When Are UNISA Supplementary Exams Written?

If you’re studying through the University of South Africa (UNISA), exams are a big part of your academic journey. But what happens if you don’t pass the first time or miss an exam for valid reasons? That’s where supplementary exams come in. These are additional opportunities to complete a module without having to re-register for it. Knowing when these exams are written and how they fit into UNISA’s academic calendar will help you prepare with confidence.

How Supplementary Exams Work at UNISA?

Supplementary exams are special sittings granted to students who:

• Fail an exam narrowly (usually between 40–49%).

• Miss an exam due to illness, family emergency, or other valid reasons (with proof submitted).

• Need to complete outstanding requirements for graduation.

Instead of waiting another full semester or year, you’ll be allowed to write again during a supplementary session. This saves you time and gives you a fair chance to succeed. Supplementary exams give students a second chance to pass. To know all key dates, see the UNISA exam schedule, which helps plan your study effectively. This ensures you never miss important deadlines.

When Are Supplementary Exams Written?

At UNISA, supplementary exams are scheduled immediately after the main exam periods. There are two primary examination windows each year:

• May/June exams (first semester)

• October/November exams (second semester)

Supplementary exams are then set for:

• January to mid-February for modules written in October/November.

• Late June to mid-July for modules written in May/June.

This means you don’t wait long. If you wrote a module in November but qualified for a supplementary, you’ll usually be writing in January or February of the following year.

Example: If you sat for an Accounting exam in November 2025 and scored 45%, your supplementary exam would be scheduled between January and February 2026. When planning to transfer from UNISA to another university, it’s essential to understand the timeline for supplementary exams, as they may affect your transfer process.

How Will You Know If You Qualify?

You don’t need to apply separately for a supplementary exam. UNISA will automatically grant it if you qualify. Here’s what happens:

1. Check your results release date (usually mid-December for second semester, and mid-June for first semester).

2. Look for “Supplementary” next to the module code on your results.

3. Check your exam timetable in myUNISA — the system will upload your supplementary exam date.

Preparing for a Supplementary Exam

If you qualify, you’ll only have a short gap before the supplementary session. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

1. Review your feedback: Focus on the sections where you lost marks.

2. Revise consistently: Even one hour a day can make a difference.

3. Use past exam papers: Practice under timed conditions.

4. Plan for the earlier timetable: Supplementary exams are more condensed than main exams, so time management is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

The UNISA status check is a reliable tool for students to verify their registration for supplementary exams and related timelines. Supplementary exams at UNISA are a vital component of the academic framework, providing students an opportunity to achieve their academic goals.

By understanding the scheduling and specific program exceptions, students can better prepare and manage their study plans effectively. Always refer to official UNISA communications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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Kagiso

With five years of experience as a professor at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Kagiso brings deep academic knowledge and practical understanding to his writing.Now he creates reliable content that supports students.

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