UNISA 2026 Courses that don't require maths

For many learners, mathematics and mathematical literacy have always been stumbling blocks. Perhaps you worked hard in high school but still struggled with formulas, equations, and calculations. Or maybe numbers were simply not your passion, and you found yourself gravitating toward subjects like languages, history, social sciences, or the arts.

 If this sounds like you, here’s the good news: the University of South Africa (UNISA) offers a wide range of courses that do not require maths or maths literacy as an admission requirement.

This is a game-changer for thousands of students across South Africa who have the dream of furthering their studies but worry about their performance in maths. Whether you’re passionate about teaching, law, social sciences, tourism, or even creative writing, UNISA has programmes tailored to your strengths.

In this article, we will explore all the UNISA courses you can study without maths or maths lit, explain the entry requirements, walk you through the step-by-step application process, and help you understand why these programmes could be the perfect fit for you.

Why UNISA?

Before diving into the courses, it’s worth asking: why choose UNISA?

UNISA is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa, serving over 300,000 students annually. With its flexible study model, you can pursue your degree or diploma while working, running a business, or taking care of your family. This makes UNISA especially popular with people who cannot study full-time at traditional universities.

But here’s the best part: at UNISA, not all degrees and diplomas are built around numbers. Instead, you’ll find a strong focus on humanities, education, social sciences, law, communication, and business fields—areas where your creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills matter more than your ability to solve a quadratic equation.

Higher Certificate Programmes Without Maths

Higher Certificates are excellent entry-level qualifications. They typically take one year to complete and can open the door to diploma or degree studies later. At UNISA, these courses are designed to provide the foundation you need for further study or to get your foot in the door in certain industries.

Here are UNISA’s Higher Certificates that do not require maths or maths literacy:

• Higher Certificate in Accounting Science
• Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare
• Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences
• Higher Certificate in Banking
• Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences
• Higher Certificate in Marketing
• Higher Certificate in Retailing
• Higher Certificate in Tourism Management
• Higher Certificate in Education (Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase)
• Higher Certificate in Education (Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching)
• Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management
• Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work
• Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice
• Higher Certificate in Law

These programmes are particularly helpful if you didn’t meet the requirements for a degree right away but still want to study at UNISA. Once completed, you can often articulate into a diploma or degree programme.

Diploma Programmes Without Maths

Diplomas are more specialised than Higher Certificates and usually take three years to complete. They balance academic knowledge with practical training, making them ideal if you want a career-focused qualification.

At UNISA, you can pursue the following diplomas without needing maths or maths literacy:

• Diploma in Tourism Management
• Diploma in Public Relations
• Diploma in Corrections Management
• Diploma in Law
• Diploma in Policing
• Diploma in Security Management

These programmes lead to careers in teaching, law enforcement, communications, hospitality, and more—fields where people skills, critical thinking, and communication are often more important than numbers.

Bachelor’s Degrees Without Maths

Now to the big one: degrees. A bachelor’s degree usually takes three to four years to complete and is a gateway to professional careers or postgraduate study. UNISA offers a rich variety of bachelor’s programmes that don’t require maths, opening doors to exciting opportunities.

Here are some of them:

• Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management
• Bachelor of Administration in Human Settlements Management
• Bachelor of Education (Senior Phase and FET) – Art, Life Orientation, Agriculture, Management, Languages, IT, Consumer Studies, Tourism, Geography, Religious Studies, and more
• Bachelor of Arts (General)
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science
• Bachelor of Arts in Community Development
• Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing
• Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Government, Administration and Development
• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
• Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Leadership and Citizenship
• Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
• Bachelor of Arts in Visual Multimedia Arts
• Bachelor of Information Science
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Theology
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
• Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology
• Bachelor of Arts in Police Science
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

These programmes cover diverse fields, from teaching and law to arts, humanities, social work, and creative careers.

Admission Requirements for Courses Without Maths

Just because a course does not require maths doesn’t mean there are no entry requirements. You still need to meet UNISA’s general admission criteria:

• A National Senior Certificate (Matric) with a minimum APS (Admission Point Score) that matches your chosen programme.
• English proficiency, since most courses are taught in English.
• Course-specific requirements. For instance:
• Social Work applicants must submit a police clearance certificate and two testimonials.

Why Choose a Course Without Maths?

Here are three main reasons:

Play to your strengths – If you excel in languages, social sciences, or creative fields, there’s no reason to push yourself into mathematics-heavy programmes.

Reduce stress – Many students struggle with maths anxiety. By choosing a course without it, you can focus on subjects you enjoy and perform better academically.

Career opportunities – From law and education to public relations and tourism, countless careers do not require advanced maths.

In short, not being a maths person doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. UNISA’s wide range of options ensures there’s something for everyone.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply to UNISA

Applying to UNISA can feel overwhelming if it’s your first time, but once you understand the process, it’s straightforward. Here’s a breakdown:

Step 1: Visit the UNISA Website
Head to UNISA Applications.

Step 2: Personal Information
Fill in your personal details like your ID number, full name, and date of birth.

Step 3: Choose Your Courses
Select a first and second choice. Make sure you meet the admission criteria for both.

Step 4: Provide Your Address
Enter a valid postal and physical address since UNISA will deliver study materials.

Step 5: School-Leaving Information
Provide your matric results, endorsement type (Higher Certificate, Diploma, or Bachelor), year of completion, and school details.

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents
This includes certified copies of your matric certificate, ID, and other relevant documents.

Step 7: Submit Your Application
Once submitted, you’ll receive a student number. Keep it safe.

Step 8: Pay the Application Fee
A non-refundable fee of R150 is required.

Step 9: Track Your Application
Check your status online to see if you’ve been accepted or if more documents are required.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve always thought your future was limited because of your struggles with maths, think again. UNISA has created a pathway for students who want to succeed in higher education without letting numbers stand in their way.

With a wide range of certificates, diplomas, and degrees available, you can pursue careers in law, education, tourism, creative arts, policing, theology, public administration, and so much more.

So, don’t let maths hold you back. Your academic journey is waiting, and UNISA provides the perfect platform to launch your dreams—no equations required.