Unisa Announce New Education Qualification for 2020

The College of Education (CoE) from Unisa recently issued a statement on 24 June 2019 that the university has introduced a new qualification for the 2020 academic year: Advanced Diploma Education in Intermediate Phase Mathematics Teaching.

Details on the qualification have not been released as yet. More will be known about the course in August 2019 – when the application window for the 2020 academic year is open.

With over 40 qualifications being offered by the College of Education (view qualifications here), there is a number of different streams Unisa students can follow when it comes to becoming a teacher one day.

There are pros and cons when it comes to certain qualifications. Over time, qualifications phase out due to some reason or another. With new qualifications being added to the CoE’s roster, there are unfortunately qualifications that will be phasing out and will not be offered from 2020 onwards.

The Unisa qualifications in question are:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Foundation Phase)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Intermediate Phase)

Additionally, due to external factors beyond the university’s control, Unisa’s CoE is to stop offering the following qualifications for new students in 2020:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Senior and FET Phase);
  • Honours Bachelor of Education; and
  • Additional Postgraduate Diploma in Education Streams.

Read More: Unisa Registration Second Semester 2019

Despite the abovementioned qualifications not being available for new students, there are still plenty of educational qualifications available that students can apply for.

Application dates for the 2020 academic year have not released yet by Unisa. August 2019 is the estimated starting date set by Unisa for the 2020 first semester applications.

Last Updated: 24 June 2019

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130 thoughts on “Unisa Announce New Education Qualification for 2020”

    1. Requirements for the diploma have not been released by Unisa as yet. It will only be announced later this year in August.

        1. Each Education qualification has its own requirements, but most of them have more or less the same requirements. There are different types of BEd qualifications, of which you can read more online here.

          1. Hi Dylan
            I’d like to apply for PGCE Foundation Phase for 2021.
            Is this still available?

          2. Unisa discontinued the PGCE Foundation Phase qualification alongside the PGCE Intermediate Phase qualification. You’re only able to apply for a PGCE Senior and FET Phase qualification.

          3. Note that you do need to meet the requirements set by Unisa with regards to the PGCE qualifications. This means for example, passing English at third level or Business Management at second level.

            Please view the requirements of the PGCE that you want to do and see if you qualify to do it.

          4. I have national N certificate in civil engineering
            Do i qualify to apply for PGCE senior and fet phase

          5. Which PGCE in particular are you referring to? Because there are many variations of the PGCE Senior and FET certificate programmes, each with their own admission requirements. Please view the requirements as per the Unisa website and see whether your marks/subjects help you qualify or not.

      1. Hi
        I have two questions to ask?

        1. Can I still register and apply for PGCE in July 2020?
        2. I graduated in BA Sport, recreation and exercise science with sports science and Psychology as my two majors.Do I qualify to register for a PGCE education?
        Thanks for your prompt response.

        1. Hi Leola,

          1. You won’t be able to apply for a PGCE qualification at Unisa due to it only being available for already registered students. It is in the process of being phased out, so unfortunately you may want to look at a different institution that offers the PGCE.

          2. As far as I can tell, there are no PGCE qualifications related to Physical Education. With Psychology, there is only one area of PGCE where it’s possible for you to apply:

          Life Orientation;

          Please note that you will have to meet the requirements set by the university in order to qualify.

          1. Hello Dylan
            I have a Masters degree in Tourism Management and was planning to study towards the PGCE Senior / FET at UNISA next year. I notice the course will be discontinued from next year onwards. Are they going to replace it with a different course? If not which course would you recommend one study towards at UNISA – if you want to become a Tourism Lecturer?

          2. Hi Liz,

            Please note that the info provided in the article is from 2019. Unisa have since introduced newer PGCE Senior/FET qualifications for students to apply for, including the PGCE Senior/FET in Tourism qualification.

            So you can register for the qualification (if you successfully apply, of course).

          1. Although it is possible that you can do a PGCE with a diploma, it would be harder in your instance. All PGCE qualifications are subject-specific (English, Afrikaans, Maths, History, Geography, etc).

            I’m honestly unsure as to where Human Resources fall under when it comes to PGCE. In other words, I don’t know if you are able to do the PGCE or not.

      2. Hi, I’m a bit confused.

        Can I apply for a PGCE in English or Tourism this year at all (for 2021)as a new student (I already have a BA in Writing & Publishing, and a Masters in Tourism).
        And if so when are admissions opening?
        Thank you.

    1. Unfortunately you cannot apply for this 3 year qualification. These are the requirements:

      APS = 60

      A four-year Bachelor of Education degree, or a general first degree or diploma, plus a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, or a former Higher Diploma in Education (Postgraduate).

