How can I get into University?

[Misterdude]

I have passed Matric (old syllabus) with some decent grades however, I did not achieve exemption as I had failed my second language. I've tried re-writing to no avail as teachers are not-willing/ill-equipped to teach me isiZulu. Furthermore, I've visited most major libraries for books to help with this only to find that there are less than 3 books on learning isiZulu available (two of which are for primary school level). I have since given up on that dream...

I really would have liked to study for a BSc in Science or engineering but have no choice now. I've heard of "conditional exemption" but not sure how it works. Can I enter the Science faculty with a conditional exemption certificate? If not, what other options do I have?

 

[BrianB]

UNISA has an access programme that would allow you to study.

Edit: Have a look at this http://www.unisa.ac.za/contents/myChoice/docs/myChoice2012-Admission-requirementsBD.pdf

Section H is the access programme but you may qualify for an exemption.

 

[Misterdude]

Yes, but I'm trying not to go that route as they aren't that respected as a Science faculty. Also, they don't do engineering.
Besides, I'm looking for a full-time University.

 

[Scooby_Doo]

Start at unisa and then move to a full time uni in 2nd year?

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[Misterdude]

Start at unisa and then move to a full time uni in 2nd year?

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Ahah yes, I've considered this but is it even possible? I've heard that some Universities don't give credits for Unisa subjects/modules because they believe it is sub-par (that's the reason I said there aren't very respected). Do you know of anyone who has successfully done this?

 

[koeksGHT]

Some universities offer extended degree programs like UJ for example where the degree is 4 years and not 3 but the requirements are lower. UNISA is a good option to complete a year and then move to another university. Most universities also offer a way of doing a diploma first and then doing an extra year or 2 and converting it into a degree.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

Ahah yes, I've considered this but is it even possible? I've heard that some Universities don't give credits for Unisa subjects/modules because they believe it is sub-par (that's the reason I said there aren't very respected). Do you know of anyone who has successfully done this?

UNISA is in no way sub-par and anybody telling you so has no idea of what or who UNISA is. Keep in mind that UNISA is the most recognised University from South Africa in other countries and holds many distinctions as being one of the top correspondence Universities - it was the first international correspondence university to have its Physcology Phds recognised in the States and that was only 10 years ago.

Since you need to do a bridging module to get into university, UNISA may be the best route. Since you are planning to study a degree which UNISA does not offer for obvious reasons, rather first speak to the university you intend to study at about bridging modules and which ones they will accept from UNISA for intended field of study.

Also realise that unless you have a UNISA student number, you will not be able to register this semester with UNISA but need to apply for a student number in April/May (I think) and can then register for 2nd semester.

 

[CrazYmonkeY159]

Try applying for extended programs aswell.

 

[Lounger]

Drop Zulu. It is not that important.

 

[R13...]

Ahah yes, I've considered this but is it even possible? I've heard that some Universities don't give credits for Unisa subjects/modules because they believe it is sub-par (that's the reason I said there aren't very respected). Do you know of anyone who has successfully done this?

You probably won't get engineering credits for UNISA. But it may earn you the 'matric' exemption. I would contact the university you're trying to get into and ask. And those extended program still require exemption for engineering studies.

 

[Misterdude]

UNISA is in no way sub-par and anybody telling you so has no idea of what or who UNISA is. Keep in mind that UNISA is the most recognised University from South Africa in other countries and holds many distinctions as being one of the top correspondence Universities - it was the first international correspondence university to have its Physcology Phds recognised in the States and that was only 10 years ago.

Since you need to do a bridging module to get into university, UNISA may be the best route. Since you are planning to study a degree which UNISA does not offer for obvious reasons, rather first speak to the university you intend to study at about bridging modules and which ones they will accept from UNISA for intended field of study.

Also realise that unless you have a UNISA student number, you will not be able to register this semester with UNISA but need to apply for a student number in April/May (I think) and can then register for 2nd semester.

Yes, I'm sure this applies to other faculties like Commerce, Arts and Social Sciences, but Science and Math, being so snobbish, tend to condescend their standards. I know of a few people who struggled to get their Math modules credited.
That being said, I shall inquire about what you say and thanks for the heads up on the registration for next semester.

 

[Misterdude]

@Crazymonkey159
They still require exemption

@Lounger
Can't. Second Language is requirement for exemption, apparently. Who made up these silly rules anyway?... most "qualified" people haven't even mastered ONE language.

@R13
Yeah. I might just have to be patient and rough it out a year doing redeemable credits at Unisa.

 

[Nicodeamus]

Why did you take Zulu as a 2nd language?

 

[Misterdude]

Why did you take Zulu as a 2nd language?

