Dlamini BlessingThe University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest-standing dedicated distance education university in the world, enrolling nearly one-third of all South African students . One of the most common questions from prospective students is whether they can study at UNISA without Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. The good news is that UNISA offers numerous Higher Certificates, Diplomas, and even some Degrees that do not require Maths for admission.
This guide provides a comprehensive list of UNISA courses that do not require Mathematics, organized by qualification level. Each listing includes the APS requirement, English language requirement, duration, and career prospects.
UNISA Courses That Don’t Require Maths
Higher Certificate Courses (No Maths Required)
Higher Certificates are the most accessible entry point for students without Mathematics. These programmes have an APS requirement of 15 and do not require any specific subjects .
Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences
APS Requirement: 15
English Requirement: Level 2 (30-39%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 1 year
What You Will Study: This certificate introduces you to basic concepts in biology, ecology, and environmental science. You will learn about living organisms, ecosystems, environmental conservation, and scientific inquiry methods.
Career Paths: This certificate can serve as a pathway to further studies in life or environmental sciences, or lead to entry-level positions in environmental monitoring, conservation projects, or laboratory assistance.
Higher Certificate in Economics and Management Sciences
APS Requirement: 15
English Requirement: Level 2 (30-39%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 1 year
What You Will Study: This certificate provides foundational knowledge in economics, business management, accounting (basic), and entrepreneurship. You will learn about business operations, financial literacy, and economic principles without requiring advanced mathematics.
Career Paths: This certificate can articulate into Diploma or Degree programmes in Business Management, Economics, or Accounting, or lead to entry-level positions in administration, retail management, or small business operations.
Higher Certificate in Marketing
APS Requirement: 15
English Requirement: Level 2 (30-39%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 1 year
What You Will Study: This certificate focuses on marketing principles, consumer behaviour, advertising, digital marketing, and sales techniques. You will learn how businesses promote products and services to target audiences.
Career Paths: This certificate can lead to further studies in marketing or business, or entry-level positions in sales, marketing assistance, customer service, or social media management.
Higher Certificate in Tourism Management
APS Requirement: 15
English Requirement: Level 2 (30-39%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 1 year
What You Will Study: This certificate introduces you to the tourism industry, including hospitality, travel operations, customer service, and destination management. You will learn about South African tourism, tour guiding basics, and event coordination.
Career Paths: This certificate can articulate into the Diploma in Tourism Management or lead to entry-level positions in hotels, travel agencies, tour operations, or event coordination.
Higher Certificate in Education (Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase)
APS Requirement: 18
English Requirement: Level 3 (40-49%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 1 year
What You Will Study: This certificate prepares you for further studies in education, focusing on foundational teaching concepts, child development, and basic literacy and numeracy teaching methods. It is specifically designed for students who want to become teachers but need to meet the requirements for the BEd programme.
Career Paths: Upon completion, this certificate articulates into the Bachelor of Education (BEd) programme. It is a stepping stone to becoming a qualified foundation phase or intermediate phase teacher .
Higher Certificate in Education (Senior Phase and Further Education and Training)
APS Requirement: 18
English Requirement: Level 3 (40-49%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 1 year
What You Will Study: This certificate prepares you for further studies in secondary education, focusing on teaching methodologies for older learners, subject-specific content, and classroom management.
Career Paths: Upon completion, this certificate articulates into the Bachelor of Education (BEd) programme for senior phase and FET teaching. It is a stepping stone to becoming a qualified high school teacher .
Diploma Courses (No Maths Required)
The following Diploma programmes do not require Mathematics for admission. They have an APS requirement of 17 to 18 and require English at Level 4 (50%).
Diploma in Tourism Management
APS Requirement: 17
English Requirement: Level 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 3 years
What You Will Study: This diploma prepares you for careers in the tourism and hospitality industry. You will study tourism marketing, destination management, travel operations, customer service, event planning, and sustainable tourism practices. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills for the tourism sector.
Career Paths: Tour operator, travel agent, hotel manager, event coordinator, tourist guide, destination marketing officer, and hospitality manager.
Diploma in Grade R Teaching
APS Requirement: 18
English Requirement: Level 3 (40-49%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 3 years
What You Will Study: This diploma qualifies you to teach Grade R learners (the reception year before formal schooling). You will study child development, early literacy, numeracy (basic), life skills, play-based learning, and teaching methodologies for young children.
Career Paths: Grade R teacher, early childhood development practitioner, preschool teacher, and education assistant.
