UNISA Higher Certificate Courses for 2026: Full List & How to Apply
If you're looking to start your academic journey at the University of South Africa (UNISA), a Higher Certificate qualification is a great first step—especially if you don’t yet meet degree or diploma admission requirements. These one-year programmes are designed to prepare you for further studies or entry into specific job sectors.
Applications for the 2026 academic year open on 18 August 2025 and close on 10 October 2025, so now is the perfect time to explore your options and get ready.
UNISA Higher Certificate Courses for 2026: Full List & How to Apply
What Is a Higher Certificate at UNISA?
A Higher Certificate is an NQF Level 5 qualification that typically takes one year to complete. It offers foundational knowledge and skills and may qualify you for access to diploma or degree programmes in the same or related fields.
List of UNISA Higher Certificate Courses for 2026
Here are the accredited Higher Certificate qualifications UNISA will offer in 2026:
Qualification | Code |
| Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences | 98201 |
| Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare | 90098 |
| Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management | 98577 |
| Higher Certificate in Banking | 98225 |
| Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice | 90006 |
| Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences | 98237 |
| Higher Certificate in Education: Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase | 90093 - FIP |
| Higher Certificate in Education: Senior Phase Maths & Science | 90093 - SMS |
| Higher Certificate in Education: Senior & FET Teaching | 90093 - SPF |
| Higher Certificate in Law | 98751 |
| Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences | 98366 |
| Higher Certificate in Marketing | 98229 |
| Higher Certificate in Mathematics and Statistics | 90129 |
| Higher Certificate in Physical Sciences | 90101 |
| Higher Certificate in Retailing | 90014 |
| Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work | 90011 |
| Higher Certificate in Supervisory Management | 90015 |
| Higher Certificate in Tourism Management | 98226 |
Why Choose a Higher Certificate Programme at UNISA?
- Open-access option: Ideal if you don’t yet qualify for a diploma or degree
- Affordable and flexible: Study part-time or full-time online
- Career-aligned: Courses linked to industry fields like law, banking, education, and more
- Pathway to degrees: On successful completion, you may qualify for further undergraduate studies
How to Apply for a Higher Certificate at UNISA
- Prepare your documents:
- Certified ID copy
- Senior Certificate / NSC
- Sworn translations if not in English/Afrikaans
- Apply online:
Visit UNISA Application Tool - Upload documents:
Must be PDF, DOC, or TIF and under 2MB each - Pay the application fee:
- R150 (non-refundable)
- Use your UNISA student number and allocation code as reference
Need Help Deciding Which Course Is Right for You?
UNISA provides detailed prospectuses and career guidance tools to help you choose. Visit the official UNISA website or contact a student advisor for support.
Conclusion
Even though applications only open in August 2025, start preparing now by checking admission requirements and ensuring your documents are ready. Higher Certificates can be the stepping stone to your dream career—don’t miss out!
