How to Apply For A Deferment At Unisa

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 10/03/24 •  4 min read

College and university students often defer their studies for various reasons.

 Taking time off for personal or medical issues is common. Financial constraints may require some students to defer to save for tuition or living expenses. 

Some students may postpone their education to travel, gain work experience, or pursue other career-enhancing opportunities. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Deferring a course of study allows students to address personal issues and then return to their studies with renewed focus and enthusiasm.

Deferring must be tangible, so we will explain UNISA deferral, how to go about it, and other related topics.

How do I apply for a deferment at Unisa?

The University of South Africa, or UNISA, knows that students may need to defer their studies for some reason.

 UNISA allows students to apply for deferment of their studies, whether for personal or academic reasons. Students can take a break from their studies by deferring. They won’t lose their place in the program, and their academic progress won’t be affected.

At UNISA, there are a few steps to take to ask for a deferral. 

Applicants can use this link to download and fill out the deferment form – https://www.unisa.ac.za/static/corporate_web/Content/Register%20to%20study%20through%20Unisa/Documents/Unisa-DSAR-26.pdf.

Once the application is complete, it should be sent to UNISA’s Student Admissions and Registrations Division before the deadline. Students should also keep a copy of the application for their own records.

How do I write a letter to defer a study?

Writing a letter to defer your studies at UNISA may be an option; however, the whole process may also depend on the school’s policies.

With UNISA, most of their application and other submissions are done online, and this even applies to students looking to defer. 

If you want to defer your studies at the University of South Africa, you should typically follow the university’s official process for requesting a deferral. This procedure may entail completing and submitting a form.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

In a nutshell, the form’s details explain themselves in the same way that writing a formal letter does. 

In general, you may be required to explain your reasons for wanting to defer, provide supporting documentation if necessary, and specify the duration of the deferral.

How many times can you defer a module?

If you wish to defer a module more than once, you will be required to submit an application to the university requesting special permission.

At UNISA, you can defer a module once per academic year without penalty. This indicates that you have the option to defer your studies for the specific module in question until the following semester or academic year, depending on the availability of the module.

How long can you defer at UniSA?

Applying for a deferment through the myUnisa portal is required for students who want to postpone their studies. For a total of two academic years or four consecutive semesters, students may postpone their studies under UNISA. This means that a student who is enrolled in a degree, diploma, or higher certificate program may apply for a deferment of their studies for up to two academic years.

What happens if you defer your degree?

When you defer a degree, you simply put your studies on hold for the reasons stated. Your academic records, modules, and course offerings are unaffected by deferring your degree. 

Deferring at UNISA enabled all students to address issues that might otherwise prevent them from studying.

Deferring your degree as a student can have both positive and negative consequences. Before making a decision, it is critical to assess your situation and weigh the benefits and drawbacks.

How many years can I defer?

Deferring at UNISA is done online. At the University of South Africa, how many years can I defer? – Students can apply for two study deferments, according to UNISA’s website. One academic year per deferment. Therefore, a student may defer their studies for up to two years within that particular qualification. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Get Academic Transcript From Unisa

How to Get Academic Transcript From Unisa

One of the most requested documents you can ever come across at any tertiary is an academic transcript. Why so? Why is there a request for it

How Does Unisa Invigilator App Work?

How Does Unisa Invigilator App Work?

This article explains everything you want to know about how the UNISA invigilator app works. 

How to Apply For Unisa Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Development)

How to Apply For Unisa Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Development)

In this article, we will provide information on how one can apply for ECD course at UNISA, the course duration, requirements and more

How to Apply For Student Accommodation At Unisa

How to Apply For Student Accommodation At Unisa

How to Apply For Student Accommodation At Unisa. This article covers much more about UNISA accommodation and its underlying issues.

What Are the Requirements to Study PGCE At UNISA

What Are the Requirements to Study PGCE At UNISA

What Are the Requirements to Study PGCE At UNISA. Requirements for Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at UNISA are closely related

How Much Is Unisa Application Fee For 2026?

How Much Is Unisa Application Fee For 2026?

Do you want to apply to the University of South Africa and will like to know the application fee? Read on to find out the various payment methods available.

How to Send Proof of Payment to Unisa

How to Send Proof of Payment to Unisa

Continue reading to learn more about proof of payment to UNISA, confirming the application fee with UNISA and more. 

How to Apply For Unisa Honours In Economics

How to Apply For Unisa Honours In Economics

This blog post will be the right guide to take you through how to apply for Unisa honours in economics and all other relevant details. 

How to Get a UniSA Student Number

How to Get a UniSA Student Number

In this article, we will be sharing with you what the UNISA student number is, how to apply for a UNISA student number formally.

How to Apply For Aegrotat Special Exams At Unisa

How to Apply For Aegrotat Special Exams At Unisa

We will be taking you through a series of questions that describes the Aegrotat test, its applications and special requirement. 

How to Apply for Nursing At Unisa

How to Apply for Nursing At Unisa

We will be taking you through the common questions asked about nursing at Unisa, including how to apply to study nursing, its requirements, and many more.

How to Apply For Unisa Council Bursary

How to Apply For Unisa Council Bursary

In this blog post, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on applying for the UNISA council bursary, the coverage of the council bursary

How to Retrieve Unisa Student Number

How to Retrieve Unisa Student Number

In this blog post, we will look at the FAQ on student numbers, for example, “Does UNISA student number expire?”Retrieve Unisa Student Number

How to Check Unisa Outstanding Fees

How to Check Unisa Outstanding Fees

In the context of UNISA fees, we will be sharing with you a guide on how you can easily check your outstanding fees at UNISA

How to Become a Chartered Accountant At Unisa

How to Become a Chartered Accountant At Unisa

Become a Chartered Accountant At Unisa. This article will focus on how to become a chartered accountant, the qualification and what it involves.