Unisa is committed to creating an equitable, inclusive and accessible learning environment for students with disabilities. The Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) provides specialised disability-related academic support, facilitates reasonable accommodation, and conducts advocacy and awareness programmes. These services enable students with disabilities to participate meaningfully in teaching, learning, assessment, research and broader university life.
The following questions and answers will give you a better idea of what to expect as a student with a disability.
Yes. Students with disabilities are welcome to study at Unisa. All applicants must follow the university’s standard application, admission and registration processes.
No. Disclosure is voluntary. Applicants and students are not compelled to disclose a disability. If you require disability-related support or reasonable accommodation, however, disclosure enables ARCSWiD to assess your individual access requirements and coordinate appropriate support.
Students are encouraged to disclose as early as possible, preferably during registration or immediately after their Unisa registration has been confirmed.
Early disclosure gives ARCSWiD and the relevant university departments sufficient time to assess, plan and implement support. Some services, particularly alternative-format study material, ebooks arrangements, assistive technology and examination accommodations, may require advance preparation.
Choosing not to disclose may limit access to disability-related support or reasonable accommodation without the information and documentation required to assess your needs.
Disclosure does not automatically guarantee approval of every requested service or accommodation. Each request is considered individually, based on the student’s functional requirements, the supporting information provided, the academic requirements of the programme and applicable university procedures.
Registered Unisa students who require disability-related support should follow these steps:
Please ensure that your contact details are correct and that all required sections of the form have been completed.
Only information relevant to determining and implementing support should be submitted.
Personal, disability and health information provided to ARCSWiD is handled confidentially and in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and applicable Unisa requirements. Information may be shared with authorised university personnel only where necessary to assess or implement support or where disclosure is otherwise required or permitted by law.
ARCSWiD provides or facilitates study material in alternative formats according to assessed student requirements.
This support may include the following:
ARCSWiD also facilitates access to prescribed books in accessible formats where required. Students requiring this support should complete and submit the relevant Special Assistance Form.
In collaboration with the Department of Student Assessments Administration (DSAA) and other relevant university departments, ARCSWiD facilitates reasonable examination adjustments to support fair and equitable assessment conditions.
Depending on the students’ assessed requirements and the nature of the assessment, accommodations may include the following:
Examination accommodations are not automatic, and must be applied for in advance using the prescribed examination forms and within the deadlines published by Unisa. Students should monitor official Unisa communication channels for confirmation of approved arrangements.
Yes. ARCSWiD supports students in accessing assistive technologies that enhance learning and participation.
ARCSWiD provides or facilitates services that may include:
The Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) is a dedicated Unisa division that provides disability-related academic support, reasonable accommodation, advocacy, accessibility, advocacy and inclusion for students with disabilities.
Complete the relevant forms, including the Special Assistance Form (ARCSWiD 01) where applicable, attach the required supporting documentation and submit the request to ARCSWiD.
Response periods vary by service. Exam modification applications generally receive feedback within 10–15 working days; fee reduction applications generally take 10–20 working days after all required documents are received; assistive technology/device requests and disclosure/support requests indicate a 10–15 working-day contact period, depending on availability.
You are encouraged to contact ARCSWiD for guidance. The team will assist you in understanding available options and next steps.
For more information on services and support offered to students with disabilities, contact the Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD).
Last modified: Sat Aug 15 07:49:08 SAST 2026