UNISA Distance Learning Programme is different from a traditional classroom setting because students and universities are physically separated. Unisa’s study journey will be very different from our previous learning experiences, which means that we will have very little preparation for what lies ahead.
The responsibility for planning your studies and managing your time effectively lies with YOU in open distance e-learning. Attending lectures on a daily basis is not a requirement for you.
UNISA Distance Learning Programme 2024-2025
It is mostly through the internet that you communicate with the university while you are learning at a distance. To be a successful Unisa student, you must consider the adjustments you will need to make if you completed your previous qualifications at a residential institution.
The good news is that you are not alone. Students at Unisa can access a variety of support services, including tutoring and counseling, as well as online tools. You will interact with Unisa mostly through digital means since open distance e-learning is distance learning.
Your study material
You will study by reading written material, either on paper (like prescribed books or textbooks) or online (like myUnisa), rather than listening to your teacher or lecturer.
Our regional offices and other partner organizations sometimes provide computers and internet access, but you should have your own computer and internet access.
Your study world
Taking full responsibility for your own learning environment and experience is the best way to deal with open distance e-learning. Creating a study world at home, at work and online is all about creating connections and building virtual networks.
Your time
Also, you should remind your friends, family, and coworkers that your studies take a lot of time, since they will probably forget that you are studying.
What is it like to be an ODeL student?
| I plan my life and activities well in advance |
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| I enjoy reading newspapers, emails and long academic texts |
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| I have the support of my family and friends for me to study |
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| I get things done on my own even if I find them difficult |
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Student services & support
With Unisa being an open distance e-learning university, there are not many face-to-face interactions. Although students come first, Unisa provides a number of services to support you during your Unisa journey. These include libraries, counseling services, regional centers, and a variety of student organizations.
Unisa provides you with a number of support services that will help you on your journey:
| myUnisa | A major tool for studying at Unisa is the university’s online student platform. Your communications with Unisa and Unisa’s communications with you will take place through this channel. |
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| myLife e-mail account |
MyLife e-mail accounts are free for all Unisa students. Using this account, you will receive important announcements, notices, and updates. Once your myLife e-mail account has been created, it is your responsibility to activate it. You will only be able to use your myLife e-mail account for official correspondence to and from Unisa, and that will remain your primary e-mail address at the university. Click here for Unisa’s rules for students. |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube are great channels through which to share ideas, find other students, ask questions and generally stay informed. |
| Unisa Radio | With Unisa Radio, our students have access to a range of information and topics focused on their lives at Unisa. A variety of music and informative interviews are featured on its programming. |
| Regional centres | Unisa regional centres can be used to connect with Unisa, obtain advice, meet other students, use Unisa services, speak with counsellors, use Academic Literacy services or use computers (a limited number of computers are available at regional centres). |
| The Dean of Students and Student Affairs | By responding to student inquiries and addressing issues such as student social development, student governance and leadership development, and the needs of students with disabilities, the Student Affairs Department plays a key role in connecting students. |
| Student counselling | Unisa’s counselling services provide career, academic and personal support to students. Support is available online and by e-mail, in person and by telephone. |
| Library | Library resources are essential to the university. An important component of Unisa’s student experience is the ability to utilize it effectively and extensively. Over 3 million items are stored in the Unisa library. These include books, journals, e-books, e-newspapers, etc. |
Studying through Unisa and open distance e-learning is a BIG commitment.
Make sure Unisa is a good fit for you as well as you for Unisa! Students who are interested in studying at Unisa need to understand the following:
- This course does not require lectures, so you will be doing a lot of reading and writing on your own.
- So that you can submit assignments on time and be prepared for your exams, you must create a study schedule and stick to it.
- It is necessary that you have access to a computer and the internet, as well as some experience using computers.
Are you ready for Unisa? Unisa’s open distance e-learning readiness tool can help you learn more about the university and how it works, even if you already know that Unisa is the right university for you.
