UNISA Higher Certificate Courses Open for 2025 Late Applications

The University of South Africa has officially opened late applications for its Higher Certificate courses for the 2025 academic year. In this blog post we will be focusing on higher certificate courses offered by UNISA during the 2025 late applications, their requirements and deadline. 

UNISA Higher Certificate Courses Open for 2025 Late Applications

What Are Higher Certificate Courses?

Higher Certificate courses are bridging courses, meaning that students who do not qualify for the mainstream diploma or degree can apply for the higher certificate courses in order to qualify for their desired formal qualifications (diploma/degree). These higher certificate courses offer foundational knowledge and skills to help prepare them for further studies.

Higher Certificate courses are short-term qualifications designed to bridge the gap between high school and university education. These courses last one year and equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to succeed in higher education or specific career fields. At UNISA, these courses are structured to cater to a wide range of interests and professional aspirations.

The following higher certificate courses are open for 2025 late applications at UNISA:

• Higher Certificate in Mathematics and Statistics
• Higher Certificate in Physical Sciences

Requirements of Higher Certificate Courses Available for 2025 Late Applications at UNISA

The following students can apply for higher certificate courses at UNISA for the 2025 late applications:

• South African citizens and international applicants.
• Students who do not meet the requirements for degree or diploma qualifications
• Students who passed with a higher certificate endorsement in matric
• Students with low admission point score (aps)
• Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements
• First-time Unisa applicants who missed the initial application window.

Specific admission requirements of open higher certificate courses for late applications 2025

• Higher Certificate in Mathematics and Statistics

A National Senior Certificate (NSC), with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning and 40% in Mathematics

OR

a Senior Certificate, with at least 30% HG or 40% SG in the language of teaching and learning and 40% HG or 50% SG in Mathematics

OR

a National Certificate (Vocational) level 4, with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning and 40% in Mathematics in terms of the NSC.

• Higher Certificate in Physical Sciences

A National Senior Certificate (NSC), with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning and 40% in Mathematics

OR

a Senior Certificate, with at least 30% HG or 40% SG in the language of teaching and learning and 40% HG or 50% SG in Mathematics

OR

a National Certificate (Vocational) level 4, with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning and 40% in Mathematics in terms of the NSC.

How to Apply for Late Admissions at UNISA for 2025

Step by Step Guide on How to Apply Online at UNISA for 2025 late applications

To apply successfully at Unisa you need to have a valid email address and a phone number, Easy right? Now let's break down the process on how to apply online at UNISA Step by step.

STEP 1: visit the UNISA Website at: https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/Apply-for-admission-to-study:-application-tool

STEP 2: Personal Information 

Fill in your personal details such as names, surname, date of birth and ID number. If you already have a student number you will be required to enter your personal details and your student number. When applying with a phone ensure that you rotate your phone to be able to enter your student number.

STEP 3: Choosing Courses

In this step you will get to choose courses you desire to pursue. You have the opportunity of choosing first and second choice. You need to meet requirements for the both courses, if you don't qualify the system will not allow you to continue with the application. 

STEP 4: Fill in your address

Continue with the application and fill in your home and postal address. This is important since UNISA is a distance learning institution and they require your address to communicate with you and to deliver your study materials. You will not be able to continue with your application if you enter invalid address or an address the system doesn't recognize. 

STEP 5: School Leaving Information

In this particular step you will be required to fill in your school leaving information such as your matric endorsement (whether you have passed with a higher certificate, diploma or bachelor), the year you completed your matric and the last school you attended. This information is crucial in your application therefore do not provide false information because you will be required to upload your matric certificate, statement or your grade 11 results.

STEP 6: Upload Documents

UNISA requires various supporting documents to be submitted along with your online application. These documents include certified copies of your academic transcripts, identification documents, Matric certificate/grade 11 results and any other documents specified in the application requirements. Gather these documents in advance to ensure a smooth application process.

NB If you are applying for social work you should submit a police clearance and two testimonials. If you are applying for Diploma in Grade R you should submit a proof of employment since the grade R applicants should be Grade R teachers in primary school or Creche. 

STEP 7: Submit your application. 

The last step of the online application is to submit your application. You will receive an acknowledgement of your application and your student number. Make sure that you note down your student number. You will need the student number for future communication with Unisa or when paying application fee.

STEP 8: Pay Application Fee

To finalize your application, you'll need to pay the non-refundable application fee of R140. UNISA provides various payment methods, such as credit/debit card payments, bank transfers, and online payment portals. Keep the proof of payment as it may be required for future reference purposes. Here's how you can pay your UNISA application fee fast using Capitec.

PLEASE NOTE

• Spaces for the available higher certificate courses at UNISA are limited
• Meeting the minimum requirements for a Higher Certificate does not guarantee admission
• Students are required to meet any additional criteria specified for the particular Higher Certificate course they are applying for.
   

UNISA SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR 2025 LATE APPLICATIONS

Ensure that you have all your supporting documents ready, these documents are:

• Certified copy of your ID or passport.
• Certified copy of your matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
• Any other documents specified in the course requirements.

NOTE: Your documents should be certified and scanned in a PDF format. Your documents should not be older than 3 months. 

UNISA CLOSING DATE FOR HIGHER CERTIFICATE COURSES

The University of South Africa closing date for the higher certificate courses for 2025 late applications in the 27th of January 2025. Prospective students interested in enrolling in any of the higher certificate programmes are urged to ensure that their applications are completed and submitted before this deadline.

It is important to note that any applications submitted after this date will not be considered, regardless of the reason. This policy applies strictly to all higher certificate programmes offered by the institution. Therefore, students who fail to meet the deadline will have to wait for the next application cycle to apply for admission.

Conclusion:

Applicants are also advised to apply as early as possible to avoid technical issues or last-minute challenges that could hinder their submission at UNISA for the 2025 late applications. For more information, students can visit the official UNISA website or contact the admissions office directly for assistance.

Related Articles 

Mangosuthu University of Technology Late Applications

University of Fort Hare Late Applications

Durban University of Technology Late Applications

Walter Sisulu University Late Applications

University of KwaZulu Natal Late Applications

Cape Peninsula University of Technology Late Applications

University of Zululand Late Applications

Vaal University of Technology Late Applications

University of Venda Late Applications

Tshwane University of Technology Late Applications

Central Application Office Late Applications

University of South Africa Late Applications

University of Limpopo Late Applications

University of Pretoria Late Applications

University of Mpumalanga Late Applications