UNISA PGCE application 2027: Deadlines, requirements, cost

The University of South Africa (UNISA) accepts applications for several Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) qualifications designed for graduates who want to become professional teachers. The 2027 application cycle is expected to follow UNISA's annual admissions process. Applicants are required to meet programme-specific admission requirements and apply online through the university's admissions portal.

Key takeaways

• UNISA offers several PGCE specialisation streams under Qualification 90148.
• Applicants must hold an appropriate accredited bachelor's degree that matches the chosen teaching specialisation.
• Applications are completed online and require payment of a non-refundable R150 application fee.
• Tuition fees vary depending on the number of modules registered.

UNISA PGCE application 2027

Applications for the 2027 academic year are expected to open during UNISA's annual undergraduate application period. Although the university had previously phased out older PGCE qualifications, it now offers new subject-specific PGCE streams under qualification code 90148.

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Admission is competitive and depends on meeting the minimum entry requirements and space availability. Applicants must submit their applications online before the published deadline.

Are PGCE applications open at UNISA?

At the time of writing, UNISA has not yet announced the official opening and closing dates for the 2027 application cycle. Prospective students should monitor the university's admissions website for confirmed dates.

Based on recent admission cycles, undergraduate applications typically open once a year. Nonetheless, you can apply for alternative courses. The UNISA PGCE application 2026 opening date was from 3 June to 17 June 2026

PGCE UNISA online application

The online application window for the UNISA PGCE program generally opens once a year during the winter/spring months, running from mid-August and closing in mid-October. Here is the application process.

1. Visit the UNISA online application portal.
2. Select your preferred PGCE specialisation.
3. Create or log into your myUnisa account.
4. Upload all required supporting documents.
5. Pay the non-refundable application fee of R150.
6. Submit your application before the closing date.

Applicants may apply for up to three qualifications in order of preference.

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Possible alternatives to PGCE

If you wish to become a teacher, a good starting place would be taking a Bachelor of Education degree (Intermediate and Senior Phase Teaching) course.

UNISA's Department of Higher Education and Training encourages young people to pursue this degree program because it leads to better employment opportunities.

How long is the UNISA PGCE program?

The PGCE consists of 132 credits. The duration depends on a student's study load, with many students completing the qualification within one academic year of full-time study or over a longer period through part-time distance learning.

What are the UNISA PGCE requirements?

Admission requirements vary depending on the chosen teaching stream. Generally, applicants need:

• an accredited bachelor's degree (360 or 480 credits);
• the required teaching subject completed to the specified level;
• additional supporting subjects required for the selected stream.

For example:

• English must be completed up to third-year level for English teaching streams.
• Geography must be completed up to third-year level for Geography teaching.
• Mathematics, Sciences or other school subjects may also be required depending on the specialisation.

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Applicants who do not meet all subject requirements are advised to consider a Bachelor of Education qualification instead.

Can you do PGCE with a diploma at UNISA?

No. Applicants must hold an appropriate bachelor's degree. From 2026 onwards, the National N Diploma is not accepted for admission into UNISA's PGCE programmes.

How much is PGCE at UNISA?

Students must first pay a non-refundable R150 application fee. Tuition fees vary depending on the modules registered, and students should also budget for prescribed textbooks and other study materials. UNISA publishes the latest fee schedules on its official website each year.

Does NSFAS fund PGCE at UNISA?

NSFAS generally does not fund postgraduate qualifications such as the PGCE. Students pursuing teacher education should instead explore funding opportunities such as the Funza Lushaka Bursary, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Which courses are still available at UNISA for 2026?

UNISA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fields such as:

• Education (excluding PGCE)
• Business and Management
• Law
• Science, Engineering, and Technology
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Accounting and Finance
• Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

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What PGCE specialisations does UNISA offer?

UNISA offers several PGCE teaching streams, including English and Life Orientation, English and Social Sciences, Geography, Physical Sciences and Mathematics, among others. Each stream has its own admission requirements based on the applicant's undergraduate studies.

What documents are required for a UNISA PGCE application?

Applicants are generally required to upload certified copies of their identification document or passport, academic transcripts, qualification certificates and any other supporting documents requested by UNISA before the application closing date.

Is UNISA still open for 2027 applications?

UNISA has not yet announced the official UNISA PGCE application 2027 opening date. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the university's admissions portal for updates. Previous application cycles typically opened during the annual undergraduate admissions period.

When is the UNISA PGCE application 2027 deadline?

The official UNISA PGCE application 2027 deadline has not yet been published. Applications submitted after the closing date are generally not considered, so prospective students should apply as soon as the admission window opens.

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Is Unisa still offering PGCE?

Yes. UNISA offers several subject-specific PGCE qualifications under qualification code 90148 for graduates who meet the admission requirements. These programmes prepare students to become qualified teachers in selected subject areas.

Which one is better, PGCE or PGDE?

Neither qualification is universally better because they serve different purposes. A PGCE prepares graduates for professional school teaching, while a PGDE is generally designed for advanced academic or professional development after completing a degree. If your goal is to become a registered teacher in South Africa, a PGCE is usually the more appropriate qualification.

The UNISA PGCE application 2027 gives graduates an opportunity to qualify as professional teachers through one of several subject-specific teaching streams. Prospective students should carefully review the admission requirements for their chosen specialisation, prepare the required supporting documents and submit their online applications before the official deadline once applications open.

Briefly.co.za listed all UNISA courses, requirements, fees, and contact details. Many South Africans desire higher education for various reasons, and UNISA is among the reputable institutions to join.

The institution offers higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas. It also offers undergraduate, Baccalaureus Technologies, postgraduate programs, and short courses.

Source: Briefly News