The Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences 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 intended for students who want to enter the field of accounting sciences but are still deciding which discipline suits them best. Through exposure to financial accounting, management accounting, auditing including internal auditing, and taxation, students build the foundational skills to perform basic accounting duties under supervision, understand core management and business administration concepts, perform accounting calculations, use a computer for basic business purposes, and communicate in English in a business environment. It also supports students who want to strengthen their arithmetic, computing, and English communication skills before progressing to a diploma or degree.
Admission requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning, or a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least an F symbol on the higher grade or an E 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 where the completed vocational subjects fall within the field of Business, Commerce and Management Studies. The admission point score (APS/AS) for this qualification is 14. 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 82106.
