University of South Africa [UNISA]
Reviews and Complaints

Dear Sir/Madam my name is Ayanda Lukhozi student number [protected]

I want to lay a complaint. I haven't received my refund since May 2017. I emailed [protected]@unisa.ac.za, his reply was i will get after 15 working days I was suppose to receive it on Tuesday but it Monday no refund the 15 working days have passed still no refund..

I received a call from [protected]@unisa.ac.za 20 June 2017 ( he said i must email him on this email address) saying he needs my Banking confirmation letter so he can proceed with my refund, and i sent it to this email ([protected]@unisa.ac.za) on 23 June 2017 as he requested.

on 28 June i emailed him asking about when will i get my refund because i was expecting it on Tuesday, his reply was 'he don't have my documents', i' was confused and furious if he did not have my documents where did he get my number to call me, 2. if he didn't have my documents why he didn't ask for it like he did with the Banking Confirmation letter, if i didn't email him and asked about my refund he was not going to ask for these documents yet i was expecting to get a refund.

Getting his call wanting my confirmation banking details I thought he was done, he even said it was the only document he need so he can process the payment and get my refund.

I sent my documents 29 June 2017 .Since May 2017 i have been trying to get my refund.

i'm not happy with what he did, if he didn't have my documents he should have said the time he was asking for my Banking confirmation.

Please I need my refund I cant wait another 15 days.

I have attached all the proof, including emails. I am disappointed and unhappy.

I have emailed [protected]@unisa.ac.za /mailto:[protected]@unisa.ac.za called these numbers there is no answer [protected] / 4299. Please help me I need my refund .

Kind regards
A.S Lukhozi

Click here to Reply or Forward

Good day, I have been calling Unisa just to get a answering machine and then hold for up to 45 min with out anyone even answering. Just a voice recording. How can we get assistants if this is the case. Some of the numbers on the website is outdated and doesn't exist any more. We don't get any reply from emails. How can we get help if the numbers is in correct. And the numbers that are working you hold on forever to an answering machine
Regards,
Chantel Fouche

Due to modules that were placed under Non-Degree purposes of which I never was informed, I am unsure if my qualification is obtainable at this stage. I wrote numerous emails dating back from March 2017 when I discovered that these two modules held back my BA degree in Criminology but at this stage I have not received any feedback from Unisa. I have sent emails to [protected]@unisa.ac.za and [protected]@unisa.ac.za. The phone numbers I have called at the Pretoria Campus, rather are not working or just ring continuously.
In 2018, BA in Criminology, code 98681 will be discontinued.
I would appreciate your immediate assistance in this matter. Thank you

Regards
Patricia Kadalie

I completed PBC last year, Makgoba Mosibudi working in UNISA contacted me for an ID Copy and I did not receive any communication for the certificate dispatch, two days ago I emailed the lady and she indicated that the certificated was dispatched a month ago, when I check what received was a board with no note and I was shocked cause there was no letter indicating that inside the board is the certificate. now they want to issue me with loss certificate of which I never saw the certificate.

Please assist.

Regards

Kanyisa Bele

Good Day

This is my first year of study at UNISA and I am already sorry i registered with this institution.

The fees for first year have been paid in full and I have not received study material for 3 of the subjects I am doing this semester.

I have already written one subject with out the study guide.

I would like to know if some of the fees that have been paid will be reimbursed to me.

How does one pass a subject without having all the material? What kind of institution are you running. I have emailed dispatch numerous times, they respond a month after my email - still no study guides.

