The IIE Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education is a higher Certificate offered by IIE MSA for 2027 learners, taking 1 year full-time (contact); also offered online 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 IIE Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education at IIE MSA
- A National Senior Certificate with a higher certificate pass and at least 40% for English
- An NC(V) higher certificate pass with 40% for English is also accepted
- A Senior Certificate (no endorsement needed) or SC(A) higher certificate pass with 40% for English also qualifies, as does a NASCA with 40%
- International applicants need a SAQA evaluation showing NSC Level 4 equivalence
About this course
The IIE Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education trains practitioners to care for and teach children from birth to about four years old. It is offered on campus at Ruimsig Johannesburg and other Emeris campuses, and online. The qualification carries 120 credits at NQF Level 5 (SAQA ID 104532).
The course covers child development, health, safety and nutrition, and how to plan and run early literacy, numeracy and life skills activities. You also learn about managing an ECD setting and professional conduct, and you complete a six-week practical placement.
Modules:
- Semester 1: Digital and Academic Literacies; Health, Safety and Nutrition; Early Childhood Learning and Development; Management, Development and Professionalism in ECD; a Communicative Languages elective (isiXhosa, isiZulu or Northern Sotho)
- Semester 2: Facilitating and Managing Literacy Programme; Facilitating and Managing Numeracy Programme; Facilitating and Managing Life Skills Programme; ECD Experience (six weeks of work integrated learning)
It suits caring, patient people who want to work in creches and preschools, or who plan to become Foundation Phase teachers. Graduates may apply to move into the IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase or Intermediate Phase Teaching, subject to admission requirements.
Possible careers
Course intelligence for IIE Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
IIE Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a Preschool Teacher. 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 IIE MSA. Ask IIE MSA directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
IIE MSA’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 IIE MSA and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply online through the Emeris undergraduate contact portal, choose Ruimsig Johannesburg as your campus and pay the R500 non-refundable application fee. Upload a copy of your ID (or certified passport for international students) and your latest school report or final Grade 12 results. Accept your offer on the portal and pay the R3 000 pre-registration fee, which is deducted from tuition, then submit certified documents for final approval. Applications for 2027 close on 30 October 2026, after which a R2 000 late fee applies.
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- Duration
- 1 year full-time (contact); also offered online
- NQF Level
- 5
- Fees
- 2027 Ruimsig tuition R56 581 for the year (full settlement); online study is cheaper. See the 2027 fee schedules.
- Application deadline
- 30 October 2026 for 2027 (R2 000 late fee after this)
- Campus
- Ruimsig Johannesburg Campus, Roodepoort
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
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Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.emeris.ac.za/qualifications/higher-certificate-in-early-childhood-care-and-education, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with IIE MSA before applying.