Umalusi is South Africa’s official education quality council. Umalusi protects the quality of education in the country. It checks that schools, colleges, and training providers meet national standards, and it issues important certificates like the Matric certificate.
Umalusi does so based on the following legal regulations:
- The National Qualifications Framework Act No 67 of 2008
- The General and Further Education and Training Quality Assurance Act No 58 of 2001
Whether you’re planning to get your Matric, a vocational qualification, or another certificate, understanding Umalusi helps you make the best choices for your future.
What Does Umalusi Do?
Umalusi is responsible for making sure that the qualifications South African students earn are credible, recognised, and meet national standards. While many people know Umalusi as the body that issues Matric certificates, its work goes much deeper. Here’s what Umalusi does behind the scenes to protect the quality of education:
- Develops and Evaluates Qualifications and Curricula
Umalusi constantly reviews and updates the qualifications it oversees (like the NSC, NCV, and GETC) to make sure they remain relevant, fair, and aligned with South Africa’s educational goals. - Moderates National Exams
Before Matric exams are written, Umalusi checks that all question papers meet the correct standard. After the exams, Umalusi ensures that assessments are marked fairly and consistently — this means your results are reliable and nationally comparable. - Certifies Learners’ Achievements
Umalusi is the official body that issues final certificates for qualifications like the National Senior Certificate (Matric), National Certificate (Vocational), and Amended Senior Certificate. These certificates are only issued once Umalusi has verified that all requirements were met.
- Verifies the Authenticity of Certificates
Umalusi offers a verification service to check that a certificate is genuine. This helps employers, institutions, and graduates protect against fraud and ensures that qualifications are valid and traceable.
What Is a Umalusi Certificate?
A Umalusi certificate is an official document that proves you’ve successfully completed a recognised qualification in South Africa. Umalusi is the only body that can issue these certificates for certain types of education, such as school-based learning, vocational training, and adult basic education.
Some of the most common certificates issued by Umalusi include:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) – This is the Matric certificate you earn after finishing Grade 12.
- Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) – Also known as Adult Matric, this certificate is for adult learners who meet the required standards through exam rewrites.
- National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] – For students at TVET colleges doing vocational training.
- General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) – Often earned in Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) programs.
These certificates are only issued after Umalusi verifies that the assessments were fair, valid, and completed at an accredited institution. If your certificate comes from Umalusi, it means your qualification is recognised nationally.
Why Umalusi Certificates Matter?
Umalusi certificates matter because they are trusted proof that a learner has achieved a recognised qualification that meets South Africa’s national education standards. Here’s why they’re important:
- Are Nationally Recognised:
Umalusi is South Africa’s official education quality council. If a certificate has Umalusi’s stamp, it means it’s recognised across the country — whether for employment, further studies, or government use. - Help Prevent Fraud:
Employers and universities often check that a certificate is real. Because Umalusi verifies every certificate it issues, it helps protect learners and organisations from fake or invalid qualifications. - Open Doors to Further Study:
With an Umalusi-certified qualification, students can apply for jobs, higher education, or learnerships. These certificates are key to accessing the next step in your education or career. - Show Quality:
Umalusi certificates mean that the course you completed was properly assessed, fairly marked, and held to strict national standards. It gives both learners and employers peace of mind.
In short, a certificate from Umalusi is more than just a piece of paper — it’s proof that your hard work meets the standards needed for success in South Africa’s education system.
What Is Umalusi Accreditation?
Umalusi is the body in South Africa that accredits private providers of education and training and private assessment institutes to offer tuition and/or assessment for qualifications. These qualifications are set up under the directive of the General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-Framework.
Institutions Accredited By Umalusi
Umalusi is responsible for ensuring that education providers meet the required quality standards before they can offer recognised qualifications. Only approved institutions are granted accreditation to deliver these programmes.
Umalusi currently accredits the following types of institutions:
- Independent Schools
- Private Further Education and Training Colleges (Known as FET Colleges)
- Private Adult Education and Training Providers
- Private Assessment bodies responsible for assessing the qualifications provided by Umalusi
Umalusi does not accredit public providers, instead they monitor and give feedback on the qualifications and curricula used in the following institutions:
Schools
At the school level, Umalusi ensures that institutions offering formal school qualifications meet the necessary quality and assessment standards. This helps protect the value of the certificates learners receive.