Your urgent feedback will be appreciated

Regards

Kirstin

Why do refunds with unisa take so long?...i sent my refund request from on april 28th and it says it will be processed within 15 business days i called on thursday just to follow up (after waiting and then getting cut off like 5 times and having to call back and then being placed on hold) the lady tells me the forms have been received but not yet processed and i have to wait 15 days from the day its processed by their finance department, so i ask when are they going to process it and if there is any reason it was not processed as yet and she says she doesn't know they are busy with other refunds. im confused why does the form say "within 15 business days from date of receipt of all compulsory documents". i sent all documents (i think all the documents are in order but no one at the call center can even tell me they just say wait for the finance department) on 28/04/17 so its my understanding i will receive my refund on 22-23/05/17. nw i am being told 15 days from the day the finance department processes that could be anytime plus 15 days

Complaint:

I have not been issued with a pre-scribed book by Unisa-Press (A Historical and Pedagogical Investigation of Childhood Education for PGCE402A) since I ordered and paid for it on 5 April 2017, due to a faulty fax line printed on their order form although Postnet confirmed that it had gone through. I was only notified telephonically by Unisa Press of this delay on 26 April as they noticed money deposited in their bank account from me. I e-mailed all my details and the details of the book to the relevant person at Unisa Press - no reply until I contacted Unisa Press telephonically and spoke to another person who reassured me it is on its way. Until now I have no book.

I enquired at the Post Office and apparently it was processed 3 May and posted from Pretoria to Cape Town on 10 May. However the existing Assignment 1 deadline will now be missed, which is today 15 May. Consequently I cannot do Assignment 1 and will then be disqualified to write the exam at the end of the year for this year module - loosing all my money and wasting my time to get my much needed post-graduate diploma in order to be an earning teacher.

I have contacted the Department to no avail for an extension. I have e-mailed 3 lecturers, explaining my dilemma, called the department since 26 April (with no avail). I received two e-mail replies “we cannot resolve it now when we are faced with exams, we do not have anything to do with prescribed book orders, please contact the Unisa Press” and second e-mail after I explained that all I need is an extension, “I will try and find out if we can postpone” was the same lecturers response on 2nd May, with no further feedback since then.

Any ideas what I can do? Hopefully the book will arrive in 7 working days - 17 May and then I need to read it, study relevant sections related to Assignment 1 and write Assignment 1 and send. My extension would need to be until 30 May the earliest, by then the port is long closed. This disaster is a result of a lack of efficient administration, communication and care on the part of UNISA towards a student. Yet the tutorial letter (101/01/2017) states “We are here to help you and give you the necessary guidance that you need” in its introduction to PGC402A. Very disappointing.

My son applied for exemption of modules which he completed at NMMU submitting all required documentation on 11 February. He received a reply almost three weeks later on 1 March which stated he would have to cancel one of his modules in order to be able to qualify for an exemption of the one module. He submitted the necessary cancellation form immediately and has followed up with numerous emails all to no avail and the specified module has still not been cancelled. On the 16th of Match he received the following very poorly written email:

“Dear Mr bossi

Please comple the attached DSAr02 form and e-mail it back because the module INF1502are not correct.”
[protected]@unisa.ac.za

To date he has tried to obtain the assistance of a lecturer and is still awaiting further assistance. He has had no confirmation of a cancellation or an exemption and he has been billed for a module that he has not been able to complete or do assignments for. Can the matter please be addressed immediately and can somebody who is capable of correcting the matter please contact him ON THE PHONE and actually DO something.
I am a past student of UNISA since 1984 and I am very dissappointed in the complete lack of service and complete incompetence that is being displayed by an institution that is supposed to be world-class. Below you can see all the relevant correspondence pertaining to this matter.

11 February
“Good day

Please find attached: Application form for exemption of study units, as well as full academic record for my studies at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU).

I hope that this is all in order.

Kind regards
Alexander Bossi
Student number: [protected]”

From
11 February
“Good day

Will load your credits and forward them to Pretoria for approval.

Kind regards

Patiswa Cekiso”

To
19 February
“Good day

Any idea on when I can expect to receive approval for my credits? I need to buy text books and complete assignments, and I don't want to do so only to be told I don't need to complete a certain module.

