Unisa offers teacher education by distance learning at higher certificate, diploma and degree level, plus the Postgraduate Certificate in Education for graduates. Entry requires a National Senior Certificate meeting the endorsement for the qualification level.
Unisa calculates its Academic Point Score on the National Senior Certificate 1 to 7 scale using six recognised 20-credit subjects, to a maximum of 42, excluding Life Orientation.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate meeting the endorsement for the qualification level
- A bachelor pass for the Bachelor of Education degree route
- The Unisa Academic Point Score for the qualification
- A minimum percentage in the language of teaching and learning
- Access to a computer and the internet, since delivery is by distance and online learning
- An offer of placement, accepted online before registration
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The Higher Certificate in Education, covering foundation phase and intermediate phase, requires a National Senior Certificate with at least 40 per cent in the language of teaching and learning. It is the accessible entry point and articulates towards the degree.
Unisa states that meeting the general and specific admission requirements does not guarantee a place, since some qualifications have limited spaces.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Language results matter throughout teacher education and matter most for foundation phase, since the phase is fundamentally about establishing literacy.
For the PGCE route, your undergraduate subjects rather than your matric subjects determine eligibility, and from 2026 Unisa does not accept the National N Diploma for PGCE admission.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Distance learning requires genuine self-discipline, and completion rates in distance teacher education are lower than in contact programmes. Weigh that honestly before enrolling.
Registration with the South African Council for Educators is required to teach in a public school, and it is a separate process after qualifying. Teaching bursaries have historically prioritised shortage subjects including mathematics, science and African languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teaching qualifications does Unisa offer?
A Bachelor of Education specialising by phase, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education for graduates, and a Higher Certificate in Education as an entry point.
What does the Higher Certificate require?
A National Senior Certificate with at least 40 per cent in the language of teaching and learning.
How does Unisa calculate the APS?
On the NSC 1 to 7 scale using six recognised 20-credit subjects, to a maximum of 42, excluding Life Orientation.
Do I need SACE registration?
Yes, to teach in a public school. It is a separate process after qualifying.
Source: University of South Africa official admission pages, checked August 2026. Confirm current requirements with Unisa and registration with the South African Council for Educators. See requirements for teaching. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.