How to Apply at Unisa For Non-Degree Purposes The University of South Africa Offers wide range of Program at Campus and Distance learning programs Undergraduates and postgraduates programs this page describe Steps on How to Apply at Unisa For Non-Degree Purposes.
What Is a Non-degree Purpose?
Students who take non-degree program courses often desire information for general knowledge. They are lifelong learners looking to improve skills for work-related purposes. They have no intention of using the course knowledge to earn a two-year, four-year, or post-graduate degree.
How to Apply at Unisa for Non-Degree Purposes
The non-degree purpose is usually applied to help prospective students gain access to postgraduate studies admission at Unisa. There are two methods you can consider to apply for NDP. If you have never applied for NDP at Unisa, you must visit https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/Apply-for-admission-to-study:-application-tool for more information.
Select “Occasional” under college and then choose “NDP” under the category section. Fill in your details and make sure they are accurate.
If you have applied for NDP at Unisa before, or you already have an NDP record, you can apply online for admission. You can apply by sending an email from your myLife email account to licensee@unisa.ac.za. In your email, you should request consideration of your NDP registration.
Your application must be accompanied by necessary documents, or it will be declined. If you are applying for NDP for the first time, you must upload the following documents when you apply online.
- A copy of passport or ID
- Copy of Grade 12 certificate
- If available, an official academic record that was obtained from your previous university.
- Provide a letter of motivation explaining the reasons you want to register for an NDP course.
- A recommendation letter from your previous university. You can also seek permission from your university to use the credentials it granted you to apply for an NDP.
If you have previously registered at UNISA for NDP, you must submit a letter of recommendation or permission from the responsible department. The letter must be valid for the relevant academic year and should be related to what you want to achieve. Include the relevant Unisa module codes you want to register. You also need to provide a letter of motivation stating why you need to register for NDP. It should resonate with your current occupation or align with your vision if you run a small business and want to improve your knowledge in your respective field.
If your NDP application is work-related, you must get the right documents. A detailed letter of motivation explaining why you want to pursue this course. Include the relevant Unisa module codes for the courses you wish to register for. Ensure the letter applies to the relevant academic year you want to start reading for your NDP qualification. Your employer must provide a recommendation letter to support your NDP application.
If you intend to register with a professional body and are required to pass certain modules, you must attach a recommendation letter from that respective entity. You also need to provide their regulations or requirements. Try to provide realistic goals in your application. Unisa has the right to decline your application if it is deemed unsatisfactory.
Does NSFAS Pay For Non-Degree Purposes?
Unfortunately, the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) does not pay for non-degree purposes. NSFAS funding specifically covers funding for approved programs at universities. NSFAS-funded programs are all undergraduate courses.
Those intending to get funding for NDPs can try other sources of financiers or their employees. This kind, of course, is optional, and it is a preserve for personal development. Therefore, you can only pursue it when you have enough financial resources. If you don’t have a sponsor, it is difficult to get a loan for this kind of short-term course.
Apart from offering academic and professional qualifications, Unisa also offers a non-degree program that does not lead to the achievement of a degree. If you register for a non-degree program course, you will be doing it out of the need to improve your general knowledge and work-related skills. You don’t intend to use the knowledge to acquire a degree in the future. When applying for an NDP, be sure to include all the necessary documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does NDP mean at UNISA?
NDP means Non-Degree Purposes. It allows eligible students to register for specific modules without registering for them as part of a formal qualification.
Who can apply for NDP at UNISA?
Applicants may be considered where NDP is required for purposes such as completing another qualification, professional-body requirements, employer requirements or certain RPL-related requirements.
Is UNISA NDP admission guaranteed?
No. NDP admission is limited and considered in exceptional cases, subject to requirements and available space.
What is the UNISA NDP qualification code?
The undergraduate NDP qualification code is 00019, described as Occasional Studies.
Can I apply for NDP online?
Yes. UNISA states that NDP admission applications must be submitted online.
What college should I select when applying for undergraduate NDP?
UNISA’s NDP instructions indicate that applicants should select Occasional under College.
What category should I select for NDP?
Select Occasional under Category, according to UNISA’s NDP application instructions.
What qualification should I select for NDP?
Select Non-Degree Purpose under Qualification.
What should I select under Stream for NDP?
UNISA’s instructions specify Not applicable under Stream.
Can I apply for NDP to qualify for postgraduate studies?
Yes, NDP may be recommended where additional modules are needed for postgraduate admission. However, you should first apply for admission to the intended postgraduate qualification during the official application period.
Does completing NDP guarantee postgraduate admission?
No. Completion of NDP modules does not guarantee admission. You must still meet the relevant admission requirements and be offered a place.
Can I use NDP modules to obtain credits toward a degree?
Not automatically. UNISA states that NDP modules may not be recognised toward a formal qualification unless prior approval and all applicable admission and registration requirements have been met.
Can I register for NDP while studying a formal UNISA qualification?
Yes, this may be possible, but the number of NDP modules is limited and must comply with UNISA’s applicable rules and maximum credit limits.
What documents do I need for an NDP application?
Depending on your circumstances, you may need an academic record, motivation letter, recommendation or permission letter, ID or passport, Grade 12 certificate and professional-body or employer documentation.
Do I need a motivation letter for NDP?
Yes. UNISA requires a motivation explaining why you want to register for NDP and how the requested modules relate to your academic or professional goals.
Do I need a recommendation letter for NDP?
Depending on your circumstances, you may need a recommendation or permission letter from another institution, professional body or employer.
What should a university recommendation letter contain?
It should identify the relevant UNISA module codes, explain the reason for NDP registration and be valid for the academic year for which you are applying.
What happens after my NDP application is approved?
You should accept the offer and register online during the applicable registration period.
What should I do if my approved NDP modules do not appear during registration?
UNISA advises students to select “List all study units” during online registration and then search for the approved modules.
Can I apply for NDP if my formal qualification application was rejected because of limited space?
UNISA states that NDP registration will not be considered as a way to obtain credits toward that qualification later when the formal application was declined because of limited space.
What if I previously registered for NDP at UNISA?
If you have an existing NDP record, you may not be able to apply online. UNISA provides an email process for requesting NDP registration in such cases.
Can NDP be used for professional-body registration requirements?
Yes. NDP may be considered where specific modules are required for professional registration, subject to UNISA’s requirements and supporting documentation.
Can my employer recommend me for NDP?
Yes, an employer recommendation may be required when NDP is being requested to meet an employer requirement.
Can I apply for NDP without meeting module prerequisites?
Generally, no. Applicants must meet the applicable admission requirements and prerequisites or co-requisites for the modules.
How long is NDP approval valid?
Permission is generally valid for the approved academic year unless the approval letter states otherwise.
Where can I find the official UNISA NDP application information?
The latest official instructions are available on UNISA’s Non-Degree Purposes page.