Kind regards
Alexander Bossi”

No further replies
[protected]@unisa.ac.za
From
1 March
“BOSSI A H MR STUDENT NUMBER : [protected] STELLA ROAD ENQUIRIES
: [protected]@unisa.ac.za PLUMSTEAD 7800 FAX : [protected]-01 Dear Student I refer to your application for exemption from modules for your proposed degree. You need to cancel either INF1511 or INF1502 so that we can finalize the exemption for MAT1512.
Please confirm in writing so that we can amend your records accordingly. Yours faithfully for Registrar (Acting)”
To
1 March
“Hi

I would like to cancel INF1502 please.

Regards

Alexander Bossi
[protected]”
To
7 March
“I have been trying to get my credits authorized since mid January and still have not gotten anywhere. I have emailed in the necessary forms multiple times to multiple email addresses, with no response. Then last week Wednesday (01/03) I received an email saying I needed to cancel one of two subjects for my credit authorization to proceed. I replied on the same day and have not received a reply since. According to my 'myUnisa' portal, I am still registered for all my original modules.

Please could I get some info on whether my credits have/will be authorized, and how I should proceed once they have been. Do I then need to register for 2nd year modules?

Kind regards
Alexander Bossi”
To
9 March

“I still have not gotten a reply with regards to my situation with credits and exemption from certain subjects that I have registered for. I desperately need an answer on whether said subjects will be exempted or if I will have to redo them, as I have textbooks to buy and assignments to complete.

Kind regards
Alexander Bossi
[protected]”

From
16 March

“Dear Mr bossi

Please comple the attached DSAr02 form and e-mail it back because the module INF1502are not correct.”

I replied with the completed form.

Email server was then down until the 4th of April

To
4 April

“It has now been more than a week since my last reply. I desperately need confirmation on what is happening with my request for exemption from certain credits for my degree. It is almost April now and I still don't know which modules I should be doing this year.
Once again I have attached my original application form for exemption of study units.”

From
4 April

“Dear Sir/Madam

This is an automated response acknowledging receipt of your e-mail - please do not respond directly to this message.
Your enquiry will be attended to as soon as possible. Your case number is 17094NX11211.
IMPORTANT: If you send an e-mail directly to a Unisa e-mail address, insert your student number in the subject line to effect the correct routing to an advisor for processing. Should you wish to communicate further about this case, also insert the case number in the subject line.
Regards UNISA”
[protected]@unisa.ac.za

To
10 March

Hi

I've registered for a BSc Computing degree. I previously studied at NMMU in Port Elizabeth where I did part of BSc: Computer Science degree. I have applied for credit exemption, and received this email on the 11th of February:

Good day

Will load your credits and forward them to Pretoria for approval.

Kind regards

Patiswa Cekiso

Then, on the 1st of March, I received the following:

BOSSI A H MR STUDENT NUMBER : [protected] STELLA ROAD ENQUIRIES
: [protected]@unisa.ac.za PLUMSTEAD 7800 FAX : [protected]-01 Dear Student I refer to your application for exemption from modules for your proposed degree. You need to cancel either INF1511 or INF1502 so that we can finalize the exemption for MAT1512.
Please confirm in writing so that we can amend your records accordingly. Yours faithfully for Registrar (Acting)

To which I replied that I would like INF1502 to be cancelled. Since then I have received no further reply.

Please inform as to what I can do to finally complete this process. Deadlines for assignments are coming up for the subjects that I am currently registered for (1st year subjects), and I need to know whether I need to complete these assignments or if I will be exempted from those modules. Also, if I am exempted from those modules, how will I go about registering for 2nd year modules.

I have attached the exemption documents again.

Hope that this can be resolved soon.

[protected]@unisa.ac.za (The lecturer)

To
11 April

“Hi Drina

Currently I am registered for your module, however, since mid January I have been trying to complete my exemption of study units for this module as well as some others. I studied part of a BSc: Computer Science at NMMU and wish to bring the credits over that I completed there.

