Higher Certificate in Pastoral Counselling Course Requirements at ATS
Auckland Park Theological Seminary
The Higher Certificate in Pastoral Counselling is a higher Certificate offered by ATS for 2027 learners, taking Distance, pay-as-you-go per module (10 modules) to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Higher Certificate in Pastoral Counselling at ATS
- A National Senior Certificate
- Alternatively, a tertiary qualification at NQF Level 5 (higher certificate)
- Applicants older than 23 with matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board may apply
- Applicants older than 45 may also be considered
About this course
The Higher Certificate in Pastoral Counselling is a 120-credit NQF Level 5 qualification (SAQA ID 102355), accredited by the CHE. It is taught by distance, with printed study material and online virtual classes, and combines theory with a compulsory practical component.
The ten modules are:
- Introduction to Pastoral Counselling
- Pastoral Counselling Presuppositions
- The Pastoral Counselling Process
- A Holistic Perspective on Human Dysfunction
- Cross-Cultural Counselling
- Various Counselling Crises
- Marriage Counselling
- Family Counselling
- Deliverance and Inner Healing
- Introduction to Various Counselling Models
The certificate suits pastors, church care teams and volunteers who support people through crises, marriage and family problems and spiritual struggles, from a Pentecostal Christian perspective. It is not a registration as a psychologist or professional counsellor.
Because it is paid per module and includes the study material, it is an affordable way to start accredited study. Completing it gives access to a bachelor's degree at NQF Level 7, such as the ATS Diploma in Theology or Bachelor of Theology.
Possible careers
Pastoral counsellor in a church, care team leader, community support volunteer or pastor. It leads to the Diploma in Theology or Bachelor of Theology.
Course intelligence for Higher Certificate in Pastoral Counselling
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Higher Certificate in Pastoral Counselling doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like ATS. Ask ATS directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
ATS’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with ATS and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Complete the online application form on the ATS website, then register for your first modules and pay the deposit. Have your ID and school certificate ready. Higher certificate applications are accepted through the year.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Auckland Park Theological Seminary’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Auckland Park Theological Seminary.
View all Courses at ATS
- Duration
- Distance, pay-as-you-go per module (10 modules)
- NQF Level
- 5
- Fees
- 2026: R1 365 per module, study material included; about R200 to post material.
- Application deadline
- Applications accepted through the year
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
Enter your own subject marks and we'll show you real courses you're likely to qualify for, right now, plus what those courses tend to lead to: how in-demand the work is, whether NSFAS is likely to fund it, and how competitive admission is.
Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.ats.ac.za/academic-programmes/higher-certificate-pastoral-counselling/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Auckland Park Theological Seminary before applying.