      OR

      A former Advanced Certificate in Education (Level 6 on the former 8-level NQF) or a former Further Diploma in Education which follows a former professional teaching qualification, or a former four-year Higher Diploma in Education.

      In addition, a new Advanced Certificate (Level 6 on the current 10 level NQF) which followed a former Diploma in Education (including a National Professional Diploma in Education) may also be presented for admission into an Advanced Diploma.

    2. Hi. I have a national diploma in Educare is possible for me to apply for PGC in foundation phase or intermediate phase

      1. The PGCE Foundation and Intermediate Phase qualifications has been discontinued at Unisa as well as in a large number of South African universities, so you will not be able to study them.

  1. How many years to study for postgraduate certificate in education (intermediate phase)
    And how much is the registration fee

    1. As per UNISA’s website, the PCGE Intermediate Phase Qualification is only offered until 2021, and ONLY for students previously registered for this qualification. So you’ll be unable to apply for a PGCE at UNISA.

  2. What next can i do after completing my bachelors degree in education (intermediate and senior phase) since unisa will not be offering honours in education from 2020?

    I was planning on doing honours with specialization in education management next year

      1. I have a bcom degree and want to apply for the Pgce senior and fet phase specializing in business studies . But when I enter my schooling grades it gives me a message that I may not qualify.
        Please assist.

        1. Keep in mind that you do have to meet the requirements for the qualification set by Unisa, which includes passing certain kinds of subjects at different levels. What Unisa means that it’s not a guarantee that you will qualify for the PGCE. Remember that it says “may not qualify”, not “do not qualify”

    1. Partricia Mugwagwa

      Hi. I am completing my LLB degree next year, will I be able to apply for Pgce Senior/FET Phase for 2022? Thank you

      1. With regards to the PGCE, I’m not sure if you would qualify as there is no Law-related PGCE qualification available. You would need to meet the subject and admission requirements for any PGCE, so make sure that you meet them to make absolutely sure that you qualify.

    1. Please refer to UNISA’s Recognition of Prior Learning. Your experience could translate into subject credits within your qualification or direct access into a postgraduate qualification, even if you only completed a grade 10.

      Unfortunately, the UNISA applications for the 2020 academic year closed on Friday 27th September for undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, so you won’t be able to apply.

      To view all qualifications UNISA offers, please head onto the following page here.

    1. Depending on whether the place that you studied for your diploma is accredited or not, you should be able to apply for an Education qualification at UNISA.

      However, no Education qualifications except for an Advanced Diploma is available for students to apply. You will need at least a degree to qualify to do that course.

  3. Nonkululeko Precious Masilela

    I have a Btech in Logistics from the University of Technology and would like to study a Bachelors in Education. When can I apply for the 2020?

    1. You’ll be unable to apply for a BEd qualification for the time being at UNISA as the qualifications are not made available to students. This is most likely due to an oversubscription of applications for the BEd qualifications. Too many applicants for too little places.

      If you do want to apply for a BEd qualification at UNISA, you will most likely have to wait until the next application window to apply.

    1. It’s possible for you to apply for a Honours in Education at UNISA. Remember that it’s mostly undergraduate education qualifications that are not available to students. Click on the following link to direct you to the Honours in Education UNISA application page:

      Honours in Education

    1. You need at least a Bachelors degree in a relevant field before applying for a PGCE qualification. You won’t be able to successfully apply for a PGCE qualification.

  4. Why is there only one undergraduate qualification for education listed for application (the advanced diploma)? I am trying to apply for a BEd but nothing is listed.

    1. Oversubscription is the cause of the removal of education qualifications on the UNISA application website. Too many students applied to study Education at UNISA. Remember that there are limited spots for each qualification.

      1. I was studying pgce senior phase and fet at unisa in 2018 but didn’t finish because of some other issues so I was thinking to go back this year around July meaning second semester.I’m I be able to do so? Can I start doing pgce in July 2021?

  5. I am still owing fees for year 2017 and wish to come back and finish my honours degree course. What must I first do for me to be able to register again the remainig modules.

    1. The PGCE qualification is not available to newer students – only available to already registered students. You won’t be able to apply for a PGCE as it’s not made available for applying on the UNISA website. The PGCE is in the process of being phased out, hence no new students being able to apply for the qualification(s).

  6. Good Day

    I’m trying to re-register for Master in Criminal Justice and i understand it has been phased out so i want to understand whats the next step regarding this issue? and when will it be rectified so that i am able to register and continue with my studies.

    Thank you

    1. UNISA have stated in the past that when degrees are phasing out, students are either advised to complete their degree as soon as they can before the due date or moving over to the newer/similar degree.

