Master's & doctoral degrees

Registration FAQs


Registration


I was registered in 2023. Must I re-register for the 2024 academic year?

Yes. You must re-register (if you showed sufficient progress during the 2023 academic year) and pay your fees every year until you complete your studies. Please remember to register online and pay the prescribed fees during the registration period of 10 January to 30 April 2024 (some exceptions apply). You have to re-register and pay annually until you complete your studies. 


I am doing a full research degree. Must I complete a research proposal? 

From 2023, the loose-standing research proposal module no longer forms part of the curriculum of a research master's or doctoral degree. Students are expected to complete a research proposal in their first year of study as part of the dissertation / thesis. You should take note of the maximum number of years you have to complete the qualification. Refer to the Procedures for master's and doctoral degrees


When can I register for the 2024 academic year?

The registration dates for Unisa's master's and doctoral degrees are 10 January to 30 April 2024 (some exceptions apply). MCompt, MBA and MBL students must register by 9 February 2024. MBA and MBL students must be registered before attending the compulsory study schools. 


I was previously registered for a master’s qualification, but did not re-register in 2023. Can I register online?

If you did not apply for a formal deferment, you will have to re-apply for admission as spaces are limited for each year (some exceptions apply). Please visit the master's and doctoral application website to see if your qualification appears on the list of  qualifications (as part of the exceptions). If it is still available, you may apply online for the 2024 academic year. If your qualification of choice is not available, you will have to wait for the next application period. 


I tried to register online, but could not find the master’s qualification for which I was previously registered. What should I do?

This could mean that the qualification for which you were previously registered has been phased out and is no longer available. Please send an e-mail to the Master's and Doctoral Administration Support Section (mandd@unisa.ac.za) to apply to re-register (as an exceptional case) or to find out to which qualification you can transfer your studies.


I want to register, but I did not apply during the application phase. What can I do?

Please visit the master's and doctoral application website to see if your qualification appears on the list of  qualifications (as part of the exceptions). If it is still available, you may apply online for the 2024 academic year. If your qualification of choice is not available, you will have to wait for the next application period. 


My application was approved and I have registered online. What must I do now?

There are four very important steps you must follow:

  1. Go to myUnisa and claim your Unisa login (if you have never before logged in to myUnisa).
  2. Login to your myLife e-mail account as soon as possible and check this account regularly. All registered Unisa students get a free myLife e-mail account. Important information, notices and updates are sent exclusively to this account, so it's very important that you check it regularly.
  3. Access myUnisa for important study-related information. Students registered for the MBA, MBL and DBL degrees must visit the SBL's Moodle site for study material and other important information.
  4. If you are registered for the research module or for the research component (mini-dissertation, dissertation or thesis), you should make contact with your contact person / supervisor as soon as possible after accessing your study material on myUnisa / Moodle (in the case of GSBL students). 

If you have any problems accessing myUnisa or your myLife e-mail address, please send an e-mail to myUnisaHelp@unisa.ac.za or myLifeHelp@unisa.ac.za. Remember to include your student number in the subject line of your e-mail.


I have registered and paid my fees, but did not receive any correspondence from Unisa.

All correspondence is e-mailed to your myLife e-mail address. Unisa will not send e-mails to your personal e-mail address. All registered Unisa students must claim their free myLife e-mail account. Important information, notices and updates are sent exclusively to this account, so it's very important that you check it regularly. Remember to always include your student number in the subject line of your e-mails to Unisa.

I registered for the research proposal module, but did not receive any printed study material.

No printed study material is available for master’s and doctoral candidates. You must register on myUnisa to download your study material (where applicable). Information on the proposal module is linked per department under "resources". If there are no information on myUnisa, please contact your supervisor / contact person.

If you are registered for a GSBL qualification (MBA, MBL or DBL), you will download your study material from Moodle (the SBL student portal). Please note that you must also register on myUnisa and check your myLife e-mail account regularly.

It is your responsibility to contact your supervisor / contact person in order to access departmental requirements. The outcome of the research proposal module (coursework qualifications) is an acceptable title and research proposal.

I want my study material to be delivered by courier to my address.

Master’s and doctoral study material (if applicable) is only available online. Once you are registered, you must register on myUnisa to access your study material / tutorial letters online.

