Programme Name: Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care
Field: Health Sciences
NQF Level: 5
SAQA ID: 120401
Credits: 125
Duration: 1 Year (Full-time)
Entry Requirements
To register for this qualification, applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements and additional criteria.
Basic Requirements
Applicants must:
• Have a minimum APS of 18
• Pass the Medical Fitness Examination
• Pass the Physical Fitness Assessment
1. Senior Certificate (Prior to 2009)
Applicants must achieve a minimum pass level of 3 (40%-49%) in the following subjects:
• English
• Mathematics
• Biology and/or Physical Sciences
• Additional Subject 1
• Additional Subject 2
• Additional Subject 3
2. National Senior Certificate with Higher Certificate Endorsement
Applicants must have the following subjects and ratings:
• English (Level 3)
• Mathematics (Level 3) or Mathematical Literacy (Level 6)
• Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences (Level 3)
• Additional Subject 1 (Level 3)
• Additional Subject 2 (Level 3)
3. National Certificate (Vocational)
Applicants must obtain a minimum pass of 60% in the following subjects:
• English
• Mathematics
• Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences
Admission Point Score (APS)
APS points are calculated based on the top six matric subjects, excluding Life Orientation. The APS scoring system applies to:
• National Senior Certificate (NSC)
• National Certificate Vocational (NCV)
• Senior Certificate (SC – before 2008)
Applicants must achieve a minimum APS score of 18 to qualify for the programme.
Application Process
Eligible in-service EMS staff who wish to enrol in this Higher Certificate programme must apply online using the official application portal provided by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
Application Link:
Closing Date
03 April 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date to avoid missing this opportunity.
Enquiries
For more information, contact:
Tel: 031 203 0900
If you do not receive feedback within four months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.



