| Qualification code: | 90137 |
| NQF level: | 6 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 111282 |
| APS/AS: | 18 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 8 years |
Purpose statement:
The specific purpose of educational qualifications designed to meet this qualification are to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing Professional Engineering Technician.
Engineering learners completing this qualification will demonstrate competence in all eleven graduate attributes contained in ECSA generic document. Qualification Standard for Diploma in Engineering: NQF Level 6).The qualification design reflects the new standard for engineering technicians as required by the Engineering Council of South Africa (referred to as the ECSA hereafter) based on the new Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF (ECSA document E-02-PN revision 3 from 26 November 2015: Qualification Standard for Diploma in Engineering: NQF Level 6). This qualification was endorsed by constituents from industry via advisory committee meetings for civil engineering.
The qualification is expected to be viable in terms of learner numbers as the current National Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology qualification has shown significant learner numbers (average of 1655 enrolments per year for the past two years). Furthermore, this new Diploma in Civil Engineering will be the only one that is offered via an open and distance learning institute. As such, it will be accessible to learners countrywide, and is more likely to be taken up by employed learners who would not be able to attend full-time courses offered by residential institutions.
This qualification contains modules with work-integrated learning components, which will require you to spend time away from your home and responsibilities, to gain the required industry exposure through applying your theoretical understanding in a workplace. You will be expected to complete tasks which will reflect your experience and skills gained while in the workplace. These tasks will be formally assessed and grades awarded.
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 a rating of 4 in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy), English, Physical Science or Technical Science, or N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science with minimum mark of 50%,
or
a Senior Certificate (prior to 2008) with Mathematics, Physical Science and English with at least a D symbol on the Higher Grade or C symbol on the Standard Grade or N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science with a minimum mark of 50%,
or
a NC(V) National Certificate (Vocational) (Diploma endorsement) with English, Mathematics and Engineering Science with a minimum mark of 50%,
or
a Higher Certificate in relevant field.
Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) must be at least 27 years old; have completed at least Grade 10; and have at least five years' relevant work experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to a qualification. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
Study material for this qualification will only be available online.
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 undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.
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.