| Qualification code: | 90130 |
| NQF level: | 6 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 112178 |
| APS/AS: | 18 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 8 years |
Purpose statement:
The specific purpose of the Diploma in Chemical Engineering is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practising professional engineering technician. This qualification provides:
Preparation for careers in engineering and areas that potentially benefit from engineering skills, for achieving technical proficiency and competency to contribute to the economy and national development.
The educational base required for registration as a candidate or a professional engineering technician with ECSA (Refer to qualification rules).
Possible admission to an appropriate Advanced Diploma NQF Level 7 qualification, or equivalent.
The qualification reflects the new standard for engineering technologists as required by the Engineering Council of South Africa based on the new HEQF (ECSA document E-02-PN rev.3, 26 November 2015: Qualification Standard for Diploma in Engineering: NQF Level 6).
This qualification is primarily vocational, or industry-oriented, characterised by the knowledge emphasis, general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in a particular field or discipline and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to specific career or professional contexts while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. Programmes leading to this qualification tend to have a strong vocational, professional, or career focus and holders of this qualification are usually prepared to enter a specific niche in the labour market.
Engineering learners completing this qualification will demonstrate competence in all the Exit Level Outcomes contained in this standard.
This qualification contains modules with work-integrated learning and practical components, which will require you to spend time away from your home and responsibilities, to gain the required industry exposure through applying your theoretical understanding in a workplace. You will be expected to complete tasks which will reflect your experience and skills gained while in the workplace. These tasks will be formally assessed and grades awarded.
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Diploma endorsement) with a rating of 4 in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy), English, Physical Science or Technical Science, or N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science with minimum mark of 50%,
or
a Senior Certificate (prior to 2008) with Mathematics, Physical Science and English with at least a D symbol on the Higher Grade or C symbol on the Standard Grade or N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science with a minimum mark of 50%,
or
a NC(V) National Certificate (Vocational) (Diploma endorsement) with English, Mathematics and Engineering Science with a minimum mark of 50%,
or
a Higher Certificate in relevant field.
Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) must be at least 27 years old; have completed at least Grade 10; and have at least five years' relevant work experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to a qualification. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
Study material for this qualification will only be available online.
Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:
Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.
Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Apply for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.
Please take note of the following:
Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.