One thing with UNISA is that it’s one of the largest and most respected universities in South Africa, known for its flexible learning options. The UNISA diploma courses are a fantastic choice if you’re looking to boost your skills or start a new career.
These programs are designed to give you practical knowledge and skills in various fields, whether you’re interested in business, education, technology, or the arts.
The great part? You can study at your own pace from anywhere, making fitting your education into your busy life easier. In this article, we’ll explain the different diploma courses offered at UNISA, what you need to get started, and the fees involved.
Table of contents
- UNISA
- What courses does Unisa offer for diplomas?
- 1 year diploma courses at UNISA
- Can I do a diploma in teaching at UNISA?
- How long are UNISA diploma courses?
- Can I do Masters after post graduate diploma at UNISA?
- UNISA diploma courses and requirements
- UNISA Diploma courses fees
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
UNISA
The University of South Africa, or UNISA, is one of the largest and most inclusive universities in South Africa and even ranks as one of the world’s “mega universities.”
It enrols over 400,000 students, including many international students from more than 130 countries, giving it a global presence.
UNISA is known for its wide range of courses, offering vocational and academic programs catering to diverse career paths. It has gained international accreditation, making its qualifications recognized worldwide.
Established in 1873, UNISA originally served as an examining body for prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge.
Over the years, it has evolved into a distance-learning university, focusing on accessible, flexible education for students worldwide.
In 2004, UNISA expanded further by merging with Technikon Southern Africa and Vista University’s distance education arm, strengthening its position as a leader in online and distance education.
Read: Best 15 TUT Courses In South Africa | 2025 Fee Structure
What courses does Unisa offer for diplomas?
Here’s a list of the UNISA diploma courses:
- Diploma in Accounting Sciences (98200)
- Diploma in Administrative Management (98216)
- Diploma in Agricultural Management (90097)
- Diploma in Animal Health (98026 – AHE)
- Diploma in Chemical Engineering (90130)
- Diploma in Civil Engineering (90137)
- Diploma in Corrections Management (98218)
- Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (90187)
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering (90138)
- Diploma in Explosives Management (98222)
- Diploma in Human Resource Management (98211)
- Diploma in Industrial Engineering (90136)
- Diploma in Information Technology (98806 – ITE)
- Diploma in Law (98750)
- Diploma in Local Government Finance (90083)
- Diploma in Marketing Management (98202)
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (90132)
- Diploma in Mining Engineering (90140)
- Diploma in Nature Conservation (98024 – NCO)
- Diploma in Operations Management (90183)
- Diploma in Ornamental Horticulture (98025 – HOR)
- Diploma in Policing (98220)
- Diploma in Public Administration and Management (98203)
- Diploma in Public Relations (90077)
- Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology (90141)
- Diploma in Safety Management (90107)
- Diploma in Security Management (98221)
- Diploma in Small Business Management (90073)
- Diploma in Tourism Management (98223)
1 year diploma courses at UNISA
Below are the top 1 year diploma courses at UNISA in 2025:
1. Diploma in Accounting Sciences
This diploma is perfect for anyone looking to kickstart a career in accounting. It covers essential topics like financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, and taxation.
You’ll learn accounting principles and gain hands-on experience in financial reporting, preparing you for roles like accountant or financial manager.
Read: 10 Most Affordable Online Accounting Degree
2. Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education
If you are passionate about working with young children, this program is for you. It focuses on child development, teaching methods, and inclusive education practices.
Graduates often find work as early childhood educators, childcare centre managers, or consultants, helping shape the future of young learners.
3. Diploma in Information Technology
Tech enthusiasts will thrive in this course, covering software development, network management, and cybersecurity.
By the end of the program, you’ll have the skills to design and manage IT solutions, making you a valuable candidate in the fast-paced tech industry.
4. Diploma in Law
This diploma offers a comprehensive understanding of law principles for those interested in the legal field.
You’ll study various areas, including criminal and family law, which can prepare you to become a legal assistant or paralegal or even pursue further studies in law.
