Distance education allows students to take modules while staying in their home country. Modules may be offered on the Internet or on paper, depending on the need of the student. Modules at UNISA are real time, which means they begin and end at certain times and assignments must be completed by certain deadlines. All students study at the same time. Internet-based modules at SATS are also real time. However, most of the paper-based modules at SATS can begin when the student is ready. Everyone studies at his/her own pace. However, modules MUST be completed within 12 months.