The transcript reflects the academic performance of students within a specified period based on their selected course or program. The importance of transcripts must be balanced. These documents are considered to be official, and they greatly serve as reference points to the academics of students. Essentially, the details on the transcript record the performance of students. These do not only record the grades but also the credit hours associated, the qualification type, the timeline on the degree, the course and many more.
Transcripts serve as a valuable academic record that accompanies individuals throughout their lives. Their role involves validating the completion of courses to ensure that students have fulfilled all degree requirements and prerequisites. This transparency makes it easier for students to transfer credits, allowing them to smoothly continue their education or explore opportunities in other countries. Transcripts play a crucial role in job applications as employers heavily depend on them to evaluate candidates’ qualifications. UNISA, known as one of the largest distance education institutions in the world, recognises the significance of this matter. As a result, they offer easily accessible online transcripts to accommodate their diverse student population.
So, how do you get a transcript from the University of South Africa?
In this blog post, we will give you guidelines on how to get a transcript from UNISA and other frequently asked questions relating to academic records.
How to get a transcript from Unisa
If you are in your thoughts and wondering how to get your transcript from UNISA, here is a guide to help you. Transcripts are not just ordinary papers but provide detailed information on a student’s academic journey. The transcripts depict the achievement of students, giving out the setbacks and strengths for a particular course.
The purpose of transcripts goes beyond a lot. They are very instrumental when it comes to getting a professional certificate, advancing in a career, upgrading in a course, scholarship and many more.
Requesting for academic records may differ according to the qualifications offered. We will highlight the various qualifications and how to request your transcript. Students who are offering undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate can use these simple steps below to request their academic transcript.
- Visit the official website of UNISA at www.unisa.ac.za.
- Log in to myUnisa.
- Click on “Academic Record” and “Code.”
- Your academic record will be sent to your myLife email account.
Masters and doctorates can also use the above steps and also use the guide below.
- Click this link to view the application form for a transcript or record certificate – https://www.unisa.ac.za/static/corporate_web/Content/Register%20to%20study%20through%20Unisa/Documents/Unisa-CGS-08.pdf.
- Download the form and fill it out completely.
- Email the filled form to UNISA at mandd@unisa.ac.za.
- The request will be processed, and your transcript will be sent to you via email.
Who do you contact if you have an academic Enquiry at Unisa?
Students who have academic inquiries at UNISA can reach out to their department heads or secretaries. Considering the large numbers at UNISA, a quick solution can come from your department if you have concerns about your academics.
However, students are allowed to email UNISA on academic records by sending an email to mandd@unisa.ac.za.
Students have the option to call the toll-free number of UNISA, and they can be directed to the right channel. Also, students can email all concerns regarding their academics to assign@unisa.ac.za.
What is the difference between an academic record and a transcript?
The terms “academic record” and “transcript” are frequently used interchangeably, although their meanings or connotations may vary slightly depending on the institution.
The difference between these two is not significant and can vary depending on their geographical location.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, the academic community often emphasises their distinctions.
When we talk about an academic record at UNISA, we are referring to a detailed document that gives an overview of a student’s academic journey at the university. A typical student record usually contains details like the student’s personal information, programme of study, courses completed, grades achieved, credit hours earned, and any degrees or certificates awarded. Additionally, if relevant, it could also encompass details regarding academic achievements, accolades, and any disciplinary measures taken. The academic record is a detailed document that showcases a student’s complete academic experience during their time at the university.
A transcript refers to a particular kind of academic record. A formal document is prepared to give a comprehensive and official record of a student’s academic achievements. A UNISA transcript usually contains a comprehensive description of the courses you have taken, along with the corresponding grades or marks, credit hours earned, and your overall GPA. Transcripts are frequently needed for a variety of reasons, such as applying to graduate courses, looking for a job, or transferring to a different school. Official records are typically regarded as essential and are often sealed or sent directly from the university to the party making the request.
How long do universities keep student records in South Africa?
In almost every institution, records of students are kept in perpetuity. This gives students a lifetime to check and request for their academic records.
In South Africa, universities also practice keeping students’ records in perpetuity. This means there is no expiring date set on your records. Higher institutions can not set time limits on expiring dates on student records.