5. Diploma in Agriculture
This diploma is ideal if you’re interested in the agricultural sector. You’ll learn about crop production, animal husbandry, and farm management. Graduates often play agricultural consultants or farm managers roles, contributing to food security and sustainability.
6. Diploma in Nature Conservation
If you care about the environment, this program will teach you how to manage and conserve natural resources. You’ll study ecology and wildlife management, preparing you for conservation agency or environmental organisation careers.
Can I do a diploma in teaching at UNISA?
Yes, UNISA offers a diploma specifically for teaching in Grade R (the first year of formal schooling in South Africa), called the Diploma in Grade R Teaching. This program prepares teachers to work with young learners by teaching foundational skills and understanding early childhood education in diverse settings.
The diploma emphasizes the core subjects for young learners and how to handle different classroom situations and adapt to policies that apply to Grade R teaching.
Students develop a professional understanding of teaching and practical skills to guide Grade R learners in their growth. This recognized program helps future teachers build their careers in early childhood education.
This program is available through online and distance learning, so it’s convenient for those needing flexibility. However, students must first apply, receive an offer of admission, and then accept that offer to be eligible to register.
How long are UNISA diploma courses?
UNISA diploma courses typically take three years to complete on a full-time basis. However, students can choose to study part-time, which would extend the duration depending on how many modules they take each semester.
For example, the Diploma in Grade R Teaching spans three years and includes courses structured to equip students with the skills needed to teach young learners effectively in diverse settings.
UNISA’s flexible learning system allows students to complete diplomas through distance learning, making it manageable for those with other commitments.
Can I do Masters after post graduate diploma at UNISA?
Yes, you can pursue a master’s degree at UNISA after completing a postgraduate diploma. UNISA’s postgraduate diplomas often include research modules designed to prepare students for further studies at the master’s level.
However, to qualify for admission to a master’s program, you must complete a bridging module to ensure you meet the entry requirements for the advanced coursework and research involved in a master’s degree.
This setup provides an excellent pathway for students who may not have taken the direct route through an undergraduate degree but still want to pursue higher studies and specialized research.
Also, read: Masters or Master’s Degree?: Which Is It?
UNISA diploma courses and requirements
To qualify for a diploma at UNISA, you’ll need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification.
This certificate should meet the specific admission requirements of the diploma program you’re interested in, which usually means you need at least 30% in the language of instruction (like English) and sometimes a set percentage in relevant subjects, depending on the diploma.
If you’re a mature student with work experience or prior learning but without formal qualifications, UNISA also has Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathways, which may help you qualify.
Be sure to check the requirements for each diploma because some may need more specific subjects or scores.
UNISA Diploma courses fees
At UNISA, the fees may vary and are prescribed per subject group. Below is a breakdown of the UNISA diploma courses fees structure:
| Subjects in Education; Law; Psychology; and Public Management and Services | ||||||
| Description | Semester | Total | Minimum amount payable on registration | Due by 31 March 2024 | Due by 15 May 2024 | Due by 15 August 2024 |
| Half module | S1 | R1,025.00 | R340.00 | R685.00 | ||
| S2 | R1,025.00 | R340.00 | R685.00 | |||
| YEAR | R1,025.00 | R340.00 | R685.00 | |||
