Higher Certificate In Education at Unisa

Unisa offers the Higher Certificate in Education (HCE) as an accessible entry point for aspiring educators.

This one-year program equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in the classroom, while also preparing you for further studies in education.

What are the admission requirements for the HCE program at Unisa?

To be eligible for the HCE program at Unisa, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

1. School qualification: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning, or a Senior Certificate with at least an E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in that language, or a National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 with the equivalent of at least 40% in that language.
2. Language: Unisa teaches and examines in English, so your mark in the language of teaching and learning counts. Unisa does not list a separate language test.
3. Prior Learning: While not mandatory, relevant work or volunteer experience in an educational environment can be advantageous.

Is the HCE program at Unisa a teaching qualification?

The HCE program itself is not a recognized teaching qualification.

However, successful completion allows graduates to progress into specific BEd programs at Unisa, leading to a recognized teaching qualification.

How do I apply for the HCE program at Unisa?

The application process for the HCE program is conducted online through the Unisa website.

Prospective students are encouraged to consult the latest admission deadlines and application procedures on the Unisa website.

Who is the HCE program for?

The HCE program caters to individuals who have an NSC, a Senior Certificate or a National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 and have a strong desire to pursue a teaching career.

It is also for students who may not meet the standard entry requirements for Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees.

The program acts as a means that provides learners with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a teaching environment, especially within the Open Distance Learning (ODL) context offered by Unisa.

What are the different streams of the Higher Certificate in Education at Unisa?

The Higher Certificate in Education comes in three streams:

1. Higher Certificate in Education Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase (FIP): This stream prepares you for teaching learners in Grades R to Grade 7. Unisa says only this stream may articulate into its Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching.
2. Higher Certificate in Education Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (SPF) and Higher Certificate in Education Senior Phase Maths and Science Education (SMS): Unisa also offers these two streams. Like the FIP stream, they are not professional teaching qualifications.

How long does it take to complete the Higher Certificate in Education at Unisa?

The Higher Certificate in Education is a one-year program, consisting of 120 credits. 

Unisa operates on a semester system, so you can complete the program in two semesters if you study full-time.

Part-time study options are also available, allowing you to adjust the program’s duration to fit your schedule.

How much does the Higher Certificate in Education at Unisa cost?

The tuition fees for the Higher Certificate in Education depend on the number of modules you register for. In 2026, an Education module/paper cost R2,290 and a half module R1,145.

It is recommended that you visit the Unisa website’s fee structure section for the latest cost information. 

Unisa also offers financial aid options such as bursaries and loans to assist eligible students.