Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter

How Much is a UNISA Student Card?

Share your love

UNISA is one of the popular universities in the area of South Africa; it provides flexibility regarding the way of studying, as well as the facilities of the university are so accessible for the thousands of students from all over the country and beyond.

The master link here, which is connected to the experience of a student at UNISA, consists of the student card, which, in addition to providing identification for the holder, also allows the bearer, while on campus, to access various remedies provided through the campus, but at concessional rates.

What is a UNISA Student card?

The Unisa student card is an identification tool issued to every student attending the University of South Africa. It evidences that a student is a registered member of the university community and thus covers a range of functions. Below, find important pieces of information relating to the UNISA student card.

Definition and Purpose

The UNISA Student Card is an official document, important information being carried on it regarding oneself as a student: the name, student number, and photograph. This is meant to act as proof of enrollment and access various services and facilities on campus. This makes the experience smooth as one goes about their academic journey in such a way that students are easily identified on campus and uses the resources available within reach.

Read this also: UNISA Status Check Using ID Number

Functions of the Student Card

Identification: 

The student card thus helps in identifying you as a UNISA student. It can therefore be used at the university’s entrance or in events organized by them, where some places or events are meant to be accessed by, or participated in, by students only.

University Facilities Access: 

This card might give access to university facilities such as libraries, computer labs, and study areas. Most of them have features credited on for one to borrow books, use printing services, or attend training/workshop sessions provided by the university.

Engagement in Campus Activities: 

The student card in universities and colleges helps students engage in campus activities like clubs, societies, and events. It mostly avails all the student discounts to campus-related activities and events, which enhance the entire experience for a student.

Web-based services: 

Besides allowing physical access, the UNISA student card normally allows access to online services. Assignments are to be submitted and digital learning materials accessed by logging onto university portals using information availed on the card. A UNISA student card is thus not just any identification card but rather a key that opens up opportunities or resources in the university environment for a fulfilling academic experience.

Read also: How to Access Your UNISA Account: A Complete Guide for Students

Benefits of Owning a UNISA Student Card

The UNISA student card is important in the students’ lives for the following reasons: it is usually associated with a number of benefits.

Accessibility of University Resources

One of the major advantages brought about by the UNISA student card is that it offers students the ability to enter the main facilities at the university.

Access to library facilities: 

With the student card, one is assisted in accessing the UNISA library, where he or she is allowed to borrow books. It really helps in handling your studies and finding research materials.

Computer labs and places to study:

Most of the facilities at UNISA will be entered using a student card, whereby one can access places like computer labs and quiet study areas. Access is provided to use computers and get quiet places in this way to study.

Discounted Offers-Another reason this student card can help the students in their savings is that it gives them discounts when it comes to various services.

Public Transport Discount: 

Most cities will subsidize transportation in the form of discounted bus and train fares just for showing up with a valid student card.

Bookstore/Café Discounts: 

Many bookstores, cafes, and shops on or around campus offer some kind of student discount. Flash your UNISA card, and you may save money on your textbooks, purchases, and food. These benefits make the UNISA student card handy and valuable for the reason that it enables students to access essential resources and reduce day-to-day expenses.

Other cost incurred by the provided UNISA Student card

There are a few costs being incurred to have the UNISA student card, which students should be aware of. A breakdown of such costs is:

Initial Fees

In the first instance UNISA charges a small issuance fee each time you apply for a student card. The fee also indicates card manufacturing and issuing price. This amount however, is not fixed for the year, so you might want to go to the UNISA website or visit the student services to find out the amount for the specific year.

Replacement Fees

If you misplace your student card or it gets torn, it will be issued to you upon paying for its replacement. This is slightly expensive when compared to the initial charge; therefore, one should not allow it to get damaged for him or her to avoid accumulating more charges.

Additional Fees (If Any)

From time to time, there are additional charges that can be levied, for instance, for change of card information that may occur with time. Still, such fees are usually stated only in very particular conditions, for example in terms of civil-law contracts. Being aware of such costs well in advance will therefore be useful to students as they struggle to come up with a right balance of budget for studying at UNISA since the student card is a very useful tool to access university resources and amenities.

Eligibility Requirements

There are some key facts which students must fulfill when seeking a student card from UNISA. A simplified explanation of what is needed follows:

Who can Apply?

Officially current Unisa students need the student card; the application form for this card is only for those registered officially. This means an applicant in the sense of the study had to be enrolled in a certain course or study program at Unisa and complete all the processes of registration.

Necessary Documentation

When applying for a student card several documents are to be submitted together with your application. These usually are the following:

Proof of Registration: 

This could be a registration confirmation slip or an email indicating that the responsible body registers one for the current semester.

Identification: 

The other requirement was the identification which preferably should be valid such as a passport or national identification card. It will also help you to organize the necessary documents that will.be useful for you in order to create the necessary papers for getting the student card faster.

How to apply for the UNISA Student Card

It is very easy to apply for a student card at UNISA as described below. Apply using the following steps:

Fill out your registration: 

Ensure that you have fully registered for the student number at UNISA. This is done before application into a student card.

