claimed from UNISA: exemption and recognition of prior learning.
Exemption refers to the granting of credits for modules that you have completed at another institution.
Recognition of prior learning, on the other hand, refers to the granting of credits for relevant work experience or other forms of prior learning.
Both types of credit can help reduce your study load and tuition fees.
The Credit Claiming Process
To apply for credit from UNISA, you must submit an application form, which can be downloaded from the UNISA website.
You must also provide supporting documents, such as academic transcripts, certificates, and a detailed description of your prior learning.
The application form and supporting documents must be submitted to the UNISA Student Fees Department.
It is essential to ensure that your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays in the evaluation process.
Evaluation and Approval Process
Once your application has been received, it will be evaluated by the UNISA Student Fees Department.
The evaluation process may take several weeks, and you will be notified of the outcome in writing.
If your application is approved, the credits will be reflected on your UNISA student record.
If your application is rejected, you will receive feedback on the reasons for the rejection and guidance on how to improve your application.
Payment of Fees for Claiming Credit
You are required to pay a fee for claiming credit from UNISA.
The fee is currently R105 per module, although this amount may be subject to change.
The fee must be paid when you submit your application, and it is non-refundable.
It is essential to note that the fee is separate from your tuition fees and must be paid separately.
Timeframe for Claiming Credit
It is recommended that you claim credit from UNISA as soon as possible after registering for your qualification.
This will ensure that your credits are reflected on your student record and that you can plan your studies accordingly.
The deadline for claiming credit is typically the end of the first semester of your qualification.
However, it is essential to check with the UNISA Student Fees Department for the specific deadline applicable to your qualification