Unisa lists its safety study under safety management rather than under an “occupational health and safety” title: the Diploma in Safety Management (90107) and short learning programmes in safety management. The diploma needs a diploma-endorsement NSC and an APS of 17, while the Programme in Safety Management (72435) only needs a matric pass.
An academic qualification is not the same as being appointed to a legal safety role, so confirm what an appointment requires with the Department of Employment and Labour before you spend money on a course.
Business Requirements at a Glance
Unisa’s safety study options, as listed on its official pages:
- Diploma in Safety Management (90107): NQF level 6, 360 credits, APS 17, maximum 8 years to complete
- Programme in Safety Management (72435): a 12-month short learning programme
- Programme in Advanced Safety Management (76914) and Programme in Security Management (72494): also listed among Unisa’s short learning programmes
- Teaching is by distance learning, so you need access to a computer and the internet
Registration and Legal Requirements
For the Diploma in Safety Management (2027 admission), Unisa accepts one of these routes:
- An NSC with a diploma endorsement, at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and either at least 40% in Mathematics or at least 70% in Mathematical Literacy
- A Senior Certificate with at least a D (higher grade) or C (standard grade) in the language, and at least an E (higher grade) or D (standard grade) in Mathematics
- A Higher Certificate from the College of Emergency Medical Services
Without these, Unisa considers recognition of prior learning: you must be at least 30 years old, have completed at least Grade 10, and have at least five years’ relevant work experience.
The Programme in Safety Management asks for a matric certificate with a pass only; your results and subjects are not relevant. If you do not have matric, Unisa considers work experience and prior learning.
Meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place, because Unisa says some qualifications have limited spaces.
Documents and Ownership Information Required
Diploma applications are made online only. The application fee is R160 for online applications, paid after you receive a student number, and is not refundable. Unisa’s application page lists the supporting documents you must upload, so check it before you start.
The short learning programme is different: it is not applied for online. Unisa’s programme page directs you to a form from the Centre for Business Management.
Tax, Licence and Compliance Requirements
Unisa’s pages do not tell you which legal appointments a qualification qualifies you for, and a diploma or short programme does not by itself make you appointed. Ask the Department of Employment and Labour what an appointment under the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires, and ask your employer whether it also expects registration with a professional safety body.
Fees: Unisa’s programme page lists R7,200.00 per candidate for the Programme in Safety Management, including study material and exam fees. The page does not state the year, so confirm the current fee with Unisa before you pay. Confirm the Diploma in Safety Management fee with Unisa as well.
Process, Deadlines and Ongoing Obligations
Unisa’s undergraduate application period for 2027 ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026 and has now closed. Unless Unisa announces another window, the diploma is not open for 2027 applications; check unisa.ac.za/apply for the next cycle.
The Programme in Safety Management has its own timetable: Unisa’s page shows registration from 1 December to the end of March. Confirm the dates for the coming year before you plan around them.
Admission is by offer of placement, so wait for your offer before you register.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Unisa offer in occupational health and safety?
The Diploma in Safety Management (90107) and short learning programmes in Safety Management (72435), Advanced Safety Management (76914) and Security Management (72494).
What are the requirements for the Unisa safety management programme?
The Programme in Safety Management (72435) needs a matric pass only. The Diploma (90107) needs a diploma-endorsement NSC, 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and 40% in Mathematics or 70% in Mathematical Literacy, with an APS of 17.
How much does the Unisa safety short course cost?
Unisa’s page for the Programme in Safety Management lists R7,200.00 per candidate, including study material and exam fees. Confirm the current year’s fee with Unisa.
Can I do the Unisa safety diploma without matric?
Only through recognition of prior learning: at least 30 years old, Grade 10 completed and five years’ relevant work experience.
Does meeting the requirements guarantee admission?
No. Unisa states that some qualifications have limited spaces.
See the company registration requirements if you are setting up a safety consultancy, and browse all business and compliance requirements. Confirm course details with Unisa and appointment requirements with the Department of Employment and Labour.