Purpose statement
The purpose of the Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training as an initial qualification which provides students with the knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical techniques for application as educators or lecturers in education and training sites and workplace and community contexts where Adult Community Education and Training programmes are in operation or being initiated. Qualifying students will develop an integrated understanding of the disciplinary, pedagogical and situational knowledge and practical applications thereof within the profession of Adult and Community Education and Training. Students completing this qualification will also be able to cultivate a practical understanding of learning and teaching in a diverse range of adult and community education sites in relation to educational theory and Adult Community Education and Training specialisations, practice and policy. This qualification also fosters self-reflexivity and self-understanding among prospective Adult Community Education and Training educators and lecturers. It aims to nurture commitment to the ideals of the Adult Community Education and Training profession and a professional disposition. Qualifying students will also develop dispositions and competences to organize learning among a diverse range of learners in different Adult Community Education and Training contexts. In addition, the Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training is to ensure that qualifying students are able to facilitate Adult Community Education and Training and learning ethically, professionally and innovatively in both rural and urban situations. Furthermore, on completion of the qualification, students will be able to implement and continuously adapt to national legislation / policies and guidelines governing and addressing Adult Community Education and Training learning and teaching in a coherent and purposeful manner. Similarly, this qualification is also intended to ensure that students can demonstrate an appropriate collaborative attitude and value the involvement of multiple stakeholders that contribute to Adult Community Education and Training learning and teaching success. Qualifying students will also be able to administer and manage formal Adult Community Education and Training effectively through good classroom practice that stimulates learning amongst Adult Community Education and Training learners and develops them to be active citizens.
| Qualification stream: | General Education and Training Certificate for Adults |
| Qualification code: | 90189 - GET |
| NQF level: | 6 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 125297 |
| APS/AS: | 18 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 8 years |
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Diploma endorsement) with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning,
or
a Level 4 National Certificate (Vocational), endorsed with admission to diploma study,
or
A Senior Certificate (SC) with at least a E symbol in HG or D symbol in SG in the language of teaching and learning,
or
A National Senior Certificate for Adults (NASCA) (Diploma endorsement) with at least a 50% in the language of teaching and learning,
or
an approved and recognised appropriate vocational, professional and academic qualifications and part qualifications at Level 5 (such as the Higher Certificate ABET/ACET) or Level 6 may be presented for consideration for admission.
Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) must be at least 23 years old; have completed at least Grade 10; and have at least five years' relevant teaching experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to a qualification. For more information on RPL criteria visit: www.unisa.ac.za/rpl
Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:
Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.
Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Apply for admission to an undergraduate qualification between 17 August and 9 October 2026.
Please take note of the following:
Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.
The curriculum information displayed on this page is based on the current academic year and may be updated for future academic years.
The curriculum information for this qualification will be available closer to the registration phase.