If you are registered for a GSBL qualification (MBA, MBL or DBL), you will download your study material from Moodle (the SBL student portal). Please note that you must also register on myUnisa.


Will I be credited for modules completed at another institution?

You can only request credit for coursework modules if Unisa offers the specific qualification by coursework. Students may not be granted credits from study units obtained on grounds of a completed qualification. Credits will only be considered for study units of incomplete qualifications at master's degree level. 

You may apply for credits on the basis of courses passed at another university. Note, however, that you may not be granted more than 50% of the modules for the qualification concerned.


Am I allowed to complete my coursework degree in one year?

Yes, but it is highly unlikely as certain pre-requisites are set for each qualification, for example: You must pass at least two modules before you may register for the research proposal. The research proposal must be accepted before you may register for the mini-dissertation. Should you wish to add the mini-dissertation after the registration closing date, you will have to contact the Master's and Doctoral Administration Support Section on mandd@unisa.ac.za for assistance.

Am I allowed to complete my research master’s qualification in one year?

Yes.

Am I allowed to complete my doctoral qualification in one year?

No. A doctoral student must be registered for at least two academic years before submitting the thesis for examination. This is a requirement of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).


Will I be allocated a supervisor or can I come with my own?

In most departments, you will be allocated a supervisor on acceptance of your admission. If not, you will be provided with a contact person. You may discuss the possibility of your own identified supervisor with the contact person. An extensive CV of the proposed external supervisor will have to be submitted if it is agreed that you may provide the information for consideration. If the person is accepted, Unisa will enter into a contract with and pay the external supervisor. 

What is the role of my supervisor?

Your supervisor is integral to your studies and will assist you in planning your academic year, ensuring that you are aware of all critical milestones and detailing both your and their responsibilities during the course of your studies. Both you and your supervisor will sign a Code of Conduct that governs the conditions of your relationship. The support and guidance of your supervisor will be invaluable during the course of your studies. Both you and your supervisor are responsible to ensure that you complete your studies within the approved duration for your qualification. Refer to the Procedure for master's and doctoral degrees.

I am a coursework master's student. My supervisor has informed me that my research proposal has been approved. What should I do?

You must receive a formal letter / e-mail from the Master's and Doctoral Administration Support Section informing you of the outcome of your research proposal module before you may register online for the mini-dissertation if the registration period is still open. Otherwise you will register online for the mini-dissertation for the next academic year. You will have full access to your supervisor and the Unisa Library in this period until the close of the next registration period. If you do not receive confirmation within two weeks of your supervisor informing you of the outcome, please contact the Master’s and Doctoral Administration Support Section (mandd@unisa.ac.za). 


I am registered for a master’s qualification. May I cancel my studies?

Yes, you may cancel your modules or studies. Please note, however, that if you cancel the research proposal module or research component, that is, the mini-dissertation (coursework) or dissertation (full research masters) of your qualification, you will forfeit the full amount.


Can I transfer from another university to Unisa?

Unisa accepts candidates from other universities, except if the candidate was excluded / suspended from another higher education institution on grounds of misconduct. If you are applying to transfer from another university, please provide Unisa with a declaration from the previous institution that you did not submit your master’s / doctoral dissertation / thesis for examination at that institution. If you do not have a Unisa student number, please first apply for a student number during the next application period. Once you have received your student / reference number, apply for admission, upload the relevant supporting documents and pay the once-off application fee. Please note that applying for a student number is only the first step in the application process. After receiving your student number, you must apply online for admission using your student number and upload your supporting documents.


Can I register with Unisa and another university simultaneously?

You can only be registered at one South African university for a formal qualification. If you want to study simultaneously, you will have to register for a formal degree at one university and for non-degree purposes (NDP) at the other university. Unisa will only accept you for non-degree purposes on condition that you have written permission from the other university allowing concurrent registration. You will be required to upload the written permission from the other university as part of your application for admission.


May I register for two or more formal qualifications?

No. You may not register concurrently for two formal qualifications at Unisa.


What should I do if I need an academic record?

Complete the CGS08 form and send it via e-mail to mandd@unisa.ac.za. Remember to include your student number in the subject line of all e-mails. You can request your academic record via myUnisa. Login to myUnisa. Click on "Academic record" and "Code". Your academic record will be sent to your myLife e-mail account. Due to the POPIA Act, requests from personal e-mail addresses (ie any e-mail address other than your myLife e-mail address) will not be attended to.


