Unisa higher certificates are NQF 5, 120-credit qualifications with a maximum of three years to complete. Entry is an NSC with a minimum percentage in the language of teaching and learning, plus Mathematics for some certificates. The percentage differs by certificate, so check the one you want.
Admission is not automatic: it depends on meeting the requirements and on space being available.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Higher Certificate in Law (98751, APS 17): at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning.
- Higher Certificate in Education (90093, APS 18): at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning.
- Higher Certificate in Mathematics and Statistics (90129, APS 15): at least 30% in the language and 40% in Mathematics.
- Higher Certificate in Physical Sciences (90101, APS 15): at least 30% in the language and 40% in Mathematics.
- Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences (98237, APS 15): at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning.
These are the certificates Unisa’s pages show for the NSC route. Unisa has other higher certificates, so use its qualification list for the full set.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
All five above ask for an NSC and a minimum language percentage. The Law certificate also accepts a Senior Certificate with an E on Higher Grade or D on Standard Grade, or an NCV level 4 equivalent of 40%. The Economic and Management Sciences certificate has a recognition-of-prior-learning route for applicants aged 30 or older with Grade 10 and five years’ work experience.
Unisa describes the Law certificate as a route for candidates who do not meet the minimum admission requirements for College of Law diplomas and degrees. The Education certificate is not a professional teaching qualification.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Each certificate page lists an APS (15 to 18 for those above) alongside the minimum percentages, so the entry rule is stated mainly as minimum percentages in specific subjects. Unisa calculates its Academic Point Score (APS) on the NSC 1 to 7 scale across six recognised 20-credit subjects, to a maximum of 42. Life Orientation is a 10-credit subject and is excluded.
The Mathematics and Statistics and Physical Sciences certificates need 40% in Mathematics. Unisa does not list a separate Physical Sciences percentage for the Physical Sciences certificate.
Documents and Application Requirements
Unisa’s undergraduate application window for the 2027 intake ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026 and has now closed. All applications are made online. Apply through Unisa’s online application page, where the required supporting documents are listed for your qualification.
The application fee is R160 for online applications. You pay it after you receive your student number, and it is non-refundable.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Admission is not automatic: it depends on meeting the requirements and on space being available. For the Law certificate, Unisa says selection is limited and aligned to the vocational subject choices of NCV level 4 applicants.
Unisa publishes follow-on qualifications for each higher certificate in its 2027 follow-on list. For example, Law certificate holders can progress to College of Law degrees and diplomas (except BCom Law), and an LLB needs a certificate average of at least 60%. Choose a certificate that leads to the qualification you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Unisa higher certificate courses and requirements?
Examples are Law, Education, Mathematics and Statistics, Physical Sciences, and Economic and Management Sciences. Law and Education need an NSC with 40% in the language of teaching and learning; Mathematics and Statistics and Physical Sciences need 30% in the language and 40% in Mathematics; Economic and Management Sciences needs 30% in the language.
How do I apply for a Unisa higher certificate?
Online only, through Unisa’s application page. The R160 application fee is paid after you receive a student number. The 2027 window closed on 9 October 2026.
Can a higher certificate get me into a degree?
It can, in a related field, according to Unisa’s follow-on list. An LLB needs a Law certificate average of at least 60%. Check the list for your certificate.
Is admission guaranteed if I meet the requirements?
No. Admission depends on meeting the requirements and on space being available.
Confirm requirements with Unisa before applying. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.