Unisa’s teaching qualifications range from the Higher Certificate in Education, which needs a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning, to the Bachelor of Education (BEd) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Requirements differ by qualification, and the Higher Certificate in Education is not a professional teaching qualification.
Unisa calculates its Academic Point Score (APS) on the NSC 1 to 7 scale using six recognised 20-credit subjects, to a maximum of 42, excluding Life Orientation. The 2027 application window (17 August to 9 October 2026) has closed.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Higher Certificate in Education (90093): NSC with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning, APS 18, NQF 5, 120 credits, maximum 3 years
- BEd Foundation Phase (90102): NSC with degree endorsement, at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning and 40% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematical Literacy, APS 23
- PGCE: an accredited bachelor’s degree (360 or 480 credits) with subject levels that depend on the PGCE stream
- Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (90187) needs a police clearance certificate with the application
- Admission is not automatic: it depends on meeting the requirements and on space being available
These figures are from the Higher Certificate in Education and BEd Foundation Phase pages for the 2027 intake.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The national minimum for a higher certificate is an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution; for a bachelor’s degree it is an NSC with at least 30% in that language plus an achievement rating of 4 (50 to 59%) or better in four 20-credit subjects. Unisa’s own requirements are higher and more specific, as shown above.
The Higher Certificate in Education (Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase) is the only qualification that may articulate into the BEd Foundation Phase. Unisa’s 2027 follow-on list also shows BEd Intermediate Phase as a follow-on option if you pass the module MTE1501 in the higher certificate.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
For the PGCE, your undergraduate degree rather than your matric subjects determines eligibility. For the PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching English (90148-ENG) you need an accredited bachelor’s degree of 360 or 480 credits with English to third-year level. From 2026 the National N Diploma is not accepted for admission to a PGCE. Subject requirements differ for each PGCE stream, so check the stream you want.
Unisa’s College of Education also lists the Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training (90189), the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (90187), advanced certificates and diplomas, BEd qualifications for the Foundation, Intermediate and Senior Phase/FET, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training. See the full College of Education listing.
Documents and Application Requirements
All Unisa undergraduate applications are online. The application fee is R160, paid once you have received your student number, and it is non-refundable. Follow the steps on the Unisa application page and upload the documents it lists for your qualification.
Some qualifications ask for extra documents. For example, the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education requires a police clearance certificate when you apply. Check the requirements section of your qualification’s page.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Admission to a Unisa qualification is not automatic. It depends on whether you comply with the admission requirements and whether space is available. The 2027 undergraduate window closed on 9 October 2026, so check Unisa for any later dates or the next cycle.
The Higher Certificate in Education is not a professional teaching qualification. If you want to teach, choose a qualification route that leads to registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE), and confirm the registration rules with SACE before you enrol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teaching courses does Unisa offer?
Unisa’s College of Education lists Higher Certificates, Advanced Certificates, Diplomas in Adult and Community Education and Training and in Early Childhood Care and Education, Advanced Diplomas, BEd qualifications by phase, PGCE streams and a Postgraduate Diploma.
What does the Higher Certificate in Education require?
An NSC with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning, for the 2027 intake. It has an APS of 18 and a maximum completion time of 3 years.
Is there a one-year teaching course at Unisa?
The Higher Certificate in Education has a maximum of 3 years and is not a professional teaching qualification. The PGCE is the postgraduate teaching route for graduates; the duration is set out on each PGCE stream’s qualification page at Unisa.
How does Unisa calculate the APS?
On the NSC 1 to 7 scale using six recognised 20-credit subjects, to a maximum of 42, excluding Life Orientation.
Does the National N Diploma qualify me for a Unisa PGCE?
No. From 2026 the National N Diploma is not acceptable for admission to a PGCE at Unisa.
Source: University of South Africa official admission pages, checked 10 October 2026. Confirm current requirements with Unisa and registration with the South African Council for Educators. See requirements for teaching. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.