Undergraduate qualifications

Higher Certificate in Law

Qualification code: 98751
NQF level: 5
Total credits: 120
SAQA ID: 90851
APS/AS: 17
Maximum time to complete this qualification:  3 years

Purpose statement:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare students, who do not comply with the minimum institutional admission requirements for access to diploma or degree studies in the College of Law. The qualification is intended to introduce students to some of the foundational legal principles and legal practice by imparting systematic knowledge, skills, and theoretical competence within the field to prepare them for more specialised training at an advanced level. It is furthermore the intention of the higher certificate programme to deliver graduates who have sound knowledge and the confidence to apply their skills in contemporary society and to enable further study in the College of Law, or even in other colleges who do not set specific subject requirements, like Mathematics. In this respect, the specific purpose is to: - prepare candidates for studies in the world of law; - improve candidates basic proficiency in the English language in order to study in the fields of law; - improve candidates general computer skills, especially for business purposes; and - prepare candidates for higher education in an open and distance learning environment.

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) with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning,
or
a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least an E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning,
or
a National Certificate (Vocational) level 4 with an equivalent of at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning in terms of the NSC.

Selection option for the Higher Certificate studies will be limited and aligned to vocational subject choices obtained in the National Certificate Vocational (NCV) level 4.

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