What to Do If You Want to Study Teaching at UNISA but Don’t Meet the Prerequisites: Consider the 18 Points Higher Certificate in Education
Having a goal to pursue the University of South Africa (UNISA) for a Bachelor of Education is a great aspiration to have, but what if the formal prerequisites are out of reach for you? Don’t worry—there are alternative routes intended to assist you in earning the qualification, and ultimately, the career of your choice. A suitable pathway of choice is the 18 Points Higher Certificate in Education, a one year program that can serve as an entry into the teaching profession.
Understanding the Prerequisite Challenge
UNISA has set out certain academic prerequisites, and grade 12 subject passes, which a learner needs to have to gain access to the teaching division. Furthermore, the set of marks and subjects a student may have can pose a great challenge. This is where the Higher Certificate in Education has an advantage.
What Is the 18 Points Higher Certificate in Education?
UNISA provides the 18 Points Higher Certificate in Education as a basic qualification that includes basic principles of education and educational theory. It aims at learners wishing to take up the teaching profession but are not yet eligible for the Bachelor of Education degree. It provides a foundational grasp of major education topics in a single academic year that enables learners to master core teaching principles.
Why Select the 18 Points Higher Certificate?
More flexible Admissions: Unlike the Bachelor of Education, this certificate has lesser entry requirements, making it an attractive option if you did not meet the direct entry requirements.
Time-Efficient: This program has a duration of 1 year which means that, without a long-term commitment upfront, you will be able to gain exposure to a university level education.
Progress Towards Further Education: This certificate’s credits often align with the requirements for a Bachelor of Education, facilitating a smoother transition for further studies, which is beneficial for your overall educational journey.
Develops Your Skills: It contains key practical areas such as teaching, educational psychology, and curriculum design, which equip you to further your education and practical teaching experience.
What To Do If You Don’t Meet the Prerequisites
Compile details for the 18 Points Higher Certificate in Education: As an example, you should check the UNISA website or their admissions office for information tailored to your needs as well as the deadlines, fees, and the content of the course.
Submit your application for the Higher Certificate Program closely, be sure to meet all the requirements as the lesser stringent criteria means higher chances for acceptance.
Achieve Success in the One-Year Program: Committed participation in all coursework during the year-long certificate program will allow you to fully engage in the program. This will assist you in developing the academic skills and effective study routines you will require for advanced learning.
Why Select the 18 Points Higher Certificate at UNISA?
A career in education is more than a profession; it is a calling. Teaching is a career for many South Africans that enables them to meaningfully engage in nation building while shaping young minds and uplifting entire communities. What if you want to pursue education but are unable to access the UNISA’s BEd program through normal pathways?
The 18 Points Higher Certificate in Education offers a powerful alternative pathway.
What Is 18 Points Higher Certificate in Education?
The 18 Points Higher Certificate in Education is a one year program offered by UNISA as a foundational qualification. This is for individuals who aspire to become teachers but do not qualify for the minimum entry requirements for the BEd degree.
This program is aimed at building essential academic skills, acquiring critical knowledge, and—most importantly—enabling you to progress in your studies towards becoming a professional teacher.
Why Opt For This Certificate? This Is Why It Is a Wise Decision:
1. A Simple Entry into Teaching
Holding a teaching degree isn’t always possible for everyone who finishes matric. That is perfectly fine. This Higher Certificate is meant for students with a minimum of 18 APS points, making.
2. Builds a Strong Academic Foundation
The program has core modules which access the area of teaching and prepares you for fundamental education roles, including:
Teaching and learning processes
Language and literacy education
Academic and study skills
Basic educational theory
These offer a parallel value. They are not merely beneficial in your teaching career, but offer professional, tangible knowledge and skills you can leverage in your lifetime.
3. Smooth Pathway into the Bachelor of Education Degree
A noteworthy feature of this certificate is the ability of this certificate to act as a pathway into the BEd program. After completing the certificate, you are eligible to apply for the BEd Foundation or Intermediate Phase with UNISA.
