Purpose statement
The purpose of the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education is to develop professionally competent educators who are knowledgeable, skilled, and ethically inclined to facilitate early care and learning in diverse early childhood contexts. The open distance e-learning environment (ODel) will afford multi-modal learning opportunities to develop in-depth specialisation of knowledge, practical skills and experience required for quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in a rapidly transforming context.
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.
| Qualification code: | 90187 |
| NQF level: | 6 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 119964 |
| 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 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
A Level 4 or 5 Occupational Certificate in early childhood inclusive of care, development and education can presented for consideration for admission
or
A diploma in early childhood inclusive of care, development and education can be presented for consideration for admission and assessment pertaining to advanced credit standing with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement, as prescribed by institutions accredited to offer learning programmes that lead to the attainment and awarding of the qualification.
Students MUST submit a police clearance certificate when they apply.
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 of 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: http://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 undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 3 November and 19 December 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.