How to Apply For Unisa Supplementary Exams

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 04/20/24 •  5 min read

Supplementary exams at UNISA offer students a chance to boost their academic performance by retaking exams they may have failed below the required pass mark or could not write the regular exams for a valid reason.

 This is a valuable opportunity for students to work towards achieving their academic goals and ensure they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen fields. Supplementary exams are typically scheduled twice yearly, in February/March and October/November, during each academic year. These exams allow students who did not pass a previous exam to retake it and improve their grades. By taking advantage of these exams, students can complete their degrees and advance their career goals. Supplementary exams are unavailable for all courses and are exclusively provided to students who fulfill specific requirements. It is crucial to understand this distinction to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

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How to apply for a Unisa Supplementary Exams

UNISA has recently issued a communication regarding supplementary exams to ensure that students are well-informed about the process. It is important for students to understand the guidelines and requirements for supplementary exams to make the most of this opportunity. When applying for supplementary exams at UNISA, it’s important to note that this option is unavailable for all courses. The information provided on your MyUnisa account determines your eligibility for supplementary exams.

It’s essential to keep track of any updates or notifications regarding your course and exam status on this platform. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re aware of any opportunities to apply for supplementary exams if they become available. Supplementary exams are additional exams that are offered to students who do not pass their initial exams. If you qualify for a supplementary exam, you will be notified of this in your examination results. You cannot simply apply for supplementary exams on the myUNISA platform.

If you find yourself in a spot where you need to write supplementary exams, here are the simple steps to take to apply.

Who qualifies for supplementary?

Qualifying for supplementary exams may not be exciting as every student looks to excel in exams. Students may be granted a supplemental exam in certain circumstances, including the following: the student who failed the required pass mark, unable to finish their end-of-term exam due to an illness or an unforeseen circumstance, and it can be demonstrated that their absence was beyond their control. It is important to note that missing the exams on a deliberate note will not guarantee you qualification for supplementary exams.

How much is a supplementary exam at Unisa?

If you are a student at the University of South Africa (Unisa) and need to write a supplementary exam, it is important to note that the cost for each module is R300. In other cases, the fees may vary depending on our faculty or department. However, this fee for the supplementary exams ranges between R300 and R450. This fee is applicable for each supplementary exam that you need to write. If you’re a student, it’s critical to know that a fee applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate students who need to write a supplementary exam. This fee is charged if you fail the initial exam or cannot write the original exam due to unforeseen circumstances.

How many marks do you need to qualify for supplementary exams?

Supplemental examinations are available to undergraduate students at the University of South Africa (UNISA) who have failed one or two modules but earned a final mark of at least 30% for each module.

What is the passing mark for supplementary exam UNISA?

One way that UNISA helps students is by allowing them to take supplementary exams. Students who didn’t pass a module during the regular exam time or for a reason allowed by UNISA policy can take these tests. 

Students are required to achieve a final score falling within the range of 40 to 49% on their initial exam. This provides students with a second opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and improve their overall grades.

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