The Higher Certificate in Law at the University of South Africa (UNISA) is a National Qualifications Framework level 5 open distance learning qualification of 120 credits, with a maximum of three years to complete. It introduces students to the foundations of South African law, including the legal system, sources of law, legal interpretation, and core areas such as the law of persons and the law of contract. Students develop the ability to read and understand basic legal materials and to provide paralegal and administrative support under the supervision of admitted legal practitioners. It also strengthens the academic base of students who intend to progress to an LLB or another legal qualification.
Admission requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning, or a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least an E symbol on the higher grade or a D symbol on the standard grade in the language of teaching and learning, or a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at level 4 with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning. The admission point score (APS/AS) for this qualification is 17. A recognition of prior learning route is available for applicants who are at least 23 years old, have completed at least Grade 10, and have at least three years of relevant work experience. The SAQA identification number for this qualification is 90851.
