Unisa offers teacher education by distance learning at higher certificate, diploma and degree level. The main routes are a Bachelor of Education specialising by phase, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education for graduates who already hold an appropriate degree.
Which route applies depends on what you already hold. The Bachelor of Education is entered from matric with a bachelor pass; the PGCE requires an existing degree containing school teaching subjects at the required levels.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Unisa assesses teacher education applications on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate meeting the endorsement for the qualification level
- A bachelor pass for the Bachelor of Education degree route
- For the PGCE, an appropriate accredited bachelor degree with the required subject levels
- The Unisa Academic Point Score, calculated from six recognised subjects excluding Life Orientation
- 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, which you must accept online before registering
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Unisa calculates its Academic Point Score on the National Senior Certificate 1 to 7 achievement scale using six recognised 20-credit subjects, to a maximum of 42, excluding Life Orientation. Unisa also states that meeting the general and specific admission requirements does not guarantee a place, since some qualifications have limited spaces.
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.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Education requires a degree containing one school teaching subject to third-year level and a second to second-year level, in a combination Unisa offers. From 2026 Unisa does not accept the National N Diploma for PGCE admission.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Phase specialisation is chosen at the point of study rather than afterwards. Foundation phase teaches literacy and early numeracy; senior and further education and training phases require subject specialisations matching school subjects.
Language results matter throughout, and matter most for foundation phase, since the phase is fundamentally about establishing literacy.
For the PGCE, your undergraduate subjects rather than your matric subjects determine eligibility. Check your academic record against the specific stream requirements before applying.
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
- Certified copies of your degree certificate and full academic record, for PGCE applications
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 such as Funza Lushaka have historically prioritised shortage subjects including mathematics, science and African languages. See requirements for teaching and PGCE requirements for the wider picture.
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.
Can I do a PGCE with an N Diploma?
No. From 2026 Unisa does not accept the National N Diploma for admission to a PGCE.
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 the current qualification list and requirements with Unisa, and registration requirements with the South African Council for Educators. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.