SA Doctorates: UNISA vs UFS

UNISA IACI

Steve,

I, too, received a quick reply after fillingout IACI's informaiton request. After looking at the UNISA application form, I e-mailed them for some clarifications and got an e-mail reply within one day.

So far that is my only experience with them. RoySavia has been helpful as you can see from his replies, I believe he is working on a PhD in Sociology - I am looking at PhD Psychology - so I can not answer the question about education but so far it looks like IACI is OK. Of course I have not yet applied - it seems to me that they want you to fill out and fax the UNISA application so they can see if you are even qualified. My guess is that after you do that they might get back with you quicker, that is, once they know you are serious about applying.

From reading every post I could find on UNISA, the concensus seems to strongly favor going through IACI to avoid the infamous red tape of SA.

 

Has anyone ever considered the University of Pretoria? I'm not familar with the advantages or disadvantages of this university. Perhaps someone with some experience could shed some light on this.

 

I agree that in a perfect world it is unreasonable to have to document credentials in order to get a question asked. Of course, we do not live in a perfect world and the level of documentation required is not substantial. Besides, most of the information you'd need is already on the website. It may be a bit difficult to navigate but once you see the pattern it's really not very hard.
I would also like to say that within the last two months I have sent emails to three different departments at UNISA and in every case I have received a detailed response within 36 hours. Here's my formula:
Your email message should include a brief statement about your credentials . . . I have a BA in English and a Masters degree in Comparative Literature, both from universities in the Boston area (one of my fantasies). I am interested in applying for admission to your DLitt et Phil program. My interests are _______. I am interested in learning more about the Department and whether there is any any additional information available about the doctoral program. I am especially interested in knowing _____. (add you question here). The email should be formal but friendly. Send a copy to the Departmental Administrative Assistant AND the Department Head. It will be forwarded to the faculty member who is in charge of the Grad Students. It is usuallu impossible to know ahead of time which staff member has that privilege. Based on my most recent exchanges, my opinion of UNISA is shifting. Personally, I don't mind completing a form or two and spending a few moments composing a thoughtful email if it means saving thousands of dollars.
Jack

 

At one time, Unisa's representatives wanted a credit card number before they would answer any detailed questions. This was, they said, not because they planned to charge the card but because they wanted to filter out frivolous applicants.

If they are no longer asking for this, then things have improved!

 

I suspect, though can not really say, that you need to have a student number (a very simple process that doesn't require being admitted/enrolled) in order to have certain questions answered.
Jack

 

Yes, I understand. The way I'm thinking about this is that the folks at IACI don't see it as their role to answer questions about UNISA. I'm guessing that they see it as their role to assist people with the application/admission process. Not the same thing. On the other hand, I could be quite wrong.
Jack