Social Auxiliary courses at UNISA and the requirements: Complete list
There is only one social auxiliary work qualification offered by the University of South Africa (UNISA). This is the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work. Prospective students should check the university's latest admission information because the qualification is currently listed as closed.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- What is social auxiliary work?
- Social Auxiliary courses at UNISA
- What are the requirements to study social auxiliary work at UNISA?
- What does the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work cover?
- Does social auxiliary work have practicals?
- How long is a social auxiliary course?
- Are Social Auxiliary courses at UNISA online?
- What are Social Auxiliary course fees?
- How to apply for social auxiliary work at UNISA?
- Is there a free social auxiliary course at UNISA?
- What can you do with a Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work at UNISA?
- How much does social auxiliary work pay in SA?
- Is social auxiliary work a good career?
- Can I become a social worker with a Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work?
- Do social auxiliary workers work alone?
- Is the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work available at UNISA in 2026?
- What is the difference between social work and social auxiliary work?
Key takeaways
- UNISA's Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work is qualification code 90011.
- The qualification is at NQF Level 5 and carries 120 credits.
- The minimum APS/AS score for the qualification is 15.
- The programme includes theoretical learning, practical skills and work-based learning.
- Students must register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
- The qualification can provide a pathway towards further studies, including a Bachelor of Social Work.
What is social auxiliary work?
Social auxiliary work involves assisting qualified social workers in providing social services to individuals, families, groups and communities. Social auxiliary workers operate under the supervision of social workers and may assist with activities such as gathering information, supporting interventions, keeping records and working with clients.
The role requires good communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills because social auxiliary workers interact with people experiencing different social and personal challenges.
Social Auxiliary courses at UNISA
UNISA offers the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (90011). It is an NQF Level 5 qualification comprising 10 modules and 120 credits.
The programme introduces students to social auxiliary work, human development, social welfare, professional ethics, practical skills and the relationship between social auxiliary work and social work.
However, prospective students should note that UNISA currently lists the qualification as closed. Students should consult UNISA's latest application and qualification information for any future intake.
What are the requirements to study social auxiliary work at UNISA?
Social auxiliary courses at UNISA have requirements that focus on a student's academic background as well as their suitability for professional training in social services. Applicants generally need one of the following:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning.
- A Senior Certificate (SC) with at least an F symbol in the language of teaching and learning.
- An appropriate equivalent qualification recognised by UNISA.
The qualification also has an APS/AS score of 15. In addition to the academic admission requirements, students have additional professional obligations. They must register with the SACSSP at the beginning of their studies.
Students also need police clearance and two testimonials before they can register. After registering with UNISA, students are required to register on the National Child Protection Register and complete the relevant documentation for processing by the Department of Social Development.
Note: The minimum APS for Social Auxiliary Work at UNISA is 15. Applicants should remember that the APS requirement is only one part of the admission process.
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What does the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work cover?
The qualification combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Some of the areas covered include:
- Introduction to Social Auxiliary Work
- Human development and fields of practice
- Social auxiliary work practical skills
- Social welfare and social work
- Professional ethics
- Social work as a profession
- Practice and work-based learning
- Communication and professional development
Does social auxiliary work have practicals?
Yes. Social auxiliary work includes practical and work-based learning. UNISA's curriculum includes a module called Social Auxiliary Work Practical Skills, which uses activities such as case studies, observation and role-play to help students develop skills for working with individuals, families, groups and communities.
The qualification also includes practice and work-based learning. This allows students to develop practical skills and understand how social auxiliary work is carried out in professional settings.
How long is a social auxiliary course?
The Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work is structured as a higher-certificate qualification with 10 modules and 120 credits.
Students should follow the study period and registration requirements prescribed by UNISA for the qualification. The actual time required to complete the qualification can depend on the student's registration and academic progress.
Are Social Auxiliary courses at UNISA online?
UNISA is an open distance learning institution, and its social auxiliary work modules are presented online. This allows students to access learning materials and complete much of their academic work through UNISA's distance-learning system.
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What are Social Auxiliary course fees?
For the 2026 academic year, UNISA's prescribed fee table groups relevant subjects under Education; Law; Psychology; and Public Management and Services. The listed fee for a full module in this group is R4,455, with a minimum payment of R1,470 required at registration. The amount a student ultimately pays depends on the modules registered for and their applicable fee category.
Students should therefore not assume that the total cost is simply the module fee multiplied by the number of modules. UNISA advises students to confirm the applicable fees for their specific registration before making payment.
How to apply for social auxiliary work at UNISA?
When applications for the qualification are open, prospective students can apply through UNISA's online application system. The general process includes:
- Visit the official UNISA website.
- Find the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work.
- Check the admission requirements and application status.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
- Wait for UNISA's admission decision.
- If admitted, follow the university's registration instructions.
Applicants should remember that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not automatically guarantee a place.
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Is there a free social auxiliary course at UNISA?
There is no indication that UNISA offers a free Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work. Students are normally responsible for the applicable university fees and other costs associated with their studies.
What can you do with a Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work at UNISA?
The qualification prepares students for work in the social services environment under the supervision of qualified social workers. Possible work environments can include:
- Government social development departments
- Non-governmental organisations
- Community-based organisations
- Welfare organisations
- Child and family services
- Residential care facilities
- Organisations supporting vulnerable communities
How much does social auxiliary work pay in SA?
The salary of a social auxiliary worker varies depending on the employer, location, experience and level of responsibility. Government and private-sector positions may also have different salary structures.
Is social auxiliary work a good career?
Social auxiliary work can be suitable for people interested in supporting individuals and communities and working in the social services sector. The career requires strong communication, empathy, professionalism and the ability to work under the supervision of qualified social workers.
Can I become a social worker with a Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work?
The higher certificate does not make a student a qualified social worker. However, it can provide a pathway to further studies. UNISA lists the Bachelor of Social Work as a related qualification, subject to the applicable admission requirements.
Do social auxiliary workers work alone?
Social auxiliary workers generally work under the supervision of qualified social workers. Their responsibilities are therefore different from those of professionally registered social workers.
Is the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work available at UNISA in 2026?
UNISA currently lists the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work as closed. Prospective students should check the university's official website for any announcement about a future application or intake period.
What is the difference between social work and social auxiliary work?
Social workers are professionally qualified practitioners who provide social work services, while social auxiliary workers assist social workers under supervision. The two roles have different qualifications, responsibilities and professional requirements.
The Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work at UNISA provides foundational training for people interested in supporting social workers and communities. The qualification combines academic learning with practical and work-based components and requires students to meet both university and professional requirements.
Briefly.co.za recently published a list of higher certificate courses at UNISA and their requirements. Students who fail to obtain the minimum requirements for a particular diploma or degree qualification at UNISA can still pursue their dream course by doing a related higher certificate course.
The minimum requirement for enrolment is a Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent qualification. There are over 15 higher certificate courses at UNISA.
Source: Briefly News
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