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    University of South Africa (UNISA) Courses and Requirements 2026

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    The University of South Africa (UNISA) stands as Africa’s leading open distance learning institution, offering unparalleled flexibility and accessibility to students across the globe. As we look toward the 2026 academic year, UNISA continues to provide a diverse portfolio of qualifications designed to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

    Whether you’re a school leaver, a professional seeking advancement, or looking for a career change, UNISA’s distance learning model allows you to study from anywhere, balancing your education with work and personal commitments.

    This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all UNISA courses and the specific requirements you’ll need to meet for the 2026 intake.

    List of Courses Offered at UNISA

    UNISA offers a vast array of qualifications across multiple levels. Below is the complete list of courses for the 2026 academic year, organized by qualification type.

    High Certificates

    • 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 and Science Education (90093 – SMS)
    • Higher Certificate in Education Senior Phase and Further Education and Training 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)

    Advanced Certificates

    • Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences (90017)
    • Advanced Certificate in Intermediate Phase Mathematics and English First Additional Language Teaching (90177)

    Postgraduate Certificates

    Agriculture and Related Fields

    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Agriculture and Life Sciences (90148 – AGR)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Agriculture and Management (90148 – AGM)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Agriculture and Technology (90148 – AGT)

    Arts, Languages, and Social Sciences

    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Art (90148 – ART)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: English (90148 – ENG)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: English and Life Orientation (90148 – ENL)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: English and Social Sciences (90148 – ENS)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Languages (90148 – LAN)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Languages and Life Orientation (90148 – LAH)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Languages and Social Sciences (90148 – LAS)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: History (90148 – HIS)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: History and Languages (90148 – HIL)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Geography (90148 – GEO)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Geography and History (90148 – GEH)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Geography and Languages (90148 – GEL)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Geography and Life Orientation (90148 – GLO)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Geography and Management (90148 – GEM)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Religious Studies (90148 – REL)

    Business, Economics, and Management

    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Business Studies (90148 – BUS)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Economics (90148 – ECO)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Financial Accounting (90148 – FAC)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Tourism (90148 – TRM)

    Science, Mathematics, and Technology

    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Life Sciences (90148 – BIO)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Life Sciences and Mathematics (90148 – BIM)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Mathematics (90148 – MAT)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Mathematical Literacy (90148 – MTL)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Mathematics and Natural Sciences (90148 – MAS)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Physical Sciences (90148 – PHS)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Physical Sciences and Mathematics (90148 – PSM)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Engineering Technology (90148 – ETC)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Information Computer Studies (90148 – ICA)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Information Computer Technology (90148 – ICT)

    Consumer, Hospitality, Sport, and Creative Fields

    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Consumer Studies (90148 – CON)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Hospitality Studies (90148 – HOS)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Sport Science (90148 – SPT)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Music (90148 – MUS)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Music and Language (90148 – MUL)
    • PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Teaching: Music and Management (90148 – MUM)

    Diplomas

    • Diploma in Accounting Sciences (98200)
    • Diploma in Administrative Management (98216)
    • Diploma in Agricultural Management (90097)
    • Diploma in Animal Health (98026 – AHE)
    • Diploma in Chemical Engineering (90130)
    • Diploma in Civil Engineering (90137)
    • Diploma in Corrections Management (98218)
    • Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (90187)
    • Diploma in Electrical Engineering (90138)
    • Diploma in Explosives Management (98222)
    • Diploma in Grade R Teaching (90173)
    • Diploma in Human Resource Management (98211)
    • Diploma in Industrial Engineering (90136)
    • Diploma in Information Technology (98806 – ITE)
    • Diploma in Law (98750)
    • Diploma in Local Government Finance (90083)
    • Diploma in Marketing Management (98202)
    • Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (90132)
    • Diploma in Mining Engineering (90140)
    • Diploma in Nature Conservation (98024 – NCO)
    • Diploma in Operations Management (90183)
    • Diploma in Ornamental Horticulture (98025 – HOR)
    • Diploma in Policing (98220)
    • Diploma in Public Administration and Management (98203)
    • Diploma in Public Relations (90077)
    • Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology (90141)
    • Diploma in Safety Management (90107)
    • Diploma in Security Management (98221)
    • Diploma in Small Business Management (90073)
    • Diploma in Tourism Management (98223)