I was part of the "born-free" generation i.e. I was in Grade one in 1994. Thus, with everyone being so drunk with integration and reconciliation and everything, our primary school principal thought it would be fun to teach the indigenous languages at this tender age (* sarcastic smile *). Nevertheless we embraced it with open arms... both parents and kids alike. It was all smooth sailing until we got to High School, where, much like everything else in SA, the quality diminished. We were left with ill-equiped teachers year after year who had no idea how to teach a language to people who don't speak it as a mother tongue. They had even the black students going "Haai-Bo!" with some of them performing very poorly themselves. So, yeah, it sucked... but I don't like to complain. I prefer to be pro-active and go to Uni despite these setbacks.

 

[UnUnOctium]

UNISA is in no way sub-par and anybody telling you so has no idea of what or who UNISA is. Keep in mind that UNISA is the most recognised University from South Africa in other countries and holds many distinctions as being one of the top correspondence Universities - it was the first international correspondence university to have its Physcology Phds recognised in the States and that was only 10 years ago.

Since you need to do a bridging module to get into university, UNISA may be the best route. Since you are planning to study a degree which UNISA does not offer for obvious reasons, rather first speak to the university you intend to study at about bridging modules and which ones they will accept from UNISA for intended field of study.

Also realise that unless you have a UNISA student number, you will not be able to register this semester with UNISA but need to apply for a student number in April/May (I think) and can then register for 2nd semester.

I'm afraid that UNISA is generally considered sub-par as they don't do any research (that I know of). They seem to be a 1-up on a high school in that they only educate and don't serve the other true role of a university. Also, check out #103 on http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2011-2012/top-400.html

@OP, I did my undergrad at UP, I do remember reading on the application form that if you've been out of school for more than 5 years you can have special consideration for your application (i.e. not turned away at the start due to lack of requirements). No better way than to phone and find out. The engineering faculty was really helpful when I left it in 2009.

 

[Misterdude]

@OP, I did my undergrad at UP, I do remember reading on the application form that if you've been out of school for more than 5 years you can have special consideration for your application (i.e. not turned away at the start due to lack of requirements). No better way than to phone and find out. The engineering faculty was really helpful when I left it in 2009.

Thanks, I will definitely look into that. I hope that's not on condition that you have an exemption though.

 

[Nicodeamus]

I was part of the "born-free" generation i.e. I was in Grade one in 1994. Thus, with everyone being so drunk with integration and reconciliation and everything, our primary school principal thought it would be fun to teach the indigenous languages at this tender age (* sarcastic smile *). Nevertheless we embraced it with open arms... both parents and kids alike. It was all smooth sailing until we got to High School, where, much like everything else in SA, the quality diminished. We were left with ill-equiped teachers year after year who had no idea how to teach a language to people who don't speak it as a mother tongue. They had even the black students going "Haai-Bo!" with some of them performing very poorly themselves. So, yeah, it sucked... but I don't like to complain. I prefer to be pro-active and go to Uni despite these setbacks.

Tukkies has an Engineering bridge course as far as I know, look into that. I guess being from Durban means that you had no exposure to Afrikaans.

 

[STrategos]

Looking into the bridging course. Most universities do it....

 

[Misterdude]

Tukkies has an Engineering bridge course as far as I know, look into that.

Like I've mentioned before, I'm aware of those bridging/access programs. Most universities offer something like that, however, it does still require a matriculation exemption. Those programs are intended for students who do not meet the Math/Science criteria (for which most institutions require a C on the HG) or students who wish to spread out the 4 year degree over 5 years instead. I do not have this problem but thanks anyway.

 

[UnUnOctium]

I was part of the "born-free" generation i.e. I was in Grade one in 1994. Thus, with everyone being so drunk with integration and reconciliation and everything, our primary school principal thought it would be fun to teach the indigenous languages at this tender age (* sarcastic smile *). Nevertheless we embraced it with open arms... both parents and kids alike. It was all smooth sailing until we got to High School, where, much like everything else in SA, the quality diminished. We were left with ill-equiped teachers year after year who had no idea how to teach a language to people who don't speak it as a mother tongue. They had even the black students going "Haai-Bo!" with some of them performing very poorly themselves. So, yeah, it sucked... but I don't like to complain. I prefer to be pro-active and go to Uni despite these setbacks.

Damn dude, now that's one thing you can definitely blame your parents for. Funnily enough, I started schooling same year as you, just in a different country with no English. Also did (and still doing) engineering (electronic).

Thanks, I will definitely look into that. I hope that's not on condition that you have an exemption though.

I'm quite sure since I remember the purpose of it being for people who didn't have matric and showed aptitude. My guess is that it would be pretty difficult to get into given that they go on aptitude tests alone but definitely phone and ask.