Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences

Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences

Unisa Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences is a one-year academic qualification designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills in accounting. It provides foundational knowledge in financial and management accounting, business law, economic principles, and information systems, preparing students for entry-level roles in accounting or further advanced studies in the field.

The curriculum usually covers basic principles of accounting, financial reporting, taxation, and business law. It’s intended for those looking to enter the accounting profession or enhance their understanding of accounting principles for various business roles. This qualification is intended for candidates wishing to pursue a career in the field of accounting sciences but who are uncertain about the discipline in the accounting sciences that most interest them.

READ: UNISA Accounting Courses 2025-2026

Who Can Study A Higher Certificate Course in Accounting Sciences At Unisa?

Applicants, including new applicants and Unisa students applying for admission to a new qualification, may only register if they have received and accepted an offer of placement from Unisa online. Unisa reserves the right to refuse to process or cancel your registration if it is determined that you were incorrectly admitted to a qualification.

Re-registering students can register for the 2025 academic year once the registration period opens.

Please note: If you wish to pursue a new qualification, apply online for the alternative qualification during the prescribed application period.

How To Choose Higher Certificate Course Modules in Accounting Sciences At Unisa

Each Unisa qualification requires you to complete a specific number of NQF-level credits within a set timeframe to graduate.

• Co-requisite: If Module A is a co-requisite for Module B and you have not yet passed Module A, you must register for both Module A and Module B simultaneously. You cannot cancel your registration for Module A unless you also cancel Module B.
• Pre-requisite: If Module A is a pre-requisite for Module B, you must pass Module A before registering for Module B.

You are limited to registering for a maximum of 60 credits per semester or 120 credits per academic year. This limit does not include supplementary or aegrotat examinations from previous semesters. Modules taken for non-degree or non-diploma purposes also count towards the maximum credit limit.

When choosing your modules, consider the time required for study: approximately 6 to 8 hours per week for semester modules and 4 to 6 hours per week for year modules, as this will affect your academic performance.

READ: UNISA LLB Modules 2025

Curriculum For Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences At Unisa

First Level Modules

Group A. Compulsory:

• AUE1501 – Introduction to Auditing
• BNU1501 – Basic Numeracy
• CAS1501 – Perspectives on Accountancy
• CLA1503 – Commercial Law IC
• ENN1504 – Practising Workplace English
• FAC1501 – Introductory Financial Accounting
• FAC1502 – Financial Accounting Principles, Concepts and Procedures
• MAC1501 – Introduction to Management Accounting
• MNB1501 – Business Management IA
• TAX1501 – Taxation of Salaried Persons

Unisa Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences 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 30% in the language of teaching and learning,
  or
• a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least an F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning,
  or
• A National Certificate (Vocational) with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning and where the completed vocational subjects are from the field of Business, Commerce and Management Studies.