    Advanced Diplomas

    • Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences (Various streams: CT1, FAC, AUI, MA1, TAX)
    • Advanced Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training (90190)
    • Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management (98027)
    • Advanced Diploma in Animal Health (90112)
    • Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering (90128)
    • Advanced Diploma in Computer Integrated Education (90165)
    • Advanced Diploma in Education in Intermediate Phase Mathematics Teaching (90113)
    • Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering in Power Engineering (90126)
    • Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering in Telecommunications (90127)
    • Advanced Diploma in Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering (90142)
    • Advanced Diploma in Explosives Management (90124)
    • Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering (90134)
    • Advanced Diploma in Information Resource Management (90007)
    • Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (90133)
    • Advanced Diploma in Mining Engineering (90131)
    • Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation (98028)
    • Advanced Diploma in Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture (90094)
    • Advanced Diploma in Safety Management (90181)
    • Advanced Diploma in Security Management (98235)
    • Advanced Diploma in Senior Phase Natural Science Education (90166)
    • Advanced Diploma in Teaching and Learning Support (90184)
    • Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management (90118)

    Bachelor’s Degrees

    Accounting and Administration

    • Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting (Revised Curriculum 2020) (98302 – FA1)
    • Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Internal Auditing (98303 – AUI)
    • Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Management Accounting (Revised Curriculum 2020) (98304 – MA1)
    • Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Taxation (98318 – TAX)
    • Bachelor of Administration (98315 – BAD)
    • Bachelor of Administration in Human Settlements Management (90016 – HSM)

    Arts and Humanities

    • Bachelor of Arts (General) (99311 – GEN)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science (98051)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (90186)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Community Development (98618)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing (99313)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (98681)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies (99312)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management (98055)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology (90002)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Government, Administration and Development (99301)
    • Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (99302)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science: Health Services Management and Education (0216X – HHS)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science: Health Services Management, Education and Community Health (0216X – HSM)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Police Science (98683)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies (99303)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Political Leadership and Citizenship (99304)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (90079)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (90180)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Multimedia Arts (90091)

    Commerce and Business

    • Bachelor of Business Administration (98316 – BBA)
    • Bachelor of Commerce (General) (98314 – GEN)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Informatics (98300 – BIS)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management (98310 – BSM)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Economics (98305 – ECS)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Quantitative Economics (98305 – QEC)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship (90106 – ENT)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management (98306 – FMN)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management (98307 – HRM)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial and Organisational Psychology (98308 – IOP)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Law (90123 – LAW)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management (98301 – MKT)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Public Procurement Management (98767 – PPM)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Quantitative Management (98311 – QMA)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain and Operations Management (98766 – SCM)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism Management (98312 – TRT)
    • Bachelor of Commerce in Transport and Logistics (98313 – TRL)

    Consumer Science

    • Bachelor of Consumer Science in Fashion Retail Management (98005 – FAR)
    • Bachelor of Consumer Science in Fashion Small Business Management (98005 – FSB)
    • Bachelor of Consumer Science in Food Retail Management (98005 – FOR)
    • Bachelor of Consumer Science in Food Service Management (98005 – FSM)
    • Bachelor of Consumer Science in Food and Clothing (98005 – FCL)
    • Bachelor of Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition (98005 – FNU)
    • Bachelor of Consumer Science in Hospitality Management (98005 – HOM)

    Education

    • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (90102)
    • Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching (90103)
    • Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (90104)
      • Includes subject combinations such as Mathematics, Languages, Life Sciences, Geography, History, Economics, Business Studies, Accounting, Tourism, Technology, Computer Applications, Agricultural Sciences, Hospitality Studies, Physical Sciences, and Religious Studies (various codes under 90104).