Sometimes, these Higher Certificate credits can be applied towards the degree, which means you will have fewer modules to complete later on.
4. Studying Through Distance Learning is Flexible
The Higher Certificate is part of UNISA’s open distance learning (ODL) model, which means you can study from anywhere and at your own pace. This is perfect for those working, parenting, or balancing various responsibilities.
Distance learning brings learners through a controlled environment—they learn discipline, time management, and self-motivation. All of which is essential in teaching the future.
5. Practical and Affordable
The UNISA Higher Certificate is more affordable than a full university program or a private college. It provides a credible and recognized qualification at a fraction of the cost, which is especially beneficial for students from economically disadvantaged families.
Actions to Take If You Do Not Meet Prerequisites for a Teaching Degree at UNISA
The road to becoming a teacher comes with a lot of impact. For many aspiring educators in South Africa, attaining a Bachelor of Education (BEd) from the University of South Africa (UNISA) is a complex process. One of the most common issues is not having the necessary prerequisites.
Step 1: Understand the Admission Requirements
Before you look for solutions, you need to clearly understand where the gap is. UNISA’s BEd programs typically require: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a certain minimum APS (Admission Point Score)
Specific subject passes such as English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and possibly Life Sciences or Physical Science depending on the phase of teaching
Check your APS score and subject achievements to identify what you’re missing.
Step 2: Explore the 18 Point Higher Certificate in Education
This is probably the most beneficial and helpful move for students who do not qualify for the BEd, as they can apply for Higher Certificate in Education which has a minimum requirement of 18 APS points.
Key Benefits of this option:
It is a single year course
Aims to equip students to undertake a degree
Completing the program opens the possibility of moving to a Bachelor of Education at UNISA
It provides foundational academic skills and confidence in the education field
This certificate is a step forward not a step back.
Step 3: Improving Your Matric Results (If Required)
If your APS is too low or specific subjects were not passed, think about improving your matric results:
Enrol with the Department of Basic Education or with private colleges to rewrite grade 12 subjects.
Put particular focus on English, Mathematics, or Mathematical Literacy, as these are often mandatory for most education qualifications.
Even the most modest attempt at one or two subjects can dramatically increase your APS and chances of being accepted.
Step 4: Look Into the Mature Age Exemption Option
If you are 23 and older, but do not meet the formal requirements, you may be eligible for a Mature Age Exemption via UNISA. This is designed for older learners with relevant work experience or education undertaken outside formal settings, allowing them to apply for degree studies with special consideration.
In this case, you would be expected to:
Provide proof of age and relevant experience
Possibly undertake a competency assessment or a foundational module
Reach out to UNISA’s admissions office for additional support.
This is very useful for older learners seeking to transition into a new profession and those who are passionate about teaching.
Step 5: Attend to Work Experience and Volunteering
As you work toward the baseline requirements, try to gain some experience that showcases your commitment to pursue education.
Volunteering in local schools and community learning centers
Tutoring, including after-school help
Participating in youth mentorship
This will not only serve to strengthen your future applications, but also provide you an understanding of the teaching profession.
Further Steps Towards Your Success
Maintain Your Motivation: Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions and this certificate is the first step toward that career.
Participate in Teaching Communities: Take part in the forums and student groups that relate to the teaching profession so that you can learn and network with others.
Obtain Relevant Experience: If you can, volunteer or work in an educational institution so that you gain firsthand experience while you study.
Concluding Remarks
Not having the prerequisites for a teaching degree at UNISA should not be a stumbling block for you. The 18 Points Higher Certificate in Education is an excellent option to earn credits and prepare yourself for a teaching career. With the right mindset and approach educatung generations is not just possible but a reality.
Do you need assistance in obtaining the Higher Certificate’s application deadlines or guidance on how to structure and prepare your application?