Diploma in Public Relations
APS Requirement: 18
English Requirement: Level 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 3 years
What You Will Study: This diploma prepares you for careers in public relations, corporate communications, and media liaison. You will study PR theory, media relations, crisis communication, event management, copywriting, social media management, and corporate image management.
Career Paths: Public relations officer, communications specialist, media liaison, corporate communicator, event coordinator, and social media manager.
Diploma in Corrections Management
APS Requirement: 18
English Requirement: Level 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 3 years
What You Will Study: This diploma focuses on the management of correctional services and rehabilitation facilities. You will study correctional administration, rehabilitation programmes, offender management, security protocols, and South African correctional policy.
Career Paths: Corrections officer, rehabilitation programme coordinator, correctional facility administrator, and parole officer.
Diploma in Law
APS Requirement: 18
English Requirement: Level 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 3 years
What You Will Study: This diploma provides foundational knowledge in legal principles, court procedures, legal writing, and South African law. You will study criminal law, civil procedure, contract law, legal ethics, and legal research methods. This diploma is an excellent entry point into the legal field without requiring a full LLB degree.
Career Paths: Paralegal, legal assistant, court clerk, legal secretary, compliance officer, and claims handler. This diploma can also serve as a pathway to the LLB degree.
Diploma in Policing
APS Requirement: 18
English Requirement: Level 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 3 years
What You Will Study: This diploma prepares you for careers in law enforcement and policing. You will study criminal justice, police procedures, crime prevention, investigation techniques, community policing, and South African criminal law.
Career Paths: Police officer (with SAPS training), private investigator, security manager, loss prevention officer, and crime intelligence analyst .
Diploma in Security Management
APS Requirement: 18
English Requirement: Level 4 (50-59%)
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 3 years
What You Will Study: This diploma focuses on security management principles, risk assessment, security operations, access control, emergency planning, and security technology. You will learn how to manage security operations for businesses, estates, and events.
Career Paths: Security manager, risk assessor, security consultant, loss prevention manager, and facility security coordinator .
Important Note on Law and Education Degrees
While the Diploma in Law does not require Maths, the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at UNISA has specific Mathematics requirements. According to the official UNISA LLB admission requirements, applicants need Mathematics Level 3 (40-49%) or Mathematics Literacy Level 4 (50-59%) . Similarly, many Bachelor of Education (BEd) streams require Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at specific levels .
If you do not have Maths and wish to pursue an LLB or BEd degree, you can use the Higher Certificate or Diploma pathways listed above to gain entry into these degree programmes after completion.
Understanding UNISA’s Admission Requirements
Before exploring specific courses, it is essential to understand how UNISA calculates your Admission Point Score (APS) and what the different qualification levels mean.
Higher Certificate
APS Requirement: 15 or more
English Requirement: At least 30-40% (Level 2-3) in the language of learning
Mathematics Requirement: Not required
Duration: 1 year
Purpose: Higher Certificates are entry-level qualifications that provide foundational knowledge in a specific field. They are ideal if your APS is below 18 or if you did not meet the requirements for a Diploma or Degree. Upon completion, a Higher Certificate can often articulate into a Diploma or Degree programme .
Diploma
APS Requirement: 18 or more
English Requirement: At least 50% (Level 4) in the language of learning
Mathematics Requirement: Not required for most Humanities and Law diplomas (specific diplomas listed below do not require Maths)
Duration: 3 years
Purpose: Diplomas are more career-focused than Higher Certificates and provide practical training for specific professions. They are an excellent choice if you want to enter the workforce directly after your studies .
Degree
APS Requirement: 20 to 26 (depending on the course)
English Requirement: At least 50% (Level 4) in the language of learning
Mathematics Requirement: Varies by programme. Many Humanities, Education, and Law degrees do not require Maths, but Commerce and Science degrees typically do
Duration: 3 to 4 years
Purpose: Degrees are the most comprehensive undergraduate qualifications and provide a strong theoretical foundation for professional careers and postgraduate studies .
Which Qualifications Require Maths at UNISA?
For your reference, the following types of qualifications at UNISA typically require Mathematics:
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) programmes generally require Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. Most BCom degrees require Mathematics Level 4 (50-59%) for admission.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) programmes require Mathematics and often Physical Science. For example, the BSc in Mathematics and Statistics requires at least 50% in Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) requires Mathematics Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy Level 4.
Bachelor of Education (BEd) streams that include Mathematics or Science teaching subjects require Mathematics. For example, the BEd in Intermediate Phase Teaching with Mathematics and Natural Sciences requires at least 40% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematical Literacy . The BEd in Senior Phase with Mathematical Literacy and Economics requires at least 50% in Mathematics .
