At times students can be forced by circumstances beyond their control not to write examinations. The good news is that the University of South Africa (UNISA) has clear rules that allow students to apply for special exams. Here is how you can apply for Aegrotat at Unisa.
How Does Unisa Aegrotat Work?
Special examinations are also known as aegrotat, and they can be granted to students who fall ill on or before their examination date. To qualify for this special exam, you must have a valid medical certificate that verifies the nature and duration of your illness. The medical report must also state that you could not sit for your exams due to illness.
It is vital to ensure that the examination date coincides with the date on the medical certificate. Your student number must also be on the certificate. Other circumstances that can lead to failure to write an exam include serious illness or the death of a loved one, or work commitments.
Students with disabilities can apply for special exams before 28 February for May/June exams or before 31 July before October and November exams. If you are disabled, you must attach a certificate that outlines your disability.
How do I apply for Aegrotat at Unisa?
You can only apply for a special exam or aegrotat, which can be granted under Rule 18 found in the myRegistration Unisa Information Brochure. You need to state the circumstances under which you request an aegrotat exam. All candidates must first obtain exam admission to apply for a special exemption to write it.
Candidates who apply for special exams must complete an online application available on the myUnisa platform. First, log into the site to access the form and utilize the examination timetable tool found in the administrative section. You must do this within 10 days of the paper you have missed. If you miss the grace period for submitting your application for Aegrotat, it will be rejected. You will not get a refund for your exam fee, so make sure you don’t miss the deadline.
Remember to be concise in describing the events and reasons for failing to write an exam. Make sure you provide the evidence, or you can also include written evidence. Alternatively, you can send your application for aegrotat via aegrots@unisa.ac.za using your myLife account email address. Your students must be in the subject line.
If the examination dates clash, no arrangements can be made to rectify the issue. If you qualify for a supplementary exam under the General Information Rules G10 and the times clash, the supplementary examination lapses.
How Much is an Aegrotat Exam at Unisa?
A basic examination fee will be charged for the student fees payable within each study unit. The following additional fees with be paid during the 2026 academic year.
Aegrotat examination fees R300.00
Special examination R300.00
Supplementary examination R300.00
Remarking of examination script R525.00
Purchasing of examination script R60,00
Who Qualifies for Aegrotat at Unisa?
Candidates who qualify for aegrotat must prove beyond doubt that they could not sit for their exam due to serious illness, work commitments, or the death of a relative during the period of the exam. Ensure you provide supporting evidence like a medical report, letter from your employer, or death certificate.
Rule 18 of the Unisa Information brochure outlines the conditions for a special examination. Make sure you read the rules to know what you must do when you experience a situation beyond your control.
It is vital to notify your university about the special circumstances that have compelled you to apply for aegrotat. When you are granted the permission, it will appear on your exam results. Special examination permissions are only granted to candidates who qualify to write it in the first place.
If you fail to hand in your assignments and meet other requirements to sit for the exam in the first place, there is no way you will be considered for a special exam. You should understand the conditions under which an aegrotat is granted.
What Are Aegrotat Supporting Documents?
Since special examinations can be granted for reasons such as illness before or on the examination day, ensure you provide a valid medical report stating the nature of your condition. The medical certificate must also state the length of the illness to prove that you could not sit for an examination.
Work commitments are also considered extenuating circumstances that can lead to failure to write an exam. Provide the necessary supporting details within 10 working days of the date you were supposed to write your exam.
Additionally, you can also apply for an aegrotat based on unforeseen circumstances when you have already written your exams. If you have not been admitted to write the exam in the first place, there is no way you can apply for an aegrotat.
If you fail to write an exam due to circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for a special examination or aegrotat. Unisa only grants this special examination to candidates who can provide evidence to support their claims or reasons for not writing the exam. Remember to apply for an aegrotat within 10 days of the original date of writing the paper. If you are not supposed to sit for the exam in the first place, you will not be considered for an aegrotat.
