Purpose statement
The qualification aims, through a planned combination of modules, to equip students with the knowledge, skills and values to undertake studies at higher education levels, particularly in Bachelor qualifications requiring Physical Sciences Students will be able to improve their reading and writing skills in academic, business and Standard English, as well as computational, mathematical and statistical skills. The Higher Certificate will give students knowledge of the Physical Sciences, as well as practical skills in laboratories, thereby equipping them to operate as entry-level laboratory assistants in the academic environment, government or industry sectors.
| Qualification code: | 90101 |
| NQF level: | 5 |
| Total credits: | 120 |
| SAQA ID: | 102039 |
| APS/AS: | 15 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 3 years |
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
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.
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.