The Higher Certificate in Education: Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase 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 is designed for teacher assistants and aspiring educators who wish to support teaching and learning in the Foundation and Intermediate Phases (Grades R to 6). Students gain foundational knowledge of child development, classroom support, and literacy and numeracy fundamentals within the South African schooling context. The qualification does not on its own confer professional teacher registration, but it prepares students to work as education assistants under a qualified teacher and to progress toward a Bachelor of Education.
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 18. 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 101813.