Correspondence with Unisa has been painstakingly slow throughout this process of credit exemption, and I have gone weeks without a reply. I am at my wits end as to how I should proceed at this point, having sent many emails to various emails addresses, including [protected]@unisa.ac.za, [protected]@unisa.ac.za, and [protected]@unisa.ac.za.

So far I have sent in an Application form for Exemption of Study Units (DSAR04), my full academic record from NMMU, as well as an Application and Cancellation form (DSAR02), since I was told that I had to cancel one of two modules before the exemption process could continue.
The last email I received with regards to the credit exemption process was on the 16th of March, which was from [protected]@unisa.ac.za.

If you have any advice on how I should proceed from here, I would greatly appreciate it.

Finally, due to all of this, I have not completed most of my assignments that are due for this and other modules (namely COS1511-17-S1, COS1521-17-S1, INF1505-17-S1, INF1511-17-S1, INF1520-17-S1). I would like to ask that I be given an additional extension on them.

Kind regards

Alexander Bossi
[protected]”

From
11 April

“Dear student,

As far as the extension goes, the university will not give further extension as they have already given extension until 7 April. If you email [protected]@unisa.ac.za and [protected]@unisa.ac.za and tell them what you told me about the exemptions, they may allow you further extension and exam admission. I will forward your email to the person in our department that handles exemption requests to see if we have received anything for you. I will cc you in this email.

Regards
Drina”
The lecturer also sent this email to another person:
“Dear Angela,

Could you please see the student’s email below? Have we received any exemption requests for the student from the exemption office? If so, could it be distributed so the lecturers can complete this asap? If not, would it be possible for you to enquire from the exemption office why we do not receive it, as the student do not get feedback on his emails.

Regards
Drina”

I then sent the following email to [protected]@unisa.ac.za (which did not go through after multiple attempts, also tried [protected]@unisa.ac.za) and [protected]@unisa.ac.za:

“Hi

Since mid January I have been trying to complete my exemption of study units for certain modules which are part of my course. I studied part of a BSc: Computer Science at NMMU and wish to bring the credits over that I completed there.

Correspondence with Unisa has been painstakingly slow throughout this process of credit exemption, and I have gone weeks without a reply. I am at my wits end as to how I should proceed at this point, having sent many emails to various emails addresses, including [protected]@unisa.ac.za, [protected]@unisa.ac.za, and [protected]@unisa.ac.za.

So far I have sent in an Application form for Exemption of Study Units (DSAR04), my full academic record from NMMU, as well as an Application and Cancellation form (DSAR02), since I was told that I had to cancel one of two modules before the exemption process could continue.
The last email I received with regards to the credit exemption process was on the 16th of March, which was from [protected]@unisa.ac.za.

Due to all of this, I have not completed most of my assignments that are due for this and other modules (namely COS1511-17-S1, COS1521-17-S1, INF1505-17-S1, INF1511-17-S1, INF1520-17-S1). I would like to ask that I be given an additional extension on them.

Kind regards
Alexander Bossi
[protected]”

That was on the 12th of April

Next reply I received was on the 2nd of May:

“Dear Sir/Madam

This is an automated response acknowledging receipt of your e-mail - please do not respond directly to this message.

Your enquiry will be attended to as soon as possible. Your case number is 17122NX59124.

IMPORTANT: If you send an e-mail directly to a Unisa e-mail address, insert your student number in the subject line to effect the correct routing to an advisor for processing. Should you wish to communicate further about this case, also insert the case number in the subject line.

Regards
UNISA”
Haven’t received anything since then.

student number [protected].

I have not been able to log into MyUnisa at all. Student advisors cannot help me, no one has responded to my emails and messages since Feb 2017. No one answers the phone/ call centres. I have been prejudiced by not even gaining access to apply for missing middle grant. I cannot access past year papers.

I don't even know if I will be able to write the exams. I have not received a timetable.

