Foundation phase teaching covers Grade R to Grade 3, and qualifying requires a recognised teacher education qualification specialising in that phase. At Unisa the routes are a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching, or a Higher Certificate in Education as an entry-level qualification.
The phase specialisation is chosen at the point of study rather than afterwards. Foundation phase is a distinct specialisation because it teaches literacy and numeracy foundations rather than subject content, and it cannot be substituted later without further study.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry is generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate meeting the requirement for the qualification level
- A bachelor pass for the Bachelor of Education degree route
- A minimum percentage in the language of teaching and learning
- Unisa Academic Point Score, calculated from six recognised 20-credit subjects excluding Life Orientation
- Access to a computer and the internet, since Unisa teaches by distance and online learning
- Registration with the South African Council for Educators after qualifying
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Unisa 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.
The Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching is a four-year degree requiring a bachelor pass. The higher certificate can articulate towards it, which makes it a genuine route for applicants who do not meet degree entry.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Language results matter more here than in any other teaching phase, because foundation phase teaching is fundamentally about establishing literacy. Unisa sets a minimum in the language of teaching and learning.
Unisa excludes Life Orientation from the APS calculation, as it is a 10-credit subject, and calculates from your six recognised 20-credit subjects to a maximum of 42.
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
Meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place. Unisa states that some qualifications have limited spaces and that admission is by offer of placement which you must accept online before registering.
Foundation phase teachers are in demand, particularly those able to teach in African languages, and teaching bursaries have historically prioritised this. Investigate funding before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualification do I need for foundation phase teaching?
A Bachelor of Education specialising in foundation phase, or a Higher Certificate in Education as an entry-level route that can articulate towards it.
What does Unisa require for the higher certificate?
A National Senior Certificate with at least 40 per cent in the language of teaching and learning.
Can I change phase later?
Phase specialisation is chosen at the point of study and changing later generally requires further study.
Does meeting the requirements guarantee admission?
No. Unisa states that some qualifications have limited spaces and admission is by offer of placement.
Source: University of South Africa official admission pages, checked August 2026. Confirm current requirements with Unisa and registration requirements with the South African Council for Educators. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.