How can I get into University?

[JungleBoy]

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.

I feel sorry for you dude. Zulu 2nd language material or teachers are not really available as it was not a subject option in the past. Also, second language option is much better when taught by a second language speaker that speaks your mother tongue. Can't you get some of the pupils that passed it to tutor you?

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

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

By who? A select few individuals I would say. Most of my peers in my industry have at some time studied with UNISA and most have completed their masters or honors through UNISA.

In the context of the OP, UNISA should be only considered as an option for the required bridging courses if his preferred university is unable to offer them.

Also there is a difference between University recognition vs ranking - something that is important during job interviews. And one should only ever quote those rankings for the years you attended that University as that will give a true reflection of the exit value of your degree.

 

[philthom]

If you were in grade 1 in 1994, it means you're at least 23 right now. No age exemption?

 

[Pavan]

UNISA should be your last choice for engineering. You want full-time universities with structure and lots of practicals. Theres no ways you'll get that at UNISA. Furthermore, UNISA is the least recognised by employers in SA when it comes to engineering/science. This is just what I've heard from several recruiters and friends in HR etc.

 

[HavocXphere]

In the context of the OP, UNISA should be only considered as an option for the required bridging courses if his preferred university is unable to offer them.

That sounds like the best option. He'll probably take a significant hit on the credits though. Weirdly that goes both ways though Unisa <-> Other Unis both don't give full credit for stuff.

If you were in grade 1 in 1994, it means you're at least 23 right now. No age exemption?

You failed maths, right?

 

[philthom]

That sounds like the best option. He'll probably take a significant hit on the credits though. Weirdly that goes both ways though Unisa <-> Other Unis both don't give full credit for stuff.


You failed maths, right?

No, got a D. Did you fail English?

 

[Misterdude]

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.

Ah, I see. If this is true then it may be exactly what I'm looking for, thanks! I don't mind the aptitude test because I think that it's only fair.
Just out of curiosity, what country were you in and what system (IGSE,A-levels etc) did they use? Was a second language compulsory?

I feel sorry for you dude. Zulu 2nd language material or teachers are not really available as it was not a subject option in the past. Also, second language option is much better when taught by a second language speaker that speaks your mother tongue. Can't you get some of the pupils that passed it to tutor you?

Easier said than done. I've already tried a rewrite... it's basically trying to cram 5-6 years worth of language into a few months. The vocabulary is the biggest obstacle and as such even the teachers at the private institution where I enrolled told me upfront that they were not prepared to assist me with that. (They were mother-tongue speakers of Zulu btw)

If you were in grade 1 in 1994, it means you're at least 23 right now. No age exemption?

Yes, this is what I initially thought I could do, however, that's not the case. I visited Wits earlier in the year to register thinking I was 23 and all set for my mature age exemption, only to be informed that those exemptions only apply to the Faculties of Law, Humanities and Education. Which got me thinking... EDUCATION?! So according to them - I'm not good enough to learn Math and Science but I am good enough to TEACH it to our next generation!!

 

[Drunkard #1]

I'm one of those people who knows that a unisa degree isn't worth the paper it's printed on. And most SA varsities agree; just try register for an honours (eg. a CTA) at a good varsity (eg. Wits or RAU) with a unisa degree (eg. a BCompt) and see how far you get. I know, I tried. I assume this applies to most unisa degrees.

But your situation seems odd. I don't recall any second language requirement. Surely you can get in as long as you've got 6 subjects and have the right points. Maybe confirm this first. Even so, I think you're in for an extra year, whether it's a bridging course (I have no idea about these) or a Damelin matric (I know a few okes that did this). Good luck.

Edit: Damelin's website

 

[Misterdude]

I'm one of those people who knows that a unisa degree isn't worth the paper it's printed on. And most SA varsities agree; just try register for an honours (eg. a CTA) at a good varsity (eg. Wits or RAU) with a unisa degree (eg. a BCompt) and see how far you get. I know, I tried. I assume this applies to most unisa degrees.

But your situation seems odd. I don't recall any second language requirement. Surely you can get in as long as you've got 6 subjects and have the right points. Maybe confirm this first. Even so, I think you're in for an extra year, whether it's a bridging course (I have no idea about these) or a Damelin matric (I know a few okes that did this). Good luck.

Edit: Damelin's website

Yeah, I've heard those horror stories about Unisa too man. Apparently the second language IS a requirement for endorsement... which just sucks. Here are the reqs - ftp://196.21.230.50/Inetpub/wwwroot/MatriculationBoard/WEBSITE/mb/endmatfull.htm

I've been trying for some time now and nobody is willing to accept me. I do have the right points and subjects... my results were as follows:

Art HG A
Computer St. HG C
Mathematics HG B
Physical Sc. HG C
English HG C
Zulu HG F *

I'm considering doing a National Diploma at a University of Technology (scam University) because it, together with my Matric certificate, grants me full exemption. In which case, it will take me 7 years to graduate with my Bachelors (assuming I pass everything at first attempt). Well, that's the "wonderful" country we live in. Thanks guys for all your input.

 

[UnUnOctium]

Yeah, I've heard those horror stories about Unisa too man. Apparently the second language IS a requirement for endorsement... which just sucks. Here are the reqs - ftp://196.21.230.50/Inetpub/wwwroot/MatriculationBoard/WEBSITE/mb/endmatfull.htm

I've been trying for some time now and nobody is willing to accept me. I do have the right points and subjects... my results were as follows:

Art HG A
Computer St. HG C
Mathematics HG B
Physical Sc. HG C
English HG C
Zulu HG F *

I'm considering doing a National Diploma at a University of Technology (scam University) because it, together with my Matric certificate, grants me full exemption. In which case, it will take me 7 years to graduate with my Bachelors (assuming I pass everything at first attempt). Well, that's the "wonderful" country we live in. Thanks guys for all your input.

Did you phone and ask the universities about the special condition on whether you've been out of matric for > 5 years?

 

[Kornhub]

I did the access course at unisa in 08,still waiting for my exemption from the department of education

Studying psychology at unisa,pretty happy so far.

 

[scotty777]

Hmmm, I matriculated in 2009, I did well in all subjects, but got 32% for Zulu (same situation as you ). but the new matric system allows for one subject to be above 30% as long as you pass everything else. So can't you do your matric again!?

 

[Drusky]

Drop Zulu and find another second language. Like French or German. Languages for which there is a massive availabilty of study material. I believe the Dept of Education has an adult education programme to help folks sort out their matrics etc. That would be my first stop if I were you.