Admin Courses At UNISA

So you want to work in an office and help keep things running smoothly? That’s awesome! Administration jobs are everywhere, and they pay pretty well too. UNISA (the University of South Africa) offers some really great admin courses that you can study from home. Let me break it all down for you in a way that actually makes sense.

What Are Admin Courses Anyway?

Admin courses teach you how to handle office work. Think about all the stuff that keeps a business going: answering phones, organizing files, typing up documents, managing schedules, and helping the boss stay on track. That’s what admin workers do.

When you study admin courses at UNISA, you learn:

• • How to use computer programs like Microsoft Word and Excel

• • How to write professional emails and letters

• • How to manage time and stay organized

• • How to deal with customers and clients

• • Basic accounting and money handling

• • How to keep records and files in order

Why Pick UNISA for Admin Courses?

UNISA is the biggest university in Africa that lets you study through distance learning. This means you don’t have to sit in a classroom every day. You can study from your bedroom, at a coffee shop, or wherever you feel comfortable.

Here’s why UNISA is a solid choice:

• • Study at your own pace: Got a job already? No problem. You can work and study at the same time.

• • Cheaper than other universities: UNISA fees are lower than most traditional universities in South Africa.

• • Recognized qualifications: Employers know and respect UNISA certificates and degrees.

• • You don’t need to move: Live in a small town? Stay right where you are and still get your qualification.

Admin Courses Available at UNISA

UNISA has different levels of admin courses. Let me walk you through the main ones:

1. Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences

Duration: 1 year (full-time equivalent)

What you learn:

• • Basic business skills

• • Communication in the workplace

• • Introduction to computers

• • End-user computing

This is perfect if you just finished matric and want something quick to get you started in the working world.

2. Diploma in Office Management and Technology

Duration: 3 years

What you learn:

• • Office administration

• • Business communication

• • Information administration

• • Financial accounting basics

• • Legal aspects of business

This diploma gives you more skills and looks better on your CV than just a certificate.

3. Bachelor of Administration (BAdmin)

Duration: 3 years

What you learn:

• • Public administration

• • Management principles

• • Economics

• • Business management

• • Communication

This degree is great if you want to work in government offices or bigger companies.

4. National Diploma in Management Assistant

What you learn:

• • Office practice

• • Communication

• • Information administration

• • Legal aspects

• • Mercantile law basics

Entry Requirements for Admin Courses at UNISA

Different courses have different requirements. Here’s a basic breakdown:

For Certificates:

• • National Senior Certificate (matric) or equivalent

• • Sometimes you need specific subjects passed

For Diplomas:

• • National Senior Certificate with diploma endorsement

• • English passed

• • Sometimes maths or maths literacy required

For Degrees:

• • National Senior Certificate with bachelor’s degree endorsement

• • Specific subject requirements depending on the course

Pro tip: Always check the specific requirements on UNISA’s website because they can change from year to year.

How Much Do Admin Courses Cost at UNISA?

Let’s talk money. UNISA is known for being affordable, but you still need to budget properly.

Approximate costs for 2024:

These prices can change, and they don’t include textbooks and study materials. UNISA also has a payment plan option, so you don’t have to pay everything at once.

Financial help available:

• • NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

• • UNISA bursaries

• • External bursaries from companies

• • Bank study loans

How to Apply for Admin Courses at UNISA

Applying is pretty straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Go to the UNISA website

Step 2: Create an account if you’re a new student

Step 3: Fill in the online application form

Step 4: Upload your documents:

• • Certified copy of your ID

• • Certified copy of your matric certificate

• • Any other qualifications you have

Step 5: Pay the application fee (around R135)

Step 6: Wait for your application outcome

Important dates to remember:

• • Applications usually open in August/September for the following year

• • First semester starts in February

• • Second semester starts in July

Don’t wait until the last minute to apply. UNISA gets thousands of applications, and spaces fill up fast.

What Jobs Can You Get with Admin Qualifications?

This is the part everyone wants to know about. What can you actually do with an admin qualification?

Entry-level jobs:

• • Receptionist

• • Data capturer

• • Filing clerk

• • Office assistant

• • Administrative assistant

Mid-level jobs:

• • Executive assistant

• • Office manager

• • Personal assistant

• • Administrative coordinator

• • Records manager

Higher-level jobs (with degree):

• • Office administrator

• • Operations manager

• • Administrative director

• • Public administrator

Salary expectations in South Africa:

These numbers vary based on where you work, how much experience you have, and the size of the company.

Skills You’ll Get from Admin Courses

Admin courses at UNISA don’t just teach you theory. You actually learn stuff you’ll use every single day at work.

