Choosing to pursue higher education after senior high is a great step in improving your personal growth and career development.
When one decides to pursue higher education, it clearly shows their commitment to their life and development.
But in all these cases, life can be uncertain, and these uncertainties can cause great misfortunes.
In a few cases, this uncertainty can be of great concern. These circumstances may require you to put your studies on hold, which is considered deferring.
At the University of South Africa, there are over 100 students who defer every academic year. And these actions are always backed by common reason.
It is important to note that deferring from the University of South Africa is not a crime, and it is an option available for students who wish to take a break from their studies.
In this article, we will take you through the frequently asked questions related to deferring at UNISA.
At the end of reading this, you should be able to understand the process of deferring, the extreme timeline during your deferring period, and the consequences of deferring.
How do I defer a year at Unisa?
Getting into university can be a fulfilling moment in every individual’s life at some point. But sometimes, the issues that may surround you can bring about a change in your life. And these changes can make one defer for a period.
Talking about UNISA, deferring is an option made available to all students. However, it is important to understand the break and assess yourself before taking that pause.
Whether it’s due to health, full-time job issues, personal circumstances, or any other reason, deferring a year at UNISA can provide you with the maximum time cap. Once you have assessed and evaluated the need to defer, you can start planning for it.
So how can one defer from UNISA for a year?
Before we look at how to defer at UNISA, the possibility of deferring a year is very true. UNISA has provided systems that seek to support all students who wish to go through the deferment process for a whole year.
Depending on your issue, the ultimate step in planning for a year’s deferment is to visit your department or faculty. This can give you leverage on how to set up the deferment process. Your department or faculty will aid you in the process.
Also, students who wish to defer can send an email to inquire@unisa.ac.za to state the reason for deferring and the timeline. Students can also write a formal letter to the school.
Before you defer for a year, it is important to note that doing it in the second semester means going in for a full academic year, and in this instance, your one-year period begins in the second semester and ends at the end of the first semester for the following academic year.
Once you plan to defer for a year, it can be a great help to complete all your required modules within the semester you plan to take the break. At that point, all other things will be on hold until your deferral period is over.
How long can you defer Unisa?
As part of the planning process to defer, it is essential to understand how long you can defer at UNISA.
In every situation, there are rules and regulations that are made to control every decision and action. And as such, UNISA puts a timeline on how long one can defer his or her studies.
Students who plan to defer for a longer period beyond the years set by UNISA can face certain serious consequences.
UNISA gives students the option to apply for deferment during their studies.
Normally, students are allowed to defer for a maximum of two semesters. In this case, the length of your deferring period should not exceed two semesters and must also be consecutive. Although the timeline stated by UNISA is two semesters, it can be calculated as an academic year. This deferring policy allows students studying at UNISA to pause their studies within the time frame given without having to reapply for admission.
How do you write a letter of deferment?
Writing a letter of deferment can also be another way to apply for deferment at the University of South Africa. While this may seem a bit ineffective, you can give it a try. The ineffectiveness lies in the volumes of letters UNISA receives daily, and with this, your letter can easily be lost.
To write a letter of deferment, you must consider the address of the recipient as well as yours.
Ensure to indicate the dates and salutation of the letter, as this makes it more formal.
The salutation must be addressed to the departmental head, whether female or male, but it is more professional to make the salutation in both genders, for example, “Dear Sir or Madam.”
The title is another important part of the letter, as it summarizes the main content of the letter. Always ensure to keep your title simple and concise to make it look professional. (e.g., Letter of Deferment” deferring studies at UNISA)
Your letter must contain an introduction, which should highlight your personal details like your full name, student number, and course or program offering.
In the letter of deferment, it is important to state the obvious reason why you wish to defer, making it precise and clear.
Close your letter with a warm remark.
Lastly, add your name and signature at the bottom, as this seals your request to be more formal and professional.
What happens when you defer?
When you put in a request to defer, it means you are putting your studies on hold for a period of time. Deferring is valid and allowed at the University of South Africa.
Usually, when you defer, you put your entire studies on hold. Any submissions or assignments completed within that period of deferment are considered void.
On the other hand, you are not considered to be part of the institution during that period, and therefore your involvement in school activities is on halt.
There are no serious consequences when you defer, but it is important to know that deferring pauses your education for the time being.