      You may want to speak to a UNISA student advisor at your nearest UNISA campus as soon as you can so that you can view your options.

  7. hi i did my NDP at unisa is it possible to continue as i have passed them and want to do intermediate and senior phase can i register this year as wanted to apply for it but there was no option during application

    1. It should be possible to apply for a BEd in Intermediate and Senior Phase. The UNISA application window is open once again and all qualifications that have space available are open.

      However, if you do apply now, you might only be able to register to study in Semester 2 later this year. Remember that you do have to meet the admission requirements set by UNISA in order for you to qualify.

  8. Unisa is no longer offering PGCE, is there any alternative Qualification I can do if I have Diploma in Electrical engineering and How long is the duration, since PGCE was 1 year

    1. At the moment, there is no alternative to the PGCE qualification. It remains that to become a teacher in South Africa, you either need a BEd or a PGCE qualification – no alternatives. If you’re keen on a career in education, you may want to apply for a BEd qualification.

      Other universities do offer the PGCE qualification though.

    1. A BTech is a Bachelor’s degree, so it’s possible that you may qualify for a PGCE qualification. At the same time, you will be unable to apply for a PGCE qualification at UNISA due to it being only available for already registered students. The PGCE qualification is currently in the process of being phased out.

  9. Stewart Ronald Pienaar

    I completed all my PGCE courses last year but I have received no confirmation that I completed the qualification? I am unsure of what to do now. I passed everything along with 4 distinctions and I have tried contacting various departments for help, but no one has responded in 3 weeks. I am very concerned.

    1. When the results are released, a final-year student’s record is audited by the Directorate: Student Admissions and Registrations to verify the completion of qualification prior to the qualification status being changed from “Final year” to “Completed” by the Division: Graduations.

      The audit will be finalised as soon as possible after the examination results have been released. It does take a bit of time before you get confirmation, but you will be informed via SMS/Email that your qualification is completed.

        1. Dates have not been announced as yet but I can safely estimate that Unisa registration for Semester 1 will open on 4 January 2021. It’s only an estimation, but it will open somewhere around that time period.

          Remember that you have to apply for your Education qualification before registering.

    1. Are you referring to studying towards a PGCE qualification at UNISA? Is so, you would be unable to apply for a PGCE at UNISA due to the qualification only available to already registered students.

      1. I completed my PGCE (senior phase and FET) last year 2019 but I have not received my qualification and on my unisa it is still on “qualification not completed” status. I tried contacting them but nobody is answering my emails and calls. It’s been long coz now we are in May 2020.

        1. You can only wait for confirmation from Unisa themselves about your qualification. You can also contact the Unisa Division: Graduations at [email protected] for further enquiries about your qualification.

  10. how long will it take to open the registration in Education undergraduate/Bed intermediate/intermediate and senior phase as there is no option to apply for the new students

    1. I cannot say. When space becomes available for any qualification, students will then be able to apply for the qualification. At the moment, the qualifications that are not available are filled up. So it’s a bit of a waiting game at the moment.

    1. If a qualification does not appear on the Unisa application website, this generally means that the qualification is full and no spaces are allocated for new students.

      Most likely, there will be space opening up the closer it is to the second semester, so keep an eye out on when the BEd qualification will open up again (if it is closed).

  11. Hi, i am currently doing Pgce intermediate phase and senior with unisa and left with 1 module, i have done mathemetics as didactic and i would like to apply for advanced diploma in education intermediate phase mathemetics teaching, do i qualify since i dont have mathemetics on my certificate or degree. i will really appreciate your response.

    1. According to Unisa, Mathematics is not an admission requirement to study the qualification so I don’t think there’s a need to worry whether you qualify for it or not.

      You should be able to qualify for the Advanced Diploma qualification.

  12. PGCE will not be available to new applicants in 2020 ONLY or FOREVER @UNISA? And does this apply in all UNISA Campuses in South Africa?

    I’m asking this because I just applied for one of the teaching internships(ISASA SAMSTIP) and the requirement was that the Internship will be done through studying @UNISA for PGCE or B.Ed.

    I have a 3-year BSc Degree in MATHEMATICS and PHYSICS and I want to do PGCE in MATHEMATICS (FET Phase).

    I really don’t understand when you say… Qualification offered until 2022, and ONLY for students previously registered for this qualification.

    1. This was in reference to what was announced by Unisa in June 2019. Only students who were registered under the old PGCE qualification can register and have to complete it by 2022.

