What Can I Study With A Higher Certificate?

Many students choose to study for a Higher Certificate qualification after Matric, because it only takes a single year to complete. But what happens next? You can choose to work, but many students would like to further their studies beyond a Higher Certificate.

Can I Apply For A Degree After Completing A Higher Certificate?

Yes, you can. Many Universities will allow you to apply for a Diploma or a Bachelor’s Degree course using a Higher Certificate in the same area of study. Most will allow you to apply for this course during the final semester of your Higher Certificate course.

This means they can grant you provisional entry based on your mid-year exams, and you will submit your final results once they are released. The university will then make a final decision about your admission to complete a Diploma or Degree programme.

Note that all universities reserve the right to accept or reject your application as they see fit. Meeting the general requirements does not necessarily guarantee your admission into any course.

What Level Is A Higher Certificate?

A Higher Certificate is an NQF level 5 qualification.

NQF stands for National Qualifications Framework, which is a system designed for educational institutions and potential employers to easily identify the educational level of your qualifications. There are 10 NQF levels:

NQF Level	Educational Level
1	Grade 9
2	Grade 10
3	Grade 11
4	Matric
5	Higher Certificate
6	Diploma/Advanced Certificate
7	Bachelor’s Degree/Advanced Diploma
8	Honour’s Degree
9	Master’s Degree
10	Doctoral Degree

Is It Possible To Get A Job With A Higher Certificate?

Yes, you can get a job with a Higher Certificate.

It is now very common for employers to require a Degree qualification with experience to get a job, however, using a Higher Certificate you can often get into an internship programme, or apply for work with your experience.

A Higher Certificate is a vocational qualification, which means it is skills-oriented. This means your course can count as a certain amount of experience. Therefore, many employers may hire you with this level of qualification.

How Do I Qualify For A Higher Certificate?

The entry requirements for a Higher Certificate qualification are a Matric with Higher Certificate pass. The requirements for a Higher Certificate pass are as follows:

40% or above for your Home Language subject
40% or above for two other subjects
30% or above for three other subjects

You may fail one subject and still qualify for a Higher Certificate pass, as long as it is not your Home Language subject. You cannot fail your Home Language subject and pass Matric.

How Many Points Are Needed For A Higher Certificate?

To qualify to study for a Higher Certificate, you must pass Matric with a minimum APS of 15.

How Many Years Does A Higher Certificate Take?

A Higher Certificate takes a minimum of one year to complete. It can take longer, for example, if you study part-time through distance learning. A Higher Certificate can then take up to three years to complete.

Can You Get NSFAS With A Higher Certificate?

You can qualify for NSFAS funding to study for a Higher Certificate qualification. You must meet all other NSFAS requirements, such as maximum household income per year.

NSFAS will also only fund undergraduate studies done at a public South African University. NSFAS does not fund any studies at private institutions.

Can I Study Social Work With A Higher Certificate?

You can study for a Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work. This will qualify you to work in the field of Social Work to support Social Workers in their work. However, if you want to be a Social Worker, you will have to further your studies after the Higher Certificate.

How Many Modules Does A Higher Certificate Have?

A Higher Certificate usually has 10 modules each worth 12 credits. These are split into two groups – a set of compulsory modules, and a set of elective modules. A Higher Certificate requires you to complete 120 credits to qualify to pass.

There are 8 compulsory modules, which you cannot choose, you must take all 8. There is also a list of elective subjects, of which you must choose two. This will make up the ten modules needed to complete your Higher Certificate qualification.

Keep in mind that each institution offers their own Higher Certificate programmes, which means that the number of modules will vary from one institution to the next, as some universities offer modules worth more or less than 12 credits.

Can I Teach Grade R With A Higher Certificate In Education?

No, you cannot teach any grades with only a Higher Certificate qualification. However, your Higher Certificate can help you to apply to further your studies with a Diploma in Grade R Teaching or a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching.

Only a Diploma or a Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant phase of learning will qualify you to be able to teach. The phases are as follows:

Phase	Grades You Can Teach
Foundation Phase	Grades R to 3
Intermediate Phase	Grades 4 to 6
Senior Phase	Grades 7 to 9
Further Education and Training Phase	Grades 10 to Matric

What Can I Study If I Do Not Qualify For A Higher Certificate Course?

There are many study options available if you have passed Matric but cannot study for a Higher Certificate, such as:

NATED courses
ICB courses
CIMA courses
Short courses
Matric Rewrite
Matric Upgrade

NATED Courses

NATED stands for National Accredited Technical Education Diploma. These courses have been designed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to help bridge the youth unemployment gap.

