Undergraduate qualifications

Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education

Qualification code: 90187
NQF level: 6
Total credits: 360
SAQA ID: 119964
APS/AS: 18
Maximum time to complete this qualification:  8 years

Admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

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 at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning,
or
A Senior Certificate (SC) with at least a E symbol in HG or D symbol in SG in the language of teaching and learning,
or
A National Senior Certificate for Adults (NASCA) (Diploma endorsement) with at least a 50% in the language of teaching and learning,
or
A Level 4 or 5 Occupational Certificate in early childhood inclusive of care, development and education can presented for consideration for admission
or
A diploma in early childhood inclusive of care, development and education can be presented for consideration for admission and assessment pertaining to advanced credit standing with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement, as prescribed by institutions accredited to offer learning programmes that lead to the attainment and awarding of the qualification.
Students MUST submit a police clearance certificate when they apply.
Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) must be at least 23 years old; have completed at least Grade 10; and have at least five years of relevant teaching experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to a qualification. For more information on RPL criteria visit: www.unisa.ac.za/rpl

Student fees and funding your studies

Application fee

Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:

  • R150 for online applications
  • Use the 8 digit student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie YOUR 8 digit STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030)
  • Send the proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za
  • Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information

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.


Student fees

Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Apply for admission

Apply for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.      

Please take note of the following:

  • All applications for admission must be submitted online. 
  • Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission requirements and if space is available.

Registration

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.

Curriculum / modules