At the school level, Umalusi is responsible for the accreditation of the following:
- Amended Senior Certificate (SCA) – Revised Qualification for Adults
- National Senior Certificate (NSC)
TVET Colleges
Umalusi accredits Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges that meet the required quality standards for vocational education. These institutions prepare students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the workplace.
Umalusi accredits the Technical and Vocational Education Training Colleges for the following:
- National Technical Certificate (N3)
- National Certificate Vocational (NCV)
Private Further Education and Training Colleges
Private FET Colleges offer career-focused education and training. These colleges help students gain the skills they need for work or further studies. Before a college can offer recognised qualifications, Umalusi checks that they meet the right quality standards.
Is Bellview Institute Registered With Umalusi
Yes, Bellview Institute is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and offers qualifications that are certified by Umalusi. This means the courses Bellview offers meet the required quality standards and follow the rules set by Umalusi.
When you study at Bellview, you can be sure that your qualification is recognised and trusted. Umalusi checks that the programmes are offered in a way that is fair, clear, and up to standard
Adult Learning Centres
Adult Learning Centres provide opportunities for individuals who want to return to learning and improve their education later in life. These centres focus on basic education and foundational skills.
Umalusi is responsible for the following accreditation at Adult Learning Centres:
General Education and Training Certificate: Adults (GETC)
This qualification is aimed at adults who did not complete school and want to gain a recognised certificate at NQF Level 1. It serves as a stepping stone toward further education and skills development.
Benefits Of Umalusi Accreditation
Umalusi accreditation is important because it shows that a school or college offers good quality education. Here are some of the benefits:
- Knowing that the teaching, exams, and certificates meet national standards.
- You get a recognised qualification that you can use to apply for jobs or further study.
- You can trust that the institution is legal and approved.
- It protects you from fake colleges that offer unrecognised courses.
- Your certificate has more value because it is backed by a trusted education council.
Matric And Umalusi Explained
Umalusi is the official Quality Council responsible for overseeing the standards of general and further education in South Africa. It ensures that qualifications like the Matric Certificate meet national quality requirements.
Any Matric certificate issued in the country must be accredited by Umalusi to be valid and recognised by institutions and employers.
National Senior Certificate Vs Amended Senior Certificate
Because both the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and the Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) are accredited by Umalusi, they are on the same level. Both qualifications allow students who pass to further their studies at a college, tertiary institution, or university. This means there is no difference in the value or recognition of the two certificates.
The only difference between the NSC and the ASC is how and when the certificate is earned. The table below shows the main differences between the National Senior Certificate and the Amended Senior Certificate:
National Senior Certificate (NSC) | Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) |
Awarded to students who complete high school while still attending school | Awarded to individuals who complete their studies after leaving school |
Full-time schooling through a traditional school environment | Distance learning or alternative education methods |
Typically earned by young students (around 18 years old) | Typically earned by adult learners or out-of-school learners |
National Senior Certificate
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) is also known as a Matric Certificate that is issued by Umalusi to every student who passes the year-end matric examination during their matric year (Grade 12). Those who pass this certificate, which is accredited by Umalusi, qualify to study for a Higher Certificate, Diploma, or a Bachelor’s Degree.
To complete matric during high school, students must study seven subjects.
Compulsory Subjects:
When registering for either your National Senior Certificate or your Amended Senior Certificate, Umalusi requires you to write exams for the following compulsory subjects. These subjects include one language at home language level, another language as a first additional language, one of the mathematical subjects.
Life Orientation is only compulsory for those students who are writing their National Senior Certificate during their Grade 12 year in High School.