These courses have been accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This means that they are recognised as formal qualifications in South Africa, and you can use them to apply for work or to further your studies.

There are seven streams of study in NATED courses:

Business Management
Educare
Financial Management
Human Resource Management
Legal Secretary
Management Assistant
Marketing Management

NATED Business Management

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66871
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior Certificate
Subjects	Management Communication N4 Introductory Accounting N4 Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 Computer Practice N4
Career Options	Assistant Manager Sales Assistant Office Assistant

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66929
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Business Management National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5 Sales Management N5 Public Relations N5 Computer Practice N5
Career Options	Sales Person Public Relations Assistant Management Assistant

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66995
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Business Management National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Entrepreneurship and Business Management N6 Sales Management N6 Cost and Management Accounting N5 Public Relations N6
Career Options	Team Leader Workshop Manager Marketing Coordinator

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67036
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Business Management National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Business Manager Supply Chain Manager Sales Consultant

NATED Educare

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66883
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior Certificate
Subjects	Educare Didactics N4 Child Health N4 Education N4 Day Care Personnel Development N4
Career Options	Educare Practitioner Playgroup Practitioner Au Pair

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66971
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Educare National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Educare Didactics N5 Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 Educational Psychology N5 Daycare Communication N5
Career Options	Child Health and Nutrition Caretaker Day Care Administrator Day Care Manager

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67007
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Educare National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Educare Didactics N6 Daycare Management N6 Educational Psychology N6 Daycare Communication N6
Career Options	Day Care Manager Early Childhood Development Teacher Educare Teacher

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67050
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Educare National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Educare Facilitator Nursery School Assistant Teacher Nursery Teacher

NATED Financial Management

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66874
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior Certificate
Subjects	Financial Accounting N4 Computerised Financial Systems N4 Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 Management Communication N4
Career Options	Accounts Clerk Audit Assistant Bookkeeper

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66954
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Financial Management National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Financial Accounting N5 Computerised Financial Systems N5 Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5 Cost & Management Accounting N5
Career Options	Administrative Clerk Loan Consultant Sales Team Leader

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66998
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Financial Management National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Financial Accounting N6 Computerised Financial Systems N6 Entrepreneurship and Business Management N6 Cost & Management Accounting N6
Career Options	Financial Manager Finance Controller Audit Clerk

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67040
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Financial Management National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Assets Management Supervisor Bank Teller Finance Administrator

NATED Human Resource Management

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66873
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior Certificate
Subjects	Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 Personnel Management N4 Management Communication N4 Computer Practice N4
Career Options	Administrative Clerk Human Resource Management Assistant Skills Development Facilitator

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66953
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Human Resource Management National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Personnel Management N5 Personnel Training N5 Labour Relations N5 Computer Practice N5
Career Options	Billing Coordinator Clients Relations Coordinator Risk Administrator

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66997
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Human Resource Management National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Personnel Management N6 Personnel Training N6 Labour Relations N6 Computer Practice N6
Career Options	Human Resource Manager Recruitment Manager Benefits Manager

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67039
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Human Resource Management National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Human Resources Consultant Labour Relations Consultant Employee Relations Consultant

NATED Legal Secretary

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66883
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior Certificate
Subjects	Office Practice N4 Communication N4 Information Processing N4 Mercantile Law N4
Career Options	Filing Clerk Junior Conveyancing Secretary Receptionist

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66959
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Legal Secretary National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Office Practice N5 Communication N5 Information Processing N5 Legal Practice N5
Career Options	Administrative Assistant Junior Conveyancing Assistant Personal Assistant

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66880
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Legal Secretary National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Office Practice N6 Legal Practice N6 Information Processing N6 Mercantile Law N5
Career Options	Conveyancing Assistant Legal Clerk Office Assistant

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67035
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Legal Secretary National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Junior Legal Secretary Junior Litigation Secretary Legal: Committee Secretary

NATED Management Assistant

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66876
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior Certificate
Subjects	Communication N4 Office Practice N4 Information Processing N4 Computer Practice N4
Career Options	Administrative Clerk Office Manager Receptionist

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66956
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Management Assistant National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Communication N5 Office Practice N5 Information Processing N5 Computer Practice N5
Career Options	Personal Assistant Private Secretary Typist

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67001
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Management Assistant National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Office Practice N6 Information Processing N6 Public Relations N5 Computer Practice N6
Career Options	Clerk Management Assistant Office Administrator