Unisa extended assignment submission dates this semester.

Module EDDHODJ - assignment section said my assignment will not be marked cut off date was 23 March 2017. I submitted by post at Unisa Pietermaritzburg on 6th April.

I would like to deregister if this is Unisa's pathetic service and would like a refund.

Good day,
Our exam for COM2603 was initially scheduled for Thursday 4 May 2017 but on Wednesday 26 April I received an email stating that the exam dates for all modules from 2 to 13 May will be moved to June 2017. Another sms was received on 27 April confirming the same details and that the new date will be communicated once confirmed. But then this morning at 9:03 I received an sms that the 4 May exam dates remains UNCHANGED! How can they do this to people!? I have not studied for this module this past weekend based on the previous messages and now they expect me to cram in my studies over the next day and a half? THIS IS NOT FAIR! You people are messing with my life!

I registered with UNISA in 2015 and had settled my fees in full at the time. In 2016 I had 1 supplementary exam which I completed and an amount of R1435 was added to my account for this, not too sure why because I also paid a supplementary exam fee. At the end of 2016 I completed my research assignment and to my amazement an additional R1435 was added to my account at the beginning of 2017, also not sure why this was added to my account.

Never the less, I obtained a financial sponsor (Absa Bank) who agreed to settle these outstanding fees but Unisa has been a blocker ever since.
First the I was told they don't know how an invoice looks like of which I subsequently googled a picture and showed the lady. She then went to say she can't give me an invoice if I have not registered for 2017; I explained that I have completed my degree and therefore there is no need for a 2017 registration and besides I wouldn't be able to register whilst having outstanding fees, she told me to make another plan to settle my fees because they won't give me a mere invoice.
After several attempts of calling and emailing the finance department with no response I emailed Prof Makhanya (Principal and Vice-Chancellor) and finally got a response from the finance department stating the following: 'Unisa does not issue invoice for the previous year and also for part payment of the academic year because our invoice is charged / billed per modules." This is still not enabling me to settle my fees and graduate.

I am unable to settle the outstanding amount on my own at this time and have sought after a sponsor (Absa Bank) who is willing and able to settle my account if they receive an invoice. As my learning institution, not being able to provide me with an invoice disadvantages me in this regard as I will lose this sponsorship as a result, subsequently affecting my current employment opportunity as I need to be able to submit results and proof of my obtained qualification.

In addition to this, the latest sms correspondence from UNISA states that my account will be handed over to debt collectors and incur additional costs (please see below), however I am saying if Unisa gives me an invoice I would be able to settle the account with the help of my sponsor if the University will enable this by creating an invoice. Having to incur further costs on an account which I'm already struggling to pay is not only unfair when the blocker is the University itself, but it's also putting added pressure and further disadvantages me in settling this account.

Latest SMS correspondence:
Final reminder: Please settle your overdue Unisa account by 30 April 2017 to avoid being handed over to a debt collector and incurring additional costs.

All I would like is for Unisa to create an invoice for the outstanding fees so that my sponsor can settle the account for me. Also, Absa is unable to make payments on a Statement of Account, they are only able to pay on an invoice.

I am working in Qatar Doha and need the transcripts of the degree I completed.
I emailed my lecturer I emailed the registrar; in fact I emailed all Unisa departments with no reply from any of them. Can someone please advise me who to contact to get this done so the Qatar government can accept my long distance degree.
If there is any way to direct me in the right direction

Our year marks was calculated using 3 assignments, while only two should have been used. Some of us detected this mistake before the results came out on 10 March.
I have emailed one of the lecturers several times to correct this mistake, but up to date I was not very successful. Some of my fellow students on the Whatsapp group got their marks corrected the same week as when the results came out.
In one of my emails to the lecturer, Ms van Biljon, she stated that this process is a very slow and time consuming process. How this works, I cannot quite understand, since it is a mistake that is corrected on a computer. And a whole group of students have their marks already corrected.
I attached the screen shot of my marks not corrected.