Why does my qualification have a new NQF level?

In 2008, the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act No 67 replaced the South African Qualifications Authority Act No 58 of 1995.

In line with the NQF Act, there are now 10 levels on the NQF, which means that all qualifications changed from the 8-level framework to the 10-level framework, for example: A master's degree was previously placed on NQF level 8. and is now on NQF level 9. Click here for more information.

Please note: Qualifications with the old NQF levels will continue to receive the same recognition as qualifications awarded in terms of the new NQF levels and the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework alignment.


I registered for the first time in 2020 for my doctoral degree. Must I submit proof of two manuscripts and must I also do the oral examination (viva voce)? 

Doctoral students who registered for the first time in 2020 must submit a thesis for examination and submit proof of two manuscripts before the degree will be conferred. You do not have to do the oral exam (viva voce), as it only applies to doctoral students who registered for the first time in 2022. 


Where can I find out more about the oral examination (viva voce)? 

Click here for more information about the Standard Operating Procedures for Doctoral Oral Examination (viva voce).


I am considering opting to do my doctoral degree by publication. Where can I get more information on it? 

Click here for more information on the PhD by Publication. 

What are the submission dates?

If you submit your dissertation / thesis by 15 June and are successful, you will probably receive your qualification at a Spring graduation ceremony (September / October). If you submit your thesis by 15 November and are successful, you will probably receive your qualification at an Autumn graduation ceremony (April / May) of the following year. If submission takes place after the end of January, you can expect to graduate in September of the same year and will have to re-register and pay the full tuition fees.

Doctoral students who registered for the first time from 2020 are required to submit two manuscripts for publication to a peer reviewed accredited journal as part of their curriculums (some exceptions apply). Proof of the submission for both manuscripts must accompany the submission of the examination copy. However, doctoral students who registered for the first time from 2022 will also be required to deliver an oral defence (viva voce) of their thesis. 

Please note: The graduation timeframes listed above are estimates, since you may be required to make substantial corrections before the result is formally approved / released.  Also note that the submission dates are for the actual submission of your dissertation / thesis and not the submission of the intention to submit.


Non-degree purposes


May I register for modules for non-degree purposes (NDP) concurrently with my master's or doctoral degree?

If you are registered for a master’s degree, you may also register in the same academic year for two undergraduate modules or for one honours paper or the corresponding number of modules on the same level for non-degree purposes (NDP).

If you are registered for a doctoral qualification, you may also register in the same academic year for two undergraduate modules or for one honours paper or one master’s paper or the corresponding number of modules on the same level for non-degree purposes (NDP).

You will only be allowed to register for an honours or a master’s paper / module(s) if you comply with the prescribed admission requirements for the honours or master’s qualification concerned. An application for concurrent registration must be submitted online on the prescribed form at least three weeks before the closing date of registration for the NDP paper / module(s).


Master's & doctoral fees


When must I pay for my research master’s or doctoral studies?

A student may pay their study fees in three instalments. Your registration will be activated on receipt of the initial minimum payment. The rest of the instalments must be paid by the relevant payment due dates. Where relevant, international students must also pay the foreign levy in full at the time of registration.


What does a master’s / doctoral degree cost? 

The fee structure of the master's and doctoral degrees are currently being revised to reflect the three instalments. Prior to 2024, students had to pay their fees in full at the time of registration. The corrected fees for the 2024 academic year will be available on the Unisa website shortly. For the 2024 fees for the MBA, MBL and DBL qualifications, please contact the SBL via e-mail (sblfinance@unisa.ac.za) or visit the SBL website, as they have their own financial fee structure.

Remember that you must register and pay every year until you have completed your studies.


How do I calculate my fees?

The fees for the 2024 academic year reflecting the three instalments will be available shortly on the Unisa website. You can also use the fee quotation link on the Unisa website to obtain a total fee quotation for the cost of the modules that you have selected. The quotation already reflect the minimum payment payable on registration.  


Where do I pay online?

You can pay online via the secure link: http://www.unisa.ac.za/feepayment


Deferment of studies


May I defer my studies to the next academic year?