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67033
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Management Assistant National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Assistant Manager Data Capturer Executive Assistant

NATED Marketing Management

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66872
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior Certificate
Subjects	Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 Marketing Management N4 Management Communication N4 Computer Practice N4
Career Options	Junior Marketing Writer Marketing Sales Administrator Sales Assistant

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66952
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Marketing Management National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5 Marketing Management N5 Sales Management N5 Computer Practice N5
Career Options	Content Writer Marketing Assistant Sales Manager

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66996
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Marketing Management National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Marketing Management N6 Sales Management N6 Marketing Communication N6 Marketing Research N6
Career Options	Advertiser Marketing Manager Marketing Researcher

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67037
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Marketing Management National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Brand Manager Product Manager Public Relations Consultant

ICB Courses

ICB courses are accredited by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) and QCTO. These courses are also recognised as formal qualifications, and are highly regarded in South Africa because they teach scarce skills.

ICB courses are also internationally recognised, and they go up to the Diploma level. You can also study these courses without Matric. There are three ICB courses you can choose to study without Matric:

Business Management
Financial Accounting
Office Administration

Business Management

National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	4
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	48736
Credits	120
Entry Requirements	Grade 11 or Equivalent Certificate (Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate)
Subjects	Business Management 1 (BMT1) Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB) Business Literacy (BUSL)
Career Options	Junior Researcher Junior Analyst Sales Assistant

Higher Certificate: Office Administration
Qualification	Higher Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	23619
Credits	240
Entry Requirements	National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management
Subjects	Office and Legal Practice (OLPR) Business Management 2 (BMT2) Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR) Financial Statements (FNST) Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)
Career Options	Senior Office Administrator General Office Manager Customer Service Manager

National Diploma: Financial Accounting
Qualification	National Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	20366
Credits	280
Entry Requirements	ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration
Subjects	Business Management 3 (BMT3) Financial Management and Control (FMCL) Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF) Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation, topic: Business Management) (RTAP)
Career Options	Accounting Officer Business Manager Business Advisor

Financial Accounting

National Certificate: Bookkeeping
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	3
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	58375
Credits	120
Entry Requirements	Grade 10 or Equivalent Certificate
Subjects	Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB) Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns (PMSR) Computerised Bookkeeping (CPBK) Business Literacy (BUSL)
Career Options	Junior Bookkeeper Accounts Clerk Payroll Clerk

Further Education And Training Certificate: Bookkeeping
Qualification	FET Certificate
NQF Level	4
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	58376
Credits	130
Entry Requirements	ICB National Certificate: Bookkeeping
Subjects	Financial Statements (FNST) Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT)
Career Options	Senior Bookkeeper Junior Accountant Assistant Accountant

National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting
Qualification	National Diploma
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	36213
Credits	251
Entry Requirements	ICB Further Education And Training Certificate: Bookkeeping
Subjects	Income Tax Returns (ITRT) Business Law and Accounting Control (BLAC)
Career Options	Technical Financial Accountant Accounting Technician Tax Technician

National Diploma: Financial Accounting
Qualification	National Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	20366
Credits	280
Entry Requirements	ICB National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting
Subjects	Corporate Strategy (CRPS) Management Accounting Control Systems (MACS) Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF) Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation; topic: Financial Accounting) (RTAP)
Career Options	Financial Accountant Tax Practitioner Tax Consultant

Office Administration

National Certificate: Office Administration
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	23618
Credits	120
Entry Requirements	Matric or Matric Equivalent (Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate or Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate)
Subjects	Business and Office Administration 1 (BOA1) Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB) Business Literacy (BUSL) Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR) Business Law and Administrative Practice (BLAP) Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT)
Career Options	Junior Office Administrator Receptionist Office Assistant

Higher Certificate: Office Administration
Qualification	Higher Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	23619
Credits	240
Entry Requirements	ICB National Certificate: Office Administration
Subjects	Business and Office Administration 2 (BOA2) Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR) Economics (ECON)
Career Options	Senior Office Administrator General Office Manager Labour Relations Administrator

Diploma: Office Administration
Qualification	National Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	35958
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration
Subjects	Business and Office Administration 3 (BOA3) Financial Statements (FNST) Management (MGMT)
Career Options	Office Manager Public Relations Manager Administrative Manager

Where Can I Study ICB Courses?