Prepare the Documents: 

It is always good to have recent copies of registration confirmation and identification cards. These will be required when the application officials are identifying you.

Campus Application or Online Application: 

You can make an application for your student card in person either by visiting the nearest UNISA campus or you can also look at the avenues of applying for the card online. Only students who will be learning online can apply online.

Application and Submission of Documents and Photo: 

In the context of the application, present the registration, identity documents and – where necessary – a photo taken within the last few months. This will be used on your student card Here. 

Wait for Processing: 

There is a possibility of the card to be processed immediately after applying but it could take a few days. If applied online, then this is mailed, otherwise it is collected from the campus after being ready for an admission card.

Using Your UNISA Student Card

ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR UNISA STUDENT CARD, YOU CAN BEGIN TO USE IT IN WAYS SUGGESTED BELOW.

 Here are some of the main ways you can go about using it:

Library Access: 

The student card takes the role of giving access to the specific sections of a university such as the university library and reading. It will be used each time you have to go into the library or borrow books.

Computer Labs and Study Areas:

Almost all UNISA amenities like computer laboratories, and areas designed for quiet study, are only accessible by showing a student identification card. This will ensure that only those students who have registered will form part and utilize the facilities.

Printing and Photocopying: 

Your student card will be useful for printing and photocopying documents on the campuses. These services include such operations as loading money on your card to withdraw or purchase printing and photocopying services.

Online Services

Online Portal Sign-ins:

 On most occasions, UNISA enables users to gain access to the online student services through your student card. These portals provide course related documents, assignments and other course related information.

Digital Library Access: 

Opportunity to get access to a digital library with a student card involves every document, beginning with electronic books and ending with journals and other material that the university offers to use online. Facilities within campus and online with a UNISA student card available make it easy for the service provider or client to gain maximum benefit of university time.

Renewing Your Student Card

There are situations in which it will be necessary to replace the UNISA student card. Here is a simple guide on when and how to go about doing it:

When to Renew: 

It is advisable to renew a student card either when the current one was expiring or when one is registering for a new program in UNISA. You can look at the date on the card you hold or else clarify it from the university administration.

How to Renew: 

To renew the card at an office it is advisable to apply in person from any UNISA campus or check if renewal is possible online. You will therefore be required to provide evidences of updated registration and the previous card.

Renewal Fees

Note: Renewals may attract a charge; the amount may vary depending on the reason for such renewal. For instance where you renew as a result of expiry, the fee applied is less than where you renew as a result of loss or damage of the card. Renewing your student card from time to time makes it easier for you to continue accessing all the facilities within a university without any interruptions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally there might even be a few issues with your UNISA student card. Below are those common problems and their solutions:

Lost or Stolen Card

Report Immediately: 

If a card is lost or stolen the student is requested to report the unpleasant situation to UNISA. This will help in safeguarding the account you use against being used by other people.

Apply for a Replacement: 

You will need to apply for a replacement in order to get a new one and your Identification card may require registration with a small replacement fee.

Card Malfunctions

Contact Student Support:

 As soon as your card is no longer functioning-for instance could not scan properly or ceasing to allow entry to some facilities-report to UNISA’s student service. This is mostly realized through handling or escalation to the right department where a product can be fixed.

Physical Damage: 

Occasionally, these cards develop a fault and will not work at all because of scratches or bending. To avoid this, always ensure that you handle your card with a lot of care, if it has been damaged in any way, well, you could consider applying for a new one. This you can therefore correct swiftly to avoid any interference in getting the university resources.

FAQ:

To which extent does it take to acquire a student card?

This usually only takes a few days up to about two weeks after you have applied in person or on the Internet and then finally receive your student card.

Is it possible to use the student card with Web based applications?

Yes, the card will allow you full access for all of the online services including the UNISA student portal and the UNISA digital library.

If I have lost my student card, what do I do?

A student should report the mishap to UNISA and also learn how to apply for a replacement. Most organizations tend to charge a small fee which is charged for the replacement cards.

Is the validity of a student card full of the time I am attested to studying?

Most often it offers the student a card for the current day and night at school or university. You might have to recharge it if you proceed beyond this time frame. 

Would you like to get some discount with the student card? 

Yes, the card will offer some discount while paying for bus or train fare, books in university bookshops, some cafes and shops located on campus.

Conclusion

In fact the UNISA student card constitutes an essential component of a student in his affairs to be undertaken at the University of South Africa.

Your student card is the official identification card, and with it, many of the things you are likely to require such as libraries and computer facilities.

Your student card is valuable and the earlier you get one the better off you will be. Keeping it safe will enable you to get the most out of all the things that UNISA has to offer you. This card is to make your life as a student less challenging, and therefore afford you time to study and enjoy your university life.

Nandipha
Nandipha

Nandipha is a dedicated writer and cultural enthusiast from South Africa. His articles and essays, celebrated for their insightful and compelling narratives, have been featured in various publications both locally and internationally.
With a deep commitment to storytelling, he aims to elevate African voices and stories, offering readers a vivid glimpse into the heart of his vibrant country.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay informed and not overwhelmed, subscribe now!