The University of South Africa simply “UniSA” as most people call it is the Largest University network in South Africa and Africa as a continent.
There are so many things you must know about the University, how it started, the entire history, and where the institution is now. In this article, I will throw more light on the University and everything you must know about it.
Since the institution started somewhere and is currently somewhere, it is very important to know the facts from the beginning.
Brief History Of UniSA
The history of the University of South Africa dates as far back as 1873. The University started under the name “the University of the Cape of Good Hope“.
During this time, the University offered examinations but not tuition. Rebranding as the University of South Africa in 1916, UniSA got other descendants all over the country.
Somewhere in 1946, the new mission of the University saw it serving as a distance education university. In 2004, the University of South Africa merged with Technikon Southern Africa and incorporated the distance education component of Vista University.
Since then till date, the University is seen offering major certificates, diplomas, and degree courses up to the doctorate level.
While the University is said to have started really small, it is now without any doubt, one of the largest universities in Africa. It is also the only university of its kind in the entire African continent.
Location And Influence
The main university campus is in South Africa, Pretoria. The presence of the University of South Africa in this city is very iconic hence drawing much attention to the city.
There are other Campuses in other South African provinces but the main campus or headquarters is the Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria.
The building depicts modern engineering from the early times of human history. The giant building in the valley of a hill is so beautiful tourists can’t resist.
This very beautiful building is also the headquarters of the entire University of South Africa network. UniSA has six Regional service centres. The following are the locations of the regional service centers.
- Gauteng
With Pretoria being the headquarters of the entire UniSA network, there are also other branches in the same Province. There are service centers at Ekurhuleni, Florida, Johannesburg, and Vaal Triangle.
- Eastern Cape
There are three service centers in this Province and they are East London, Mthatha, and Port Elizabeth.
- KwaZulu-Natal
There are five other UniSA service centers serving the citizens in this province. The service center locations are Durban, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, and Wild Coast Region.
- Limpopo
There are also three other UniSA service centers in this province too. They are located at Giyani, Makhado, and Polokwane.
- Midlands
You can find UniSA services centers here at Bloemfontein, Kimberley Kroonstad, Mafikeng, Potchefstroom, and Rustenburg.
- Mpumalanga
There are only two service centers here which are at Middelburg and Nelspruit.
- Western Cape
There are also just two UniSA service centers here too. They are at Cape Town and George.
With all these in South Africa, the University also boasts of an academic center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is what makes it the largest university network in Africa.
Students And Admission
Since this is the largest and most popular university in Africa, it is just predictable that individuals across the entire world will develop an interest in studying here. That is why the university accepts both local and international students.
No matter the country of origin, anyone can apply to study at the University of South Africa.
As at the moment, there are thousands of students currently studying at the University who are from over 130 countries around the globe.
There are over 400,000 students currently enrolled. While new students enroll each year, there are also over 50,000 that get certificates each year.
UniSA Colleges
There are eight reputable colleges behind the academic excellence the university has seen over the many years.
Below are the University of South Africa colleges
- Accounting Sciences
The College is one of its kind. Striving for excellence in the accounting field and accredited by Council of Higher Education, the College is one of the best accounting colleges in South Africa. It has also been endorsed by many accreditation boards, both South Africa and internationally.
- Agriculture & Environment Sciences
The College offers diverse qualification certificates. Three streams of BSc in Agriculture Science, four streams of Diploma in Agriculture, and six streams of Bachelor of Consumer Science degree.
- Economic & Management Sciences
Providing high quality education to prepare students who want to venture into the business field. UniSA College of Economic & Management Sciences contributes a lot to the private sector in both South Africa and the world at large.
- Education
Training the majority of South African teachers is the College of Education. It is one of the most reputable Education colleges in South Africa.
- Human Sciences
This College offers higher education certifications including undergraduate degrees and diplomas, honors, master’s degrees, and doctoral programmes. It provides high-quality education in Arts, humanities, social sciences, religion, and theology.
- Law
Since Law is one of the most specialized fields of study, it is just right to get the best education. The college gives high-quality education to students.
- Science, Engineering & Technology
While the world advances into an innovative future, the Collge is also training modern engineers to spearhead innovation in Africa.
- Graduate Studies
While building a reputation for the University of South Africa, the College also aims at improving the performance of masters and doctoral students.
In addition to these eight colleges is the Graduate School Of Business Leadership. It is known as one of the best Business Schools in the history of South Africa.
Facilities
The University of South Africa, since it is a very prestigious university must have facilities to support its students. There are so many facilities to make studying and life on campus easier for students.
There are many facilities including;
- Libraries
- Study area with computer study rooms
- Accommodation and transport
- Medical centers
- Sports fields
- Online resource centers
- Science Laboratory
There are also bookstores and many other facilities on all campuses to support students to get a better education. There are even facilities that allow students to voice their concerns.
UniSA Contacts
Since the headquarters of the University is in Pretoria, all information will lead you to the headquarters. You must also note that the information is different for all other branches.
Address: Preller St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0002
Phone: 012 429 3111
The official website link is https://www.unisa.ac.za/
Contact the University of South Africa for more inquiries if the need arises.
Conclusion
In short, the University of South Africa is the largest university network in Africa. It also contributes greatly to Higher Education in South Africa and the entire Africa Continent.
The University admits all kinds of students regardless of race or nationality. There are also all kinds of higher education certifications available.
If you wish to inquire more, you can also contact the University through their contact details above.
If you have any questions or suggestions, leave a comment below.