There are many places where you can study ICB courses. Some reputable distance learning colleges that offer these ICB courses are:

CIMA Courses

CIMA courses are designed by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. They are also accredited by CIMA, and are recognised as formal qualifications in South Africa. CIMA qualifications are also recognised internationally, and go up to the Degree level.

There are four levels of study in CIMA courses:

Business Accounting: CIMA Certificate Level
Business Accounting: CIMA Operational Level
Business Accounting: CIMA Managerial Level
Business Accounting: CIMA Strategic Level

Business Accounting: CIMA Certificate Level
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
SAQA ID Number	24418
Credits	120
Entry Requirements	Be 16 years or older Have had pure maths as a school subject Be able to read and write in English
Subjects	Fundamentals of Business Economics Fundamentals of Management Accounting Fundamentals of Financial Accounting Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance, and Business Law
Career Options	Business Manager Management Accountant Business Analyst

Business Accounting: CIMA Operational Level
Qualification	National Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
SAQA ID Number	24406
Credits	240
Entry Requirements	Business Accounting: CIMA Certificate Level
Subjects	Managing Finance in a Digital World Financial Reporting Management Accounting Operational Case Study Operational Gateway
Career Options	Accountant Bookkeeper Financial Manager

Business Accounting: CIMA Managerial Level
Qualification	Advanced Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
SAQA ID Number	24406
Credits	240
Entry Requirements	Business Accounting: CIMA Operational Level
Subjects	Managing Performance Advanced Financial Reporting Advanced Management Accounting Management Case Study Managerial Gateway
Career Options	Business Analyst Management Accountant Accounts Assistant

Business Accounting: CIMA Strategic Level
Qualification	Professional Qualification: Chartered Management Accountant
NQF Level	7
Accredited by	The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
SAQA ID Number	20400
Credits	390
Entry Requirements	Business Accounting: CIMA Managerial Level
Subjects	Strategic Management Financial Strategy Risk Management Strategic Case Study Strategic Gateway
Career Options	Debtors Clerk Business Manager Chief Financial Officer

Where Can I Study CIMA Courses?

Many distance learning colleges offer CIMA courses, such as:

Short Courses

Short courses are designed to work on the skills necessary for your chosen field. They work to give you practical knowledge that you can use to begin your career journey as soon as possible.

The short courses offered at our partner colleges are open-access, meaning there are only two requirements you have to meet to be able to apply:

You must be over the age of 16
You must be able to understand, read and write in English

Each college offers a different set of study streams in short courses. However, most of them have three levels:

A Short Course which takes a minimum of four months to complete
A Certificate Course which takes a minimum of eight months to complete
A Comprehensive Certificate Course which takes a minimum of 12 months to complete

Short Courses At Matric College

Short Courses At Skills Academy

Short Courses At Ember Academy

Short Courses At Learning Group

Matric Programmes

These two Matric courses are available for those who have written Matric but would like to improve their results. The courses you can choose are:

Matric Rewrite – for those who are under the age of 21
Matric Upgrade – for those who are over the age of 21

Matric Rewrite

You can do a Matric Rewrite up to five years after your Matric year, as long as you are still under the age of 21. You may rewrite a maximum of four subjects. You cannot change any of your subjects, you must rewrite subjects you wrote for your Matric final exams.

Matric Upgrade

You can do a Matric Upgrade as soon as you are over the age of 21. You can apply as early as 19, but you must be 21 to write the exams. This is because you will write the Adult Matric exams.

You may upgrade a maximum of four subjects. However, you can also choose to change up to four subjects instead. There is no limit to the number of times you can upgrade your Matric. There is no age limit to when you can upgrade your Matric, as long as you are over the age of 21.

Where Can I Study Matric Programmes?

There are many reputable colleges that offer Matric programmes through distance learning, such as:

What Have We Learned?

You can apply to further your studies at the Diploma or Degree level using a Higher Certificate
A Higher Certificate is an NQF level 5 qualification
There are 10 NQF levels
You can apply for work with a Higher Certificate
You can qualify to study for a Higher Certificate by achieving a Higher Certificate pass and APS 15 for Matric
A Higher Certificate takes a minimum of one year to complete, and can take up to three years to complete
NSFAS does fund Higher Certificate courses as long as they are at a South African public university
You can study Social Auxiliary Work at the Higher Certificate level
You must further your studies to the Degree level to be able to be a Social Worker
A Higher Certificate usually has 10 modules
You cannot be a teacher with only a Higher Certificate, you must have a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in teaching at the relevant phase
There are many things you can study if you do not qualify for a Higher Certificate course

Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: July 7, 2022