What Can I Study With 16 Points At Unisa?

The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a wide selection of qualifications for students from all walks of life.

If you’re a South African school leaver with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 16, you have a good range of programs to consider.

This article explores suitable study options at Unisa for students with 16 APS and guides you through the application process.

What is an APS Score?

Your APS score is a number calculated from your final matric results.

It takes into account your achievement levels in designated subjects. A higher APS indicates stronger academic performance.

While Unisa considers your APS during the application process, it’s not the sole criterion.

Many programs have specific subject requirements that you’ll also need to meet.

Unisa can boast of a comprehensive range of qualifications across various fields. These include:

Bachelor’s Degrees: These three-year programs equip you with in-depth knowledge and skills in your chosen field.
Diplomas: Offered over a shorter duration than bachelor’s degrees, diplomas provide focused vocational training.
Higher Certificates: These one-year programs introduce you to a specific field and can act as a stepping stone to further studies.
Postgraduate Diplomas and Degrees: Designed for graduates seeking to specialize or advance their careers.

The application process for Unisa is straightforward. Here’s a breakdown:

Browse Programs: Visit the Unisa website and explore the available qualifications. Use filters to narrow down your search based on your interests and APS score.
Check Requirements: Carefully review the admission requirements for your chosen program. This includes the minimum APS score and specific subject prerequisites.
Prepare Documentation: Gather your certified matric certificate, ID document, and any other documentation required by the program.
Submit Application: Complete the online application form on the Unisa website and submit it along with the necessary documents.
Await Response: Unisa will assess your application and send you a notification regarding their decision.

If your APS is lower than 16, don’t despair. Unisa offers several options:

Access Programs: These bridge courses prepare students for university studies by addressing foundational knowledge gaps.
Higher Certificates as a Starting Point: Earning a higher certificate in a related field can improve your academic record and strengthen your application for a bachelor’s degree later.
Explore Vocational Training: Unisa offers various vocational programs that don’t require a high APS.

Unisa allows applicants to apply for admission even if they don’t meet all the specific requirements.

However, they may be required to:

Provide a motivational letter: Explain your reasons for wanting to study the program and how you’ll overcome any academic shortcomings.
Complete bridging courses: Address specific knowledge gaps identified by Unisa before commencing the program.

Unisa has a wealth of resources to guide your program selection:

Online Qualification Search: The Unisa website allows you to filter qualifications based on your interests, APS score, and location.
Career Guidance Unit: Unisa offers free career counseling services to assist you in aligning your studies with your career aspirations.
Faculty Advisors: Each faculty within Unisa has advisors to answer specific program-related questions.
Unisa Prospectus: This comprehensive document details all Unisa programs, their requirements, and career prospects.

With an APS of 16, you have a good range of possibilities at Unisa.

These are some potential program areas to consider:

Humanities and Social Sciences: Programs like Bachelor of Administration (BA) in fields like Public Administration, Human Resource Management, or Communication Science are good options.
Economic and Management Sciences: Consider a BA in Economics, Business Management, or Tourism Management if you’re interested in business and commerce.
Education: Explore the Bachelor of Education (BEd) program if you aspire to a teaching career.