I called unisa despatch on 13 april after having sent an email to them and to sky net couriers. I have not received all my study material despite it being 2 weeks from exams. The despatch told me I should download it as they were out of stock! Out of stock? Download it? We pay fees which include study material as well and how dare they be so flippant about me not having material so close to exams. To top it all off this lady then hangs up on me. I didn't get this lady's name but the second time I called I spoke to a helen who also sounded like she had just rolled out of bed who then transferred me and then hung up. Such incredible service I tell you. This is all after I received 2 notices about finishing off payments for my modules. This really is atrocious for such a large university. Gobsmacked is what I am.

Student number: 3673 428 4

I have sent several emails, went to Unisa and held on the phone too long. I applied for 02313 - COU, but I first received an email that my HC in Criminal and Justice has not been granted, then another email that it was granted and then another email that my HC in ACC Science has been granted.

I need clarity if my 02313- COU has been granted. My tracking nr on emails are 17100NX06077. Student nr [protected].

Please can you give me feedback soon as application date is closing.
annelie.[protected]@gmail.com
[protected]

I'm a new student at UNISA, I've sent my signed registration forms to the administration with my correct Information but as to find out they have captured my information wrong, even my study materials were delivered in a wrong place, I had to call an claim them but we're sent, now I found out that my examination venue it is still located as in Cape Town but I'm in Phalaborwa but in my signed application forms Indicated 42072 which is Phalaborwa not in Cape Town, I've sent emails to the examination centre regarding it but they telling me that it should have been fixed before 28 of February they very same time I was still waiting for registration confirmation from UNISA, today I contacted the centre but they gave me numbers which no one answering my calls till voice mail, so I'm so disappointed since I'm staying far to the nearest campuses where I would fix my information the only convenient method it is only Telephonically or via email, can anyone assist me on this?
My student number as below:
[protected]

Thanks I'll appreciate your feedback

Regards

Student No: [protected]

Qualification: Honours in Psychological Counselling

Module: PYC4802

On 25/01/2017 I was suppose to write a paper @ 14H30 but there was a strike at Florida Campus. I fail to understand why Unisa did not provide an alternative exam date during the Jan/Feb period because they were aware about the incidence. As a resolution they have granted us exam date on the next exam period. However this is a year module which means that I have to wait an entire year to write this module. I was suppose to graduate this year but now Im told I will only graduate next year. This totally unfair because this was the only module left in order to complete this qualification

I would like the university to consider me for an F1 concession because this the only module that I have left to complete the qualification. If I had written on that date I would be graduating this year and applying for Masters with my complete marks. The strike was not my fault and see no reason why i should suffer the consequence.

payed and send in my exam paper of Eng2602 in Decembe 2016, its been 3 months and they still can't tell me my mark. No one is answering phones. Already missed the first graduation of the year, I need my marks, payed the full amount! I need to send out my cv if I have passed! I was also granted an Fi concession. Its been way more then a month, still no mark. Writing exams in one month. Wasting my time!
Please an someone help!

Can anybody please tell me when the audit process will be completed?
I wrote in November 2016 got my results on the 3rd of December and my status is still "Final year Student" I cannot even count the number of employment opportunities that i have missed out on as Final year student is not good enough as a qualification. The web site does not give you the option to see how far the process is. 5 months since i wrote and the audit is obviously still not done. WHY?
If any1 can assist, please mail me on [protected]@mtmkzn.co.za
My student number is, [protected]

I don't know who is running UNISA but they are not doing a good job at all. This is our lives and education these UNISA people are messing with.

I have opted to drive from JHB to VUT everyday just so I can miss this UNISA garbage.

Now they don't want to give me my academic records so I can apply for credits. I applied for it in January till today nobody can help me. I have been sent from pillar post even the ombudsman is useless.

All of them are useless!