Requirements to Study Social Work at UNISA: The 2026 Selection Guide

Key Takeaways: It’s More Than Just Marks

• The Qualification: You must apply for the Bachelor of Social Work (Code: 90088). This is a 4-year professional degree (NQF Level 8).
• The “Real” Requirement: While the statutory minimum is an APS of 20, UNISA’s specific selection criteria are much stricter. You generally need 60% (Level 5) in English and 60% in 4 other subjects.
• The “Selection” Hurdle: This is a Selection Qualification. You don’t just apply and get in. You must submit a Police Clearance Certificate and Two Testimonials with your application.
• The “Bridging” Option: If you don’t meet the degree requirements, you can start with the Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (Code: 90011) which requires an APS of 15.
• The Practical Reality: This is not a purely theoretical degree. From your second year, you must complete hundreds of hours of practical work at a welfare organization during the day. You cannot work a full-time office job and complete your 4th year easily.

Social Work is not just a career; it is a calling. In South Africa, the demand for qualified social workers is immense, but the road to qualification is strict.

Many students assume that because UNISA is a “Distance Learning” university, the Social Work degree is easier or purely online. This is a myth. The UNISA Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a rigorous, professionally accredited degree that requires you to work in the field while you study.

Furthermore, getting in is difficult. Hundreds of students are rejected every year because they meet the minimum APS but fail the selection criteria.

Here is the definitive guide to the admission requirements for the 2026 intake.

1. The Qualification Details

Before you apply, ensure you are selecting the correct code. The old degrees have been phased out.

• Qualification Name: Bachelor of Social Work
• Qualification Code: 90088
• NQF Level: 8 (Professional Degree)
• Duration: 4 Years (Minimum)
• Total Credits: 552

Why NQF 8?

Most degrees are NQF 7. The BSW is NQF 8 because it is a professional degree that leads directly to registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).

2. Academic Admission Requirements (The Marks)

This is where the confusion happens. There is a difference between the “Statutory Minimum” (what the law says) and the “Selection Criteria” (what UNISA actually requires).

The Statutory Minimum (Official APS)

• National Senior Certificate (NSC): Bachelor’s Pass.
• APS Score: 20 (Minimum).

The Selection Criteria (The “Real” Rule)

Because space is limited, UNISA prioritizes students with higher marks. To be competitive, you generally need:

• English (Home or FAL): Level 5 (60% or higher).
• Four Other Subjects: Level 5 (60% or higher).
• Note: Life Orientation is usually excluded from this calculation.

What does this mean?

If you have an APS of 21 with 40% in English, you will likely be rejected, even though you met the “minimum” APS. The Department of Social Work looks for academic strength because the course load is heavy.

3. The Additional Documents (Critical Step)

Unlike a BCom or BA where you just submit your matric results, Social Work requires additional evidence of your character. You must upload these during your application.

1. Police Clearance Certificate

• Why? You will be working with vulnerable children and sexual assault survivors. You cannot have a criminal record.
• How to get it: Go to your nearest SAPS station. Apply for a “Police Clearance.” It costs approx R160.
• Timing: It can take 6–8 weeks. Do this now. If you don’t have it by the closing date, your application will be incomplete.

2. Two Testimonials

• What is it? Letters from credible people in your community vouching for your character.
• Who can write them? A school principal, a church leader (Pastor/Priest), a registered Social Worker, or a senior employer.
• Who CANNOT write them? Your mother, friend, or relative.
• Format: Must be on an official letterhead with contact details for verification.

4. The “Bridging” Route (If You Don’t Qualify)

If you have an APS of 18 or your English mark is too low, do not give up. You can take the “Auxiliary” route.

The Course: Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work

• Code: 90011
• APS Requirement: 15
• Admission: NSC (Matric) with 30% in the language of teaching.

How it works:

1. Complete the Higher Certificate (1 Year).
2. Register as a Social Auxiliary Worker with the SACSSP.
3. Use this qualification to apply for the Bachelor of Social Work degree later. (You may receive some credit exemptions, but you usually still need to do the full professional degree).

Tip: This is also an excellent option if you want to start working in the field sooner. Auxiliary workers support Social Workers and earn a salary while they continue studying.

5. The Practical Work (The “Hidden” Requirement)

Many working adults apply for this degree thinking they can study at night and keep their day job. This is very difficult in the later years.

You are required to complete Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). This means working in a real welfare organization (NGO, Government Dept, School) under the supervision of a qualified Social Worker.

The Breakdown:

• Level 1 (1st Year): Mostly theory + limited observation (approx 40 hours).
• Level 2 (2nd Year): BSW2605 – Requires approx 140 hours of practice.
• Level 3 (3rd Year): BSW3705 – Requires approx 200 hours of practice.
• Level 4 (4th Year): BSW4805 – Requires approx 600 hours of practice.

The Reality Check:

In your 4th year, 600 hours equals roughly 3–4 months of full-time work. You cannot do this on weekends. You will need to take leave or negotiate flexible hours with your employer.

6. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Check Dates

UNISA applications usually open in August/September for the following year.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Scan your ID, Matric Results, Police Clearance, and Testimonials into separate PDF files.

Step 3: Apply Online

• Go to www.unisa.ac.za.
• Click “Admissions” > “Undergraduate”.
• Select College of Human Sciences > Bachelor of Social Work.
• Upload all documents.

Step 4: The Selection Wait

Because this is a selection degree, you might wait longer for a response than other students. The Department of Social Work reviews every applicant individually.

7. Registration with the Council (SACSSP)

Once you are accepted and registered as a student at UNISA, you MUST register with the SACSSP as a “Student Social Worker.”

• Why? It is illegal to interact with clients (even for student practicals) if you are not registered.
• Cost: There is a small annual fee for student registration.
• When: You do this in your first year of study. UNISA will provide the forms.

Summary: Is It For You?

The UNISA Bachelor of Social Work is one of the most respected in the country because it produces resilient, independent professionals.

Action Plan:

1. Get to the Police Station: Apply for your clearance certificate today. It is the number one reason for rejected applications.
2. Check your English Mark: If it is below 60%, consider upgrading it or applying for the Higher Certificate (90011) first.
3. Talk to your Employer: If you work full-time, ask them now if they will support you taking time off for practicals in future years.

Disclaimer: Admission requirements and curriculum codes (90088) are subject to change by the UNISA Senate. Always consult the official 2026 UNISA College of Human Sciences prospectus.