Psychology degrees typically require strong English and do not accept Mathematical Literacy .
Nursing requires Life Sciences and English at 50% .
Engineering requires Mathematics and Physical Sciences at 50-60% .
Comparison Table: UNISA Courses Without Maths
| Qualification Level | Programme Name | APS Requirement | English Level | Maths Requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Certificate | Life and Environmental Sciences | 15 | Level 2 | Not required | 1 year |
| Higher Certificate | Economics and Management Sciences | 15 | Level 2 | Not required | 1 year |
| Higher Certificate | Marketing | 15 | Level 2 | Not required | 1 year |
| Higher Certificate | Tourism Management | 15 | Level 2 | Not required | 1 year |
| Higher Certificate | Education (Foundation/Intermediate) | 18 | Level 3 | Not required | 1 year |
| Higher Certificate | Education (Senior/FET) | 18 | Level 3 | Not required | 1 year |
| Diploma | Tourism Management | 17 | Level 4 | Not required | 3 years |
| Diploma | Grade R Teaching | 18 | Level 3 | Not required | 3 years |
| Diploma | Public Relations | 18 | Level 4 | Not required | 3 years |
| Diploma | Corrections Management | 18 | Level 4 | Not required | 3 years |
| Diploma | Law | 18 | Level 4 | Not required | 3 years |
| Diploma | Policing | 18 | Level 4 | Not required | 3 years |
| Diploma | Security Management | 18 | Level 4 | Not required | 3 years |
How to Apply
If you are planning to apply for the 2026 academic year, you should check the UNISA website for exact application dates. Applications typically open in late August or early September and close in October or November.
Application Steps:
1. Choose your qualification from the list above based on your APS and career interests
2. Calculate your APS using your Matric results (or final Grade 11 results if you are a current Grade 12 learner)
3. Check that you meet the English language requirement
4. Apply online through the UNISA application portal (www.unisa.ac.za)
5. Submit your application before the deadline
6. Pay the application fee
You can apply for a maximum of two qualifications, listing your first and second choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any of these courses require Mathematical Literacy?
No. The courses listed in this guide do not require any form of mathematics, including Mathematical Literacy, for admission. However, having Mathematical Literacy will not disqualify you, and it may contribute to your APS calculation.
Can I become a lawyer without Maths?
You can pursue the Diploma in Law without Maths. However, if you wish to complete the full LLB degree, you will need Mathematics Level 3 (40-49%) or Mathematical Literacy Level 4 (50-59%). Alternatively, you can complete the Diploma in Law and then apply for advanced standing in the LLB programme, though the Maths requirement may still apply .
Can I become a teacher without Maths?
Yes, you can become a Grade R teacher through the Diploma in Grade R Teaching without Maths. You can also use the Higher Certificate in Education as a pathway to the BEd degree. However, to become a high school teacher specialising in subjects other than languages and social sciences, you may need Maths .
What if my APS is below 15?
If your APS is below 15, you may not be eligible for any UNISA qualification. You should consider improving your results through supplementary exams or completing a bridging course at a TVET college.
Can I apply with a Diploma pass?
Yes, you can apply for Higher Certificate and Diploma programmes with a Diploma pass. However, Degree programmes require a Bachelor’s pass.
What is the closing date for applications?
Application dates vary each year. Generally, applications for the following academic year open in late August or early September and close in October or November. Check the UNISA website for the most current dates.
Conclusion
Not having Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy does not have to be a barrier to tertiary education at UNISA. The university offers numerous Higher Certificates with APS requirements as low as 15, Diplomas with APS requirements of 17 to 18, and even some Degree pathways through certificate articulation. Whether you are interested in teaching young children through the Diploma in Grade R Teaching, pursuing a career in law through the Diploma in Law, entering the tourism and hospitality industry, working in public relations and corporate communications, or managing security operations, there is a qualification for you at UNISA that does not require Maths.
Higher Certificates provide a stepping stone to further studies, allowing you to articulate into Diploma and Degree programmes after completion. This is an excellent option if your APS is below 18 or if you did not meet the subject requirements for your desired qualification.
Focus on your strengths in languages, humanities, and social sciences, and build a meaningful career around your talents. UNISA’s distance learning model allows you to study from anywhere in South Africa, making higher education accessible regardless of your location.
Disclaimer: Admission requirements, APS scores, and application deadlines are subject to change. Always confirm with the official UNISA website (www.unisa.ac.za) or the latest UNISA admission brochure before applying. The information provided here is based on the most recent publicly available data and is intended as a guide only. Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission, as space is limited and selection is competitive. Some programmes may have additional selection criteria.