Do higher certificate students graduate at UNISA?

At UNISA, students who complete a Higher Certificate generally do not attend physical graduation ceremonies; their qualifications are awarded in absentia, meaning they receive their certificates by mail or collect them, as these are considered entry-level or pathway qualifications, not full degrees or diplomas. However, they do graduate with a formal NQF Level 5 qualification that allows them to progress to diplomas or degrees, and they are notified via email when their qualification is complete.

Does Unisa have graduation for a higher certificate?

Only students for degrees and diplomas will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony All one and two-year qualifications are awarded in absentia. Certificates will be available for collection after the conferment date.

Do you graduate for a higher certificate?

A definite perk that comes with higher certificate courses is that upon completion you graduate with a standalone NQF5 qualification which opens doors to employment. A certificate holder is also able to study towards a diploma or degree later. That's why they are often called “pathway-to-degree programmes”.

Who qualifies to graduate at Unisa?

Each Unisa qualification is structured in such a way that you need to pass a certain number of NQF level credits within a certain amount of time in order to graduate. It is also very important that you manage your studies and are able to pass the number of NQF level credits for which you register each semester or year.

How do you know you are graduating at Unisa?

An Advance Statement of Results - which will also confirm the completion of your qualification - will be sent to you via your myLife e-mail account. You will not receive any notification about the completion of a qualification if you have a pending disciplinary hearing, or owe any outstanding fees or library material.

Graduation Vlog 🎓👩‍🎓| Unisa | LLB

Where do Unisa students graduate?

The University of South Africa (Unisa) will confer 48799 qualifications (degrees, diplomas and certificates) during its 2025 Autumn Graduations set to run from 26 May to 30 June 2025. The graduation ceremonies will be held at several venues in Pretoria, Mbombela, Polokwane, East London, Durban and Cape Town.

Do you walk at graduation for a certificate?

A graduating student is someone who has met all graduation requirements, whereas “walking” means a student who is participating in ceremonies but is not graduating yet. Diplomas are mailed and not given to students at either commencement or convocation.

Can you graduate with a certificate?

A graduate certificate (GradCert, GCert, GradC) is a higher education qualification at the same level as a bachelor's degree but more limited in scope, taking less time to complete - normally between one third and two thirds of an academic year (or full-time equivalent).

Is Unisa internationally recognised?

Who we are. We are a reputable, flexible and accessible comprehensive, open, distance and e-Learning institution that is motivating a future generation. We offer internationally accredited qualifications and have world-class resources.

How much do Unisa students get per month?

LMA is calculated at R660 per module for the first 4 modules, R5678 for 5 or more modules per academic year. Students registered for 10 or more modules qualify for incidental allowance of R316.70 per month for 10 months.

Do people with certificates graduate?

While graduate certificate courses are offered at the graduate level, they do not amount to a graduate degree. However, you may be able to apply the credits you earn toward a master's if you choose to pursue an advanced degree.

Can you go from a Higher Certificate to a degree?

This gives you a structured and recognised pathway into advanced learning. For example, a student who completes a Higher Certificate in Business Management could later pursue a Diploma in Business Administration and, eventually, a Bachelor of Commerce Degree.

How many graduation seasons does UniSA have?

The Unisa graduation ceremonies take place twice a year, that is, during autumn and spring.

Can you apply for a degree with a higher certificate at Unisa?

Please note that completion of a lower-level qualification, such as a higher certificate, is not a guarantee that you will be admitted to the higher-level qualification (eg diploma or bachelor's degree), as spaces are limited.

What is the process for Unisa graduation?

Present yourself at the registration desk in the foyer and verify your identity by presenting your official identity document, passport, marriage certificate or South African driver's licence. A seating card with your name, qualification and seat number will be handed to you. Collect your academic attire.

What rank is Unisa in the world?

UNSW has ranked 79th in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. The University rose four places in the annual world rankings and is now fifth in Australia. It is one of six Australian universities in the global top 100.

Is Unisa a college or a university?

As a comprehensive university, Unisa offers both vocational and academic programmes from the level of under- and post-graduate certificates and diplomas to degrees, and also post-graduate diplomas, master's and doctoral qualifications.

Which degree is most in demand in South Africa?

The top careers in South Africa for 2025 include Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity, Healthcare and Medical Services, Renewable Energy and Environmental Sciences, Finance and Financial Technology (FinTech), Education and E-Learning, Engineering and Construction, Marketing and Digital Marketing, and Logistics ...

Can I get a job with a certificate instead of a degree?

More recent high school graduates are choosing not to attend a four-year college, opting for a trade school or a certificate program instead. There are many job opportunities available to those without a bachelor's degree, some of which offer salaries well above the median average.

Does a certificate count as completing college?

The credit requirements may vary depending on the institution and specific course, but they are typically within the 12 to 36-credit range. Many learners also want to know if a certificate can result in a degree. The quick answer is “no.” However, certificates can be earned at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Are certificates as good as a degree?

Certificates offer speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, while degrees provide a foundation of deeper knowledge and long-term career mobility.

Does getting a certificate make you a graduate?

While a graduate certificate may not carry the same academic distinction as a graduate degree, it can be a powerful tool for professional growth. Certificates offer a focused way to build expertise, update your knowledge as your field evolves or strengthen your credentials — all with less time and financial commitment.

What's the lowest GPA you can have to graduate high school?

The minimum GPA to graduate high school varies, but it's often around a 2.0 (a 'C' average) for the overall diploma, though some states and districts might require more, while you can technically pass with a 1.0 GPA (a 'D' average) if you earn enough credits, as passing a class (often with a D or 60%) gives you credit, not just good grades. However, a low GPA (like 1.0) makes college much harder, as most universities look for a 3.0 (B average) or higher, with some wanting even more. 

What's the difference between graduation and commencement?

Graduation is the official completion and recording of degree requirements, while Commencement is the formal ceremony (with caps and gowns) celebrating those who have or are about to graduate, marking the commencement (beginning) of their new chapter. In essence, you graduate (earn the degree) through an administrative process, but you attend the Commencement ceremony to be recognized and celebrate that achievement.