      Since then, newer PGCE qualifications are being introduced so when applications are open again with respect to the PGCE, you can apply for the PGCE in Mathematics

      1. Thank you. I did apply for the PGCE 90148 – MAT for Mathematics in Senior Phase and FET on the 5th of March 2020 and I even paid the non-refundable application fee.

        Does that mean my application will be accepted and I would even get a place to study for that PGCE if and only if I MEET THE REQUIREMENTS?

        1. There is no guarantee when it comes to applications. The university will assess your application and determine whether it is possible for you to study for the PGCE through them.

          However, even meeting the requirements does not guarantee you with the opportunity to study at UNISA due to the overwhelming popularity of the Education qualifications offered by Unisa.

          During this month, the university will let students know which qualifications will be able to allocate space for the second semester.

      2. Hi Dylan
        Trust that you are well

        I would like to know if it is possible to apply for PGCE 2nd semester 2021 (Senior Phase and FET) or is the course is only available to start at the beginning of the year?

        Also would you be able to tell me when Teaching Practice would begin? I know it ranges from 5-10 weeks depending on the phase but say for instance I were to start the course 2021, when would Teaching Practice module start?

        Thank you in advance

        1. Hi Stacey,

          You would be able to apply for the PGCE in the 2nd semester of 2021, yes (depending on the available amount of space allocated for the qualification(s)). As for the Teaching Practice, I cannot tell you when it would start as it is up to the university to decide when does it start.

  13. Hi
    I have a Btech in Metallurgical engineering and i am looking into studying PGCE or any other 1 year course in teaching preferebly for teaching maths,english and/ physical sciences.
    Is there anything available from UNISA for my interests?

  14. Hey Dylan,

    Given that I would be unable to apply for a PGCE through UNISA, what would you recommend as the best alternative from a remote learning standpoint?

    Are there other PGCE offerings available that do not heavily rely on physical attendance and allow for a more online approach?

    Looking forward to hearing from you.

    Kind regards,
    Georgina

    1. Hi Georgina,

      Unisa has introduced new PGCE Senior and FET Phase qualifications that you can apply for, so you can go ahead and apply by them (if available). Note that only the Senior and FET Phase is available. The Foundation and Intermediate Phase PGCE qualifications has been discontinued by Unisa.

      There are other alternatives when it comes to distance learning PGCE qualifications at other institutions, like for example, Mancosa or NWU’s PGCE offerings.

    1. I unfortunately have no idea when the PGCE will be available. Only Unisa can determine whether there will be space made for the qualification(s) or not.

  15. Hi Dylan,

    Sorry if I posted this originally in the wrong section.

    I am trying to find out if I will be able to apply for a PGCE at Unisa for English or Tourism senior phase this year – in order to study in the next available semester or year.

    If so when will applications be open?

    Thanks,
    Kalo

    1. If the PGCE qualifications are available, you should be easily accepted to study towards either a PGCE in English or Tourism since you do have the appropriate relevant qualifications.

      Whether the qualifications will be available for you to apply is another story completely. Keep an eye out on Unisa’s application tool and determine whether the qualifications are available or not.

      Click here to head to the application tool.

  16. Good morning Dylan
    Can I apply for PGCE FET for 2021? I have bcom statistics & i also have unisa student number.

    1. Note that you do have to meet the requirements for the PGCE that you want to do in order for you to qualify. You will have had to do certain subjects within a certain level in order to qualify.

      Which PGCE in particular is it that you want to study?

  17. Hi Dylan…

    I wanted to ask, When will the UNISA online applications open for those of us who want to study PGCE in Senior Phase and FET Phase(Mathematics) in 2021 first semester?

    1. Applications are open all year round. However, it’s up to the university to decide when to make certain qualifications available due to the over-subscription of a majority of qualifications.

      Unfortunately you will have to wait from word from the university if they become available or not. You can always check Unisa’s Application Tool to find out which qualifications are currently available for students to apply.

      1. Good afternoon Dylan
        I trust all is well
        I have obtained National diploma in office managment, I would like to find out if I can be able to study postgraduate certificate in education foundation phase and Early childhood Development for next year (2021)please advise.
        Regards
        Norea

        1. Unisa does not offer the PGCE Foundation Phase qualification and as such, you will not be able to study it. Unisa only offer the PGCE Senior and FET Phase qualification. Please note that you do need to meet the requirements set by Unisa for the PGCE in order to do it, meaning you need to have at least:

          • A relevant Bachelors or Diploma qualification; as well as
          • Meeting the mark requirements for certain subjects (for example Accounting, Economics, Biology, etc).

          Only then will you have a chance of qualifying for the PGCE.

