Initial teacher education in South Africa is delivered principally through the four-year Bachelor of Education and the one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education. A standalone teaching diploma is not the current route into the profession.
If you are looking for a shorter route than the degree, the Unisa Higher Certificate in Education is the accessible entry point. It requires a National Senior Certificate with at least 40 per cent in the language of teaching and learning and articulates towards the degree.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate meeting the endorsement for the qualification level
- At least 40 per cent in the language of teaching and learning for the Higher Certificate in Education
- A bachelor pass for the Bachelor of Education degree route
- The Unisa Academic Point Score for the qualification
- 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 older teaching diploma qualifications were replaced when initial teacher education was restructured. Qualifications that do not meet the current requirements for initial teacher education do not lead to SACE registration as a teacher.
Confirm that any qualification you are considering is recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training for teaching purposes and leads to SACE registration. This is the check that matters most.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Language results matter throughout, and Unisa sets a minimum percentage in the language of teaching and learning for its education qualifications.
Phase specialisation is chosen at the point of study rather than afterwards, and changing later generally requires additional study.
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
Unisa states that meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place, since some qualifications have limited spaces. Admission is by offer of placement, accepted online before registration.
Registration with the South African Council for Educators is required to teach in a public school, and it is a separate process after qualifying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a teaching diploma at Unisa?
Initial teacher education is delivered through the Bachelor of Education and the PGCE. The Higher Certificate in Education is the accessible shorter 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.
Will an older diploma let me teach?
Qualifications that do not meet current initial teacher education requirements do not lead to SACE registration. Confirm recognition before enrolling.
Can I change phase later?
Phase specialisation is chosen at the point of study, and changing later generally requires additional study.
Source: University of South Africa official admission pages, checked August 2026. Confirm qualification recognition with the Department of Higher Education and Training and registration with SACE. See requirements for teaching. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.