Where to start?

Not being admitted to a postgraduate qualification can be disappointing, but it does not necessarily mean that your career or further study goals are not possible. There may be other ways for you to strengthen your academic background, gain relevant experience or work towards the same long-term goal. 

Understand why you were not admitted

Start by reading your application outcome carefully and checking the admission requirements for the qualification.

Your application may have been unsuccessful because

• your undergraduate qualification or major subjects do not meet the requirements for the postgraduate qualification.
• you did not complete a required subject at the appropriate level.
• you did not achieve the required average in your major subject at third-year level.
• the qualification has limited spaces and is highly competitive.

Understanding the reason will help you decide which options are appropriate for you.

What else can you consider?

If your application for admission to a qualification is rejected, you may appeal the outcome of your application, either on the basis that you believe the decision was an error on the part of the university or that further supporting documents may result in a different outcome regarding your application for admission. Click here for more information about appealing the outcome of your application.

There is a possibility for admission to postgraduate diplomas and honours degrees through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), provided you have knowledge gained from extensive, relevant working experience that directly relates to the postgraduate diploma(s) and/or honours qualification(s) you want to apply for. Click here for more information about this process.

The best alternative will depend on what you hoped the postgraduate qualification would help you achieve.

For example, you may want to

• prepare for a specific profession.
• meet the requirements for a master’s degree.
• develop specialist knowledge.
• progress into a management position.
• change your career direction.
• strengthen your employment opportunities.

Ask yourself:

• What do I want this qualification to help me achieve?
• Is this the only qualification that can support that goal?
• Are there related qualifications or professional programmes I could consider?
• Could relevant work experience or skills development help me progress?
• What can I do before the next application period to strengthen my options?

In some cases, you may need to reconsider your original career plan. This does not mean giving up on your goals; it means identifying a pathway that is appropriate for your circumstances.

Who can you talk to if you want to reconsider or adjust your career plans?

Contact a Unisa career counsellor at counselling@unisa.ac.za to have a conversation about your career and appropriate study options.