The Diploma in Nature Conservation at the University of South Africa (UNISA) is a three-year open distance learning qualification at NQF level 6, offered through the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. It develops applied competence in the conservation and management of natural resources, covering ecology, biodiversity, wildlife and habitat management, resource use, and conservation legislation. Students build the practical grounding to support the management of protected areas, game reserves, and conservation programmes across South Africa, and the qualification includes work-integrated learning that provides real industry exposure. It also prepares students for further study towards an advanced diploma in nature conservation.
Admission requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Diploma endorsement with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning and at least 50% in Mathematics, together with at least 40% in one of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, or Agricultural Sciences, or a Senior Certificate (SC) with equivalent passes. The minimum admission point score (APS) for this qualification is 18. The qualification is offered through open distance learning.
