Categories: University Admissions 2023

How to Apply For Unisa Undergraduate Higher Certificate 2026

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is currently accepting applications for undergraduate Higher Certificate qualifications for the 2026 academic year. Prospective applicants who want to apply for a Higher Certificate qualification at the University of South Africa for the 2026 academic year should fill out the application form.

When to Apply for UNISA 2026

You may choose from a range of undergraduate qualifications at this university, including a Higher Certificate. All UNISA undergraduate qualifications, including Higher Certificate courses, will be open from Monday, August 18, 2025, to Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Who Can Apply for higher certificate qualifications

Everyone wanting to start a new higher certificate qualification must apply for admission. This includes

First-time Unisa applicants.
Applicants who previously applied for admission and were not offered a space or who were offered a space accepted the offer and did not register.

Unisa Admission requirements: higher certificate Qualification admission requirements

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning,
A Senior Certificate (SC) with at least an E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning,
A National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 with an equivalent of at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning in terms of the NSC.

APS Score needed to apply for a higher certificate qualification in Unisa?

To apply for a higher certificate at the University of South Africa (UNISA), your APS score cannot be less than Fifteen (15). It must be at least Fifteen (15) points. 30% in the language of instruction: You must have at least 30% proficiency in the language in which the course is taught.

UNISA Application fee

Pay the application fee once you’ve received your student number:

R135 for online applications
Use the 8-digit student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number
Send the proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za
Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information
Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa, or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.

Higher Certificate at Unisa Funded by NSFAS

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) covers a wide range of courses, and thankfully, this includes qualifying Higher Certificate students studying at the University of South Africa for the academic year 2026.

Higher Certificates Programmes offered by Unisa

The following are the Higher Certificates qualifications programmes offered at the University of South Africa (UNISA)

Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences
Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare
Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management
Higher Certificate in Banking
Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice
Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences
Higher Certificate in Education Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase
Higher Certificate in Education Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching
Higher Certificate in Law
Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences
Higher Certificate in Marketing
Higher Certificate in Mathematics and Statistics
Higher Certificate in Physical Sciences
Higher Certificate in Retailing
Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work Not Applicable
Higher Certificate in Supervisory Management
Higher Certificate in Tourism Management

How to Apply for Higher Certificate Courses at Unisa

Follow the steps below to apply for a higher certificate at the University of South Africa (UNISA) if you have an APS score of 15 and above:

Go to the Unisa website at www.unisa.ac.za
Click on ‘Proceed to ODEL & Unisa’
Click on ‘apply now
Click on Undergraduate Qualification
Fill in the blanks with your personal information.
Select the qualification you want to apply for
Choose the higher certificate qualification you wish to study
Fill the empty field with your details and proceed
Upload all supporting and required documents
After you’ve reviewed your application, submit it.
Pay the R135 application fee
You will be given a student number after payment
Track and check your status
Once approved, accept the offer
Register your module
Pay your tuition fee and start lectures
It will take three years to complete a higher certificate qualification at Unisa