Computer skills:

• • Microsoft Word for typing documents

• • Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets and data

• • Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations

• • Email programs like Outlook

• • Database management

People skills:

• • How to talk to customers professionally

• • How to handle complaints

• • How to work in a team

• • How to communicate with your boss

Organization skills:

• • Time management

• • Filing and record keeping

• • Planning and scheduling

• • Meeting coordination

Writing skills:

• • Business letters

• • Emails

• • Reports

• • Minutes of meetings

Study Tips for UNISA Admin Students

Studying through distance learning is different from regular school. You need to be disciplined because nobody is watching over you. Here are some tips that actually work:

Create a study schedule:
Write down when you’re going to study each week. Treat it like a job. If you say you’ll study from 6pm to 8pm on Mondays, actually do it.

Find a quiet study spot:
This could be your bedroom, a library, or anywhere you can focus without people bothering you.

Don’t fall behind:
UNISA sends you study material, and it’s easy to let it pile up. Stay on top of your work from the start.

Use UNISA’s resources:

• • MyUnisa portal for assignments and announcements

• • Library services (yes, you can access books online)

• • Discussion forums with other students

• • Tutoring services

Join study groups:
Find other students in your area or online. Studying together makes hard stuff easier to understand.

Ask for help when stuck:
Contact your lecturers through email or the MyUnisa portal. They’re there to help you.

Challenges You Might Face (And How to Handle Them)

Let’s be real. Studying at UNISA isn’t always easy. Here are some common problems and how to deal with them:

Problem: Feeling alone
Distance learning can feel isolating. You don’t see classmates or teachers every day.

Solution: Join UNISA’s online discussion forums. Connect with other students on social media groups. Some areas have UNISA study groups that meet in person.

Problem: Staying motivated
Without a classroom environment, it’s easy to slack off.

Solution: Set small goals for yourself. Reward yourself when you finish a chapter or assignment. Remember why you started in the first place.

Problem: Understanding difficult material
Some topics are just hard to get, especially when you’re reading from a book alone.

Solution: Watch YouTube tutorials on the topic. Ask in student forums. Email your lecturer. Sometimes a different explanation makes everything click.

Problem: Technical issues
The myUnisa website can be slow or difficult to navigate.

Solution: Don’t wait until assignment deadlines to upload work. Access the portal during off-peak hours (early morning or late at night). Save your work regularly.

How Admin Courses Compare to Other Options

You might be wondering if UNISA is your best option. Let’s compare it to other ways you can study admin:

UNISA vs TVET Colleges:

• • TVET is more hands-on and practical

• • UNISA is more flexible for working adults

• • TVET requires attending classes

• • UNISA costs more but gives university-level qualifications

UNISA vs Private Colleges (like Damelin, Boston):

• • Private colleges cost more

• • Private colleges usually have smaller classes

• • UNISA qualifications are often more recognized by employers

• • Private colleges might have faster programs

UNISA vs Other Universities:

• • Other universities require you to attend campus

• • UNISA is usually cheaper

• • Other universities have more face-to-face support

• • UNISA gives more flexibility

Frequently Asked Questions About Admin Courses at UNISA

Q: Can I study admin courses at UNISA without matric?
A: It’s difficult, but UNISA sometimes accepts mature students (older than 23) through alternative admission. You might need to do a bridging course first.

Q: How long does it take to complete an admin course?
A: It depends on the course. Certificates take about 1 year, diplomas take 3 years, and degrees take 3-4 years. But since it’s distance learning, you can take longer if needed.

Q: Can I study part-time while working?
A: Absolutely. That’s one of the best things about UNISA. Most students work and study at the same time.

Q: Are UNISA admin qualifications recognized internationally?
A: Yes, UNISA is a recognized university. However, some countries might require you to have your qualifications evaluated.

Q: When do I need to write exams?
A: UNISA has two exam periods: May/June for first semester and October/November for second semester. You write exams at exam centers throughout South Africa.

Q: Can I change courses if I don’t like the one I chose?
A: Yes, but it might take time and you might lose some credits. It’s better to choose carefully from the start.

Final Thoughts on Admin Courses at UNISA

Admin courses at UNISA are a smart choice if you want a career in office work. The qualifications are respected, the fees are reasonable, and you can study while keeping your job or taking care of other responsibilities.

The key to success is staying committed. Distance learning gives you freedom, but it also requires self-discipline. Make a plan, stick to it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Whether you start with a certificate or go straight for a degree, every step brings you closer to a stable career with decent pay. Admin workers are needed in every company, every government department, and every organization. That means job security for you.

Ready to start? Head over to the UNISA website and check out the exact requirements for the course you’re interested in. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start building your future.

Good luck with your studies!

Have more questions about admin courses at UNISA? Drop them in the comments below, and we’ll help you out.