Studying at the University of South Africa (UNISA) offers students a flexible and affordable way to achieve academic success. However, distance learning can also be challenging without the right support. Fortunately, UNISA provides multiple Student Support Centres across Gauteng, dedicated to helping students with academic, administrative, and emotional needs.
Where to Get Help: UNISA Student Support Centres in Gauteng
This guide gives a full breakdown of where to find help in Gauteng, the types of services offered, and how to access them.
Understanding the Role of UNISA Support Centres
UNISA Student Support Centres serve as important bridges between the university and students. These centres aim to reduce the isolation of distance learning by offering physical spaces where students can receive academic guidance, administrative help, and emotional support.
Support centres assist with:
- Applications and registration
- Access to learning materials and technology
- Academic and career counselling
- Library and information services
- Tutorials and academic workshops
- Examination support and assignment help
Main Student Support Centres in Gauteng
A. Sunnyside Regional Head Office (Pretoria)
Address: Building 14, Sunnyside Campus, Corner Justice Mahomed and Steve Biko Streets, Pretoria
Telephone: 012 441 5756
Email: [email protected]
This is the central administrative office for the Gauteng region. It offers comprehensive services including all forms of student support, academic literacy development, and counselling. Students are encouraged to start here if they are unsure where to go.
B. Ekurhuleni Support Centre (Daveyton)
Address: Corner R51 and Brazil Street, Daveyton
Telephone: 011 845 9300
Email: [email protected]
This centre serves students in the East Rand area. It provides academic workshops, access to computer labs, library services, and registration assistance. It is suitable for students living in Benoni, Springs, and surrounding towns.
C. Florida Regional Service Centre (Roodepoort)
Address: Phapha Building, Science Campus, Corner Christiaan de Wet and Pioneer Streets, Florida
Telephone: 011 471 2111
Email: [email protected]
Ideal for students in the West Rand, the Florida Centre focuses on science and technology programs. It also supports general academic activities such as tutorial classes, counselling, and assignment submissions.
D. Johannesburg Regional Centre (CBD)
Address: Indoni Building, 120 Fox Street, Johannesburg CBD
Telephone: 011 630 4541
Email: [email protected]
This centrally located centre caters to students in the inner city and nearby suburbs. It provides all major student services and is one of the busiest centres in Gauteng.
E. Vaal Regional Centre (Vereeniging)
Address: Hangar Building, Corner Voortrekker and Rhodes Avenue, Vereeniging
Telephone: 016 455 6300
Email: [email protected]
Serving students from the southern parts of Gauteng, this centre offers resources for registration, assignments, and academic counselling. It is especially useful for students in areas such as Vanderbijlpark, Sasolburg, and Meyerton.
What Services Are Offered at These Centres?
Academic Services
- Tutorials and Workshops: Some modules are supported by face-to-face tutorials to explain difficult content and guide learning.
- Academic Literacy: Workshops and one-on-one sessions improve writing, reading, and research skills.
- Exam Preparation: Help with understanding past papers, exam structure, and time management.
Library Services
- Access to physical books, academic journals, reference material, and study spaces.
- Support for finding and using digital academic resources.
Counselling and Career Guidance
- Academic Counselling: For module selection, study planning, and dealing with academic stress.
- Career Services: Help with CV writing, career planning, and job-search strategies.
- Personal Counselling: Emotional support and referrals for mental health services.
Main Counsellors:
- Dr Enid Pitsoane and Ms Diksha Lala (Sunnyside)
- Contact: 012 444 8700
- Email: [email protected]
Technical Assistance
- Support with the myUnisa student portal.
- Help accessing modules, submitting assignments online, and using e-tutoring platforms.
- Access to computer labs for students without internet at home.
Student Administration
- Registration Help: Step-by-step assistance with applying, registering for modules, and paying fees.
- Assignment Support: Guidance on formatting, uploading, and deadlines.
- Examination Help: Timetable clarifications, exam venue directions, and exam stress support.
General Enquiries and Central Support
UNISA operates a national student support line and email service to assist students who cannot visit a centre.
- Telephone: 0800 00 1870
- Email: [email protected]
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday (8:00 – 19:00), Saturday (8:00 – 14:00)
This contact point is useful for students who need help with module information, logging into the student portal, or following up on applications.
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Specialised Services
First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme
Designed for new students, this programme helps with orientation, study skills, and adjusting to distance learning. FYE is available at all centres and through online workshops.
Support for Students with Disabilities
UNISA’s Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) offers assistive technology, learning materials in accessible formats, and counselling tailored to individual needs.
Booking Your Visit
Before visiting a centre, students are encouraged to:
- Book an appointment through the online UNISA booking system.
- Complete a health-check form if required.
- Carry identification, such as a valid student card and ID book or smart card.
- Arrive early, especially during peak periods such as registration and exam season.
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Choosing the Right Centre
To select the best support centre for your needs, consider:
- Proximity to your home or workplace
- Specific services offered (e.g., science-focused modules in Florida)
- Type of support needed (e.g., counselling, tutorials, library access)
Each centre’s contact details are listed above for direct communication.
