University of South Africa: Unisa hosts successful information sessions at its Ethiopia Regional Learning Centre

The information sessions aimed to empower current and prospective M&D students with helpful information to make informed decisions about their studies at Unisa. Moreover, during these sessions, direct engagements with representatives from different colleges and postgraduate admissions were afforded to the students.

Before the information sessions, the Unisa Pretoria delegation had an opportunity to visit the Unisa Ethiopia Regional Learning Centre, where Dr Meseret Melese Tefera, Deputy Director, and Dr Hailu Yerasework, Administrative Contract, welcomed them. Tefera explained that the centre has been running for approximately fifteen years and operates on ten staff members. The kind of student support offered in the centre includes promoting Unisa programmes, managing admissions and registrations, and liaison with the Unisa Pretoria office, library and ICT services. Tafera adds: “The centre also plays a diplomatic role between the South African embassy and the Ethiopian ministry of education that generally sponsors students’ bursaries. As a result, the centre boasts many registered M&D students.”

Day one and two of the information sessions saw an influx of students engaging with colleges and the postgraduate admissions teams. Many current students needed assistance with accessibility to the allocated supervisors, the appointment of supervisors or required extra supervision support. Some came in to verify if the information provided on the website is accurate, while others came in to enquire about doctoral programmes and admissions for 2023.

In closing the two-day information sessions, Ellen Mofokeng, Manager: Student Recruitment and Marketing, expressed appreciation to the Unisa Ethiopian Regional Learning Centre. She assured students that there are plans underway to make similar information sessions in Ethiopia an annual event, with hopes that they become more significant and impactful.