  18. Hi Dylan I have a 3 year foundation phase diploma. I taught intermediate phase for 13 years. Which one can I take.

    1. I cannot tell you what you should take as you’re not providing me with enough info to go on.

      You need to know what it is that you want to study and whether you qualify for the particular programme it is that you want to study. Once you meet the relevant admission requirements of a qualification, then it is possible for you to study for that programme.

  19. I have a diploma in Adult Basic Education and Training and also registered with Sace, can I apply for a post graduate certification in Education or I must register for Bed?

    1. If you have a relevant NQF6 qualification (as you have), then you can apply and register for a relevant PGCE qualification at Unisa.

    1. Unfortunately you will most likely not be able to as there are no available PGCE Senior and FET Phase qualifications that are related to Agricultural Studies at Unisa.

  20. Hy Dylan
    I have Diploma in Travel and Tourism obtained in private college….can I be offered a space of doing Pgce of senior phase at Unisa in the year 2021???

    1. These are the requirements needed in order to do the PGCE Senior and FET: Hospitality Studies qualification at Unisa as per the Unisa website:
      A Senior Certificate with exemption, as well as an appropriate accredited Bachelor’s degree (360 or 480 credits) or equivalent National Diploma (360 or 480 credits) with Food Services Management or Hospitality Management or Hospitality Studies completed up to third year level and Accounting or Business Studies or Economics or Entrepreneurship or Tourism completed up to second year level.

      In addition to above requirements, you also must have completed English up to first year level, as well as well as Computer Literacy skills up to first year level.

      If you do not meet the requirements, then you will not qualify and will not be afforded a space to do the PGCE.

  21. Hi I previously registered pgce in senior nd fet in 2018, but was unable to complete it due to financial problems, so I would like to know if I will be able to continue or have to start again with the new introduced pgce.

    1. You should be able to resume your studies if you placed it on hold. Please check your myUnisa profile and view whether the qualification still shows on your profile.

      1. Is pgce going to be phased out in unisa completely or the will be no more PGCE forever or is only pgce for foundation and intermediate phase

        1. This is only for the PGCE Foundation and Intermediate Phase qualifications. The PGCE Senior and FET phase qualifications are still available for students to apply and register.

  22. I have BSc in Engineering (Mining) and I want to do PGCE or teach Physical Science and Mathematics @ High Schools. What steps should take to make it happen? Please advice

  23. Hi , will I qualify for a new PGCE if I have Geography which I did upto 3rd year ,English first year and Computer only one semester?

    Second question.I have previously applied for a PGCE , got the student number and registered.This year I accidentally applied for HIgher Certificate in Education.So my question is can I be able to change to PGCE?If yes ,how?

    1. It all depends on what PGCE it is that you want to do. Unisa are strict with their admission rules, so please make sure that you meet all the requirements before apply for a specific PGCE.

      As for changing your application, you may need to head to your nearest Unisa campus in order to change your application. There is still time to change your application, so book yourself an appointment through the Unisa Booking App as soon as possible.

  24. Hii. I have National Diploma in Local Government finance at TUT which have English A level, accounting I,ll,lll and economics l …so do I qualify for pgce (senior and FET?

    1. You need to have studied an appropriate National Diploma qualification in order to study for a PGCE Senior and FET programme. Please view the PGCEs offered by Unisa. They each have different admission qualifications, so I cannot say which PGCE you should take as it is up to you as to which subject matter it is that you want to follow i.e business studies, geography, mathematics, etc.

    1. Keep in mind that you need to meet admission requirements for the PGCE in order to do it. For example, it would not make sense to apply for a PGCE: Mathematics when you studied towards a BA in Journalism.

      Please make sure that you meet Unisa’s admission requirements before making a final decision.

  25. Good day, I have applied on 27 Nov 2020 for a PGCE with specialization in Business studies for 2021 academic year. As of yet my application status shows ‘not processed yet’. Should i wait longer and what is the cut-off date to register please? also is this PGCE a 1 year or a 2 year programme?

    thank you

  26. Clearance Chirwa

    Morning,
    I have a Diploma in plant production in agriculture and I want to do a PGCE(FET)2021. Do I qualify for doing it? I’ve passed with more than 60%.

  27. Clearance Chirwa

    I have a Diploma in plant production in agriculture. I want to do a PGCE and major with Agriculture and Life Science under FET 2021. Do I qualify?

  28. Am doing honours degree in language practice however I have Tshivenda till level 3 and English level 2.
    Do I qualify for pgce SENIOR and FET programme?

  29. GUGULETHU PATRICIA GAMBUSHE

    Hii
    I have a National professional diploma in education and vocational training obtained by 2015 at UKZN, I wish to further my studies now with UNISA on education . What can the UNISA University offer me.
    Thank

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