    Information, Law, and Social Sciences

    • Bachelor of Information Science (90188)
    • Bachelor of Information Science (99310)
    • Bachelor of Laws (98680 – NEW)
    • Bachelor of Social Work (90088)
    • Bachelor of Social Work (99309)
    • Bachelor of Theology (90160)
    • Bachelor of Music (90089)

    Science and Agriculture

    Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiology, Zoology, Psychology, and related combinations) (98053)

    Bachelor of Science (General) (98801 – GEN)

    Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, and Information Systems (multiple combinations under 98801)

    • Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science:
    • Agricultural Business and Management (90082 – ABM)
    • Animal Science (90082 – ANS)
    • Plant Science (90082 – PLS)
    • Bachelor of Science in Computing (98906 – COM)
    • Bachelor of Science in Informatics (98907 – INF)
    • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management (Botany, Chemistry, Zoology) (98052)

    Honours Degrees

    (Specialised fourth-year degrees across all faculties, including BA Honours in Psychology, BCom Honours in Marketing, BSc Honours in Life Sciences, and BEd Honours in various educational disciplines.)

    Postgraduate Diplomas

    • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences (98231)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture (various streams)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Sciences (98255)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (98215)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Accounting (98233)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Auditing (98234)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (98228)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing (98207)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management (90146)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration (98208)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management (90171)
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation (98256)
    • (And many more specialised PG Dips)

    Entry Requirements at UNISA

    Meeting the correct entry requirements is crucial for a successful application. Requirements vary significantly based on the level and field of study.

    General Admission Requirements

    1. National Senior Certificate (NSC): For most undergraduate qualifications, you need an NSC with a minimum level of achievement (e.g., Diploma or Bachelor endorsement).
    2. Qualification-specific Subjects: Certain degrees require specific NSC subjects (e.g., Mathematics for Science, Commerce, or Engineering) with a defined minimum rating (e.g., Level 4 or 5).
    3. Admission Point Score (APS): UNISA uses an APS score calculated from your NSC results. Each qualification has a minimum APS requirement.
    4. Previous Qualifications: For postgraduate studies, a relevant Bachelor’s degree, Advanced Diploma, or equivalent is typically required, often with a minimum average pass percentage.
    5. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is essential. International students may need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
    6. Supporting Documents: Always be prepared to submit certified copies of your ID, academic transcripts, and certificates.

    Category-Specific Requirement Highlights

    • Higher Certificates: Requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in the language of instruction.
    • Diplomas: Requires an NSC with a Diploma endorsement, and specific subject requirements depending on the field.
    • Bachelor Degrees: Requires an NSC with a Bachelor’s endorsement. The required APS score and specific subject combinations vary widely (e.g., BSc requires Mathematics and Physical Science).
    • Honours Degrees & Postgraduate Diplomas: Requires a relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. A minimum average (e.g., 60%) in your major subject(s) is often required.
    • Professional Qualifications (e.g., LLB, BEd): Have stringent requirements, including specific APS scores and subject passes.

    Important Notes for 2026 Applicants

    • Always Verify: The lists and requirements above are a guide. You MUST consult the official UNISA website for the 2026 prospectus for the definitive, updated information, as course codes and requirements can change.
    • Application Periods: UNISA applications for the 2026 academic year will open in August/September 2025. Mark your calendar and apply early.
    • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): UNISA considers RPL for access to qualifications. If you don’t meet the standard requirements but have work/life experience, inquire about the RPL process.

    UNISA opens the door to a world-class education on your terms. With this comprehensive list of courses and an understanding of the entry requirements, you are well-equipped to begin planning your 2026 academic journey. The key to success is thorough research. Visit the official UNISA website, download the 2026 prospectus for your chosen college, and ensure you meet all criteria before the application window opens.

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