UNISA- Should I take the plunge?

Thanks for the info Cyber, it was extremely helpful. The tuition cost (UNISA) seems to total around 3000 USD for a masters, very very affordable. After reading Garp's comment I think I'll pass on the Asia e-University. I think the better option for me may be the Heriot-Watt EBS MSc Finance or MBA (still can't choose). The name carries more weight where I'm from, Trinidad, and here the tuition, once taught in an actual classroom for post grad is subsidized 50% by the gov't (undergrad 100%). That means my total expense after tuition, registration, exemption, and exam fees may be between 5000-6000 USD.
So far for me this is still the best option, but having more options available is never a bad thing. That's why I love this site. In 2 years minimum I will pursue post grad study (after ACCA), hopefully by then there will be more DL programmes available. University of Leicester had a DL programme here for a number of years which ended recently, when contacted they told me they would think about re-establishing themselves here. Until then I will continue to scour this website.
Thanks again.

 

Yes, I have one. I'm a South African and love studying through UNISA!!

 

Keep in mind that the South African option is no easy route or short cut to a degree. SA research degrees are rigorous and substantive. For USA students, the cost is indeed an excellent value.

 

I second this opinion. Definitely neither easy nor a shortcut. Very rewarding though and rigorous.

 

American PhDs require course work and a dissertation so some might have the wrong idea that SA, British and Australian Phds are "easier" because they don't have comprehensive examinations, courses, etc.

This is not the case. Actually, SA PhDs are very demanding and might be even more demanding than your typical for profit doctorate at an American school. I have met with few academics from SA and the PhD is considered a very rigorous degree than only few can achieve. Not all the academics in SA have a PhD for the same reason.

I think a couple of weeks ago we had a OP that thought could complete a SA PhD in one year part time just because the dissertation doesn't seem like a big deal to some.

 

I agree with all that has been said. It is not easy. Not even close. You have to be self motivated. If you are not, forget about it. I have to stay on myself to get it done ( and fortunately, I do..with the help of a dissertation coach) and even then, I do get behind.