| Module / Paper | S1 | R2,045.00 | R675.00 | R1,370.00 | ||
| S2 | R2,045.00 | R675.00 | R1,370.00 | |||
| YEAR | R2,045.00 | R675.00 | R685.00 | R685,00 | ||
| Module | S1 | R3,985.00 | R1,315.00 | R2,670.00 | ||
| S2 | R3,985.00 | R1,315.00 | R2,670.00 | |||
| YEAR | R3,985.00 | R1,315.00 | R1,335.00 | R1,335.00 | ||
Subjects in Business Economics and Management Studies, Communication and Journalism, Computer and Information Sciences; Languages, Linguistics and Literature, Philosophy, Religion and Theology, and Social Sciences
| Description | Semester | Total | Minimum amount payable on registration | Due by 31 March 2024 | Due by 15 May 2024 | Due by 15 August 2024 |
| Half module | S1 | R1,010.00 | R335.00 | R675.00 | ||
| S2 | R1,010.00 | R335.00 | R675.00 | |||
| YEAR | R1,010.00 | R335.00 | R675.00 | |||
| Module / Paper | S1 | R2,005.00 | R660.00 | R1,345.00 | ||
| S2 | R2,005.00 | R660.00 | R1,345.00 | |||
| YEAR | R2,005.00 | R660.00 | R672.00 | R673.00 | ||
| Module | S1 | R3,905.00 | R1,290.00 | R2,615.00 | ||
| S2 | R3,905.00 | R1,290.00 | R2,615.00 | |||
| YEAR | R3,905.00 | R1,290.00 | R1,307.00 | R1,308.00 |
Subjects in Architecture and the Built Environment, Engineering; Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences; Mathematics, and Statistics
| Description | Semester | Total | Minimum amount payable on registration | Due by 31 March 2024 | Due by 15 May 2024 | Due by 15 August 2024 |
| Half module | S1 | R990.00 | R325.00 | R665.00 | ||
| S2 | R990.00 | R325.00 | R665.00 | |||
| YEAR | R990.00 | R325.00 | R665.00 | |||
| Module / Paper | S1 | R1,995.00 | R660.00 | R1,335.00 | ||
| S2 | R1,995.00 | R660.00 | R1,335.00 | |||
| YEAR | R1,995.00 | R660.00 | R667.00 | R668.00 | ||
| Module | S1 | R3,875.00 | R1,280.00 | R2,595.00 | ||
| S2 | R3,875.00 | R1,280.00 | R2,595.00 | |||
| YEAR | R3,875.00 | R1,280.00 | R1,297.00 | R1,298.00 |
Subjects in Agriculture and Agricultural Operations; Visual and Performing Arts; Health Professions and related Clinical Sciences; Life Sciences and Physical Sciences
| Description | Semester | Total | Minimum amount payable on registration | Due by 31 March 2024 | Due by 15 May 2024 | Due by 15 August 2024 |
| Half module | S1 | R950.00 | R315.00 | R635.00 | ||
| S2 | R950.00 | R315.00 | R635.00 | |||
| YEAR | R950.00 | R315.00 | R635.00 | |||
| Module / Paper | S1 | R1,905.00 | R630.00 | R1,275.00 | ||
| S2 | R1,905.00 | R630.00 | R1,275.00 | |||
| YEAR | R1,905.00 | R630.00 | R637.00 | R638.00 | ||
| Module | S1 | R3,700.00 | R1,220.00 | R2,480.00 | ||
| S2 | R3,700.00 | R1,220.00 | R2,480.00 | |||
| YEAR | R3,700.00 | R1,220.00 | R1,240.00 | R1,240.00 |
FAQs
Yes, Unisa (the University of South Africa) courses are accredited. The university’s qualifications are audited by the Council for Higher Education (CHE) in South Africa and are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This means that they meet national standards for quality and are recognized both locally and internationally
Yes, Unisa degrees are valid and accredited by the Council on Higher Education in South Africa, ensuring recognition and credibility for graduates.
Yes, you can study at UNISA even if you failed maths, but it depends on the specific course you’re interested in. Many programs do not require maths as a prerequisite. You can consider fields like humanities, education, and specific arts programs, which often have more flexible entry requirements.
Conclusion
UNISA diploma courses are some of the best in South Africa for anyone looking to gain practical skills and advance their careers. With a wide range of programs available, you can find something that matches your interests and career goals. The flexible learning environment makes it easier to balance your studies with other commitments. So, if you’re ready to invest in your future, consider enrolling in a UNISA diploma course and open the door to new opportunities.
References
- en.wikipedia.org – University of South Africa
- unisa.ac.za – UNISA diploma courses
- unisa.ac.za – UNISA fees
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