Unisa has no single set of teaching requirements. They depend on the route: a Higher Certificate in Education, a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The figures below are the ones Unisa publishes for the qualifications listed; other BEd phases and PGCE streams have their own requirements, so check the one you want on Unisa’s site.
Unisa states that the Higher Certificate in Education is not a professional teaching qualification.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Higher Certificate in Education (90093, NQF 5, APS 18, up to 3 years): NSC with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning.
- BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching (90102, NQF 7, 480 credits, APS 23): NSC with degree endorsement, at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and 40% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematical Literacy.
- PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching (English) (90148-ENG, NQF 7, 132 credits, APS 50): an accredited bachelor’s degree with English to third-year level.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
BEd Foundation Phase. Besides the NSC route above, Unisa lists a Senior Certificate route (matriculation exemption, a D on Higher Grade or C on Standard Grade in the language of teaching and learning, and an F on Higher Grade or E on Standard Grade in Mathematics). It also lists a recognition-of-prior-learning route for applicants who are at least 23, have completed at least Grade 10 and have at least five years of relevant teaching experience. Only the Higher Certificate in Education (Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase) may articulate into this BEd.
PGCE. The English stream needs an accredited bachelor’s degree of 360 or 480 credits with English to third-year level. From 2026 Unisa does not accept the National N Diploma for PGCE admission. Unisa advises applicants who do not meet the PGCE requirements to consider the BEd instead.
If you do not meet the BEd requirements, Unisa suggests the Higher Certificate in Education. Admission is not automatic: it depends on meeting the requirements and on space being available.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
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 BEd Foundation Phase lists an APS of 23, the Higher Certificate in Education 18 and the English-stream PGCE 50.
Language results count across all these routes, and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy counts for the BEd Foundation Phase. For the PGCE, your degree subjects rather than your matric subjects decide eligibility, and the required subject levels vary by stream, so check the stream you want on Unisa’s site.
Unisa publishes follow-on qualifications for each higher certificate in a 2027 follow-on list. Check it before choosing a 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, and check there for the supporting documents required 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. If you missed the 2027 window, check Unisa’s site for the next intake.
Teaching in a public school also involves registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE), which is separate from Unisa admission. Confirm the current rules with SACE. See also requirements for teaching and PGCE requirements for the wider picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for teaching at Unisa?
They depend on the qualification. The Higher Certificate in Education needs an NSC with 40% in the language of teaching and learning. The BEd Foundation Phase needs an NSC with degree endorsement, 50% in the language and 40% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematical Literacy. The PGCE needs an accredited bachelor’s degree with the required subject levels.
What are the Unisa Bachelor of Education requirements?
For the Foundation Phase BEd (90102): an NSC with degree endorsement, at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and 40% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematical Literacy, with an APS of 23. Check the Unisa page for the other BEd phases.
What does the Higher Certificate in Education require?
An NSC with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning. It is not a professional teaching qualification.
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.
Are applications for 2027 still open?
No. The window ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026. Check Unisa’s site for the next intake.
Confirm current requirements with the University of South Africa and registration requirements with SACE. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.