If you wish to defer your studies to the next academic year, please complete and submit the request for deferment form before the relevant closing date for re-registration. Deferments are only granted a year at a time and for a maximum of two years during the course of study for a particular qualification. One additional year will be considered in exceptional cases only. The deferment request form must be e-mailed directly to your supervisor / contact person, who will assist with the sign off process and forward your request to the Master's and Doctoral Administration Support Section. 

Please note: No deferments will be considered once your registration for an academic year has been finalised. Any requests for deferments after your registration has been finalised will be treated as a request for cancellation. It is crucial that you remember to re-register online for the next academic year. You will not receive a reminder from Unisa.


Cancellations


May I cancel any modules once I have registered?

Yes, you may. Rules with regard to the forfeiture of fees apply.


Exemptions


I completed a research proposal module at another university. Can I be exempted from the research proposal module? 

No. You must apply for admission and provide written approval from the other university that you may continue with your studies at Unisa using the same research topic and proposal. The fact that your proposal was accepted at another university does not mean that Unisa will accept the proposal.


I completed the research proposal module and received my results. When can I register for the mini-dissertation? 

If you receive your result before the closing date for registrations, you can add the mini-dissertation to your current registration. If registrations have already closed, however, you will have to wait for the next registration period (normally from January to March). You will have full access to the Library and to your supervisor until registrations re-open for the next academic year. If you experience problems at the Library, please contact the Master's and Doctoral Administration Support Section (mandd@unisa.ac.za) for assistance.


Students with disabilities


Does Unisa assist students with disabilities?

Unisa’s Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) will assist and support students with disabilities. If you require assistance, please indicate the nature of your disability on the online registration form and contact ARCSWiD as soon as possible after registration. This will enable ARCSWiD to plan the measures necessary to support your needs.


M&D research examination process

Click here for more information.


Bursaries and student funding


Are there bursaries available for national and international master’s and doctoral candidates?

There are a limited number of bursaries available for master’s and doctoral students who have completed the research proposal module of the specific master’s or doctoral qualification. Please visit the Unisa Student Funding website for bursary information for master's and doctoral qualifications. 

Enquiries about bursary applications can be sent via e-mail to CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za

For bursary pay-out enquiries, please send an e-mail to DSF-Postgrd@unisa.ac.za


Escalation procedure


What process must I follow to escalate a problem?

  • Step 1: Send an e-mail to mandd@unisa.ac.za in which you explain the issue you are experiencing. Include your student number in the subject line of the e-mail. Please note that Unisa will only communicate with you via your myLife e-mail address.
  • Step 2: If the matter is not resolved by mandd@unisa.ac.za, send an e-mail to Mr Sipho Malefo (malefsp@unisa.ac.za), Manager: Master's and Doctoral Administration Support Section.
  • Step 3: If the matter is still not resolved, you may send an e-mail to the Office of the Ombudsman (ombudsman@unisa.ac.za).
  • Step 4: The Office of the Ombudsman will provide you with a complaint form that you must complete and return to the Ombudsman’s Office.

Please do not send multiple e-mails or an e-mail to more than one e-mail address. Do not send e-mails to the Offices of the Principal or Vice-Principals, as this may result in a delay in your problem being resolved. Follow the steps as indicated above. It is important to use your myLife e-mail account when corresponding with the university. 


Contact information


How can I contact the Master's and Doctoral Administration Support Section?

  • Master's and doctoral applications, registrations and enquiries must be submitted online. All administrative enquiries can be sent to mandd@unisa.ac.za
  • For enquiries about master's and doctoral research examinations, please send an e-mail to resexcoord@unisa.ac.za
  • MBL application and registration enquiries should be sent to SBLMBL@unisa.ac.za
  • MBA application and registration enquiries should be sent to SBLMBA@unisa.ac.za
  • DBL application and registration enquiries should be sent to SBLDBL@unisa.ac.za


How can I contact the Master's and Doctoral Research Examination Section?

For enquiries about master's and doctoral research examinations, please send an e-mail to resexcoord@unisa.ac.za


How do I contact the M&D bursary section?

If you need assistance in applying for a bursary, please contact the DSF-PGB Application Section.   

Contact DSF-POSTGRD@unisa.ac.za for enquiries relating to the processing of bursary refunds/allowances and the payment of funds, and to ensure that you submit your bursary contract as instructed in the outcome/awarding communication.

Last modified: 2024/04/08