- English Home Language, or Afrikaans Huistaal, or Any other Home Language
- English First Additional Language, or Afrikaans First Additional Language, or Any other First Additional Language
- Mathematics, or Mathematics Literacy
- Life Orientation (compulsory subject)
Elective Subjects
Umalusi requires students to choose three of the following elective subjects. In order to meet the requirements in order to register for either your National Senior Certificate or your Amended Senior Certificate you will be required to choose three of the following subjects:
- Life Sciences (Formerly Biology)
- Physical Science (Formerly Physics and Chemistry)
- Business, Commerce and Management Studies
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Human and Social Studies
- Geography
- History
Amended Senior Certificate
The Amended Senior Certificate (SC) is also known as an Adult Matric Certificate for individuals who are 21 years and older. The Amended Senior Certificate is designed for those students who want a second chance at obtaining a Senior Certificate. The Amended Senior Certificate will give those students who pass the exams set out for this certificate, the exact same certificate that students obtain during their Grade 12 year in high school. If you did not obtain your National Senior Certificate during Grade 12 then this is the ideal solution for you.
This certificate can be done through distance learning and is ideal for students who meet the age requirements (21 years or older) and who wish to further either their career or their students. This course can be completed in 12 to 24 months and due to the many benefits of studying using distance learning, as specified by Umalusi, this is recommended for a variety of individuals. Those who pass and obtain this certificate, which is also accredited by Umalusi, qualify to study for a Higher Certificate, Diploma, or a Bachelor’s Degree.
To complete the Senior Certificate candidates must register for six subjects. The following is required:
- Students must study two compulsory languages (One Home Language and One First Additional Language)
- Either Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy
- Three Additional subjects
Who Qualifies for a Senior Certificate?
To apply for the Amended Senior Certificate, you must meet certain age and educational requirements. This certificate is available to adult learners who meet one of the following criteria:
- Students who are 21 years of age or older, who have not finished matric
- Adults who are 21 years of age or older, who have not completed an Adult Matric
- Those who are 21 years of age, who have a General Education and Training Certificate (GETC)
- Adults who have passed Grade 9 during high school but never finished Matric
- Adults who are 21 years of age or older, who have completed an equivalent qualification at NQF Level. This qualification must have two official compulsory languages.
Completing Your Amended Senior Certificate Through Bellview Institute For Distance Learning
Choosing to complete your Amended Senior Certificate through Bellview Institute for Distance Learning has many benefits. We offer you the chance to get your Adult Matric Certificate, which is accredited by Umalusi. Here is the general course information for your Amended Senior Certificate if you choose Bellview:
Course: Amended Senior Certificate
Programme Type: National Qualification
Award Type: Senior Certificate
Award Issued By: Umalusi
Accredited By: Umalusi
Course Duration: 12 to 24 Months Recommended
NQF Level: Level 4
SAQA ID Number: 49647
Entry Requirements:
To register for the Amended Senior Certificate (Adult Matric), you need to meet certain academic and age requirements. These ensure that you are prepared to handle the coursework and complete the qualification successfully.
You can apply if you meet one of the following:
- A Grade 9 (Standard 7) school report, or
- A Grade 9 equivalent, accredited programme, such as the ABET programme – note that the programme must be at NQF Level 1, and it must include two official languages, or
- An incomplete matric result, and
- You need to be 21 years old when you write your exams during May and June
Course Subjects:
To complete your Amended Senior Certificate, you must choose a total of six subjects, made up of both compulsory and elective options. Choosing the right subjects can help you qualify for further study or improve your chances of employment.
Compulsory Subjects
The compulsory subjects form the foundation of your studies and are required for all students completing the Amended Senior Certificate.
compulsory subjects :
- English Home Language
- English First Additional Language
- Afrikaans Huistaal
- Afrikaans First Additional Language
- Any other First Additional Language
- Mathematics OR Mathematics Literacy
Elective Subjects
Once you have chosen your compulsory subjects, you will need to select three elective subjects to complete your Amended Senior Certificate. These subjects allow you to focus on areas that match your interests, career goals, or further study plans.
Elective subject options may include:
- Life Sciences (Formerly Biology)
- Physical Science (Formerly Physics and Chemistry)
- Business, Commerce and Management Studies
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Human and Social Studies
- Geography
- History
Take the Next Step With Bellview Institute
Now that you understand what Umalusi is and why it’s so important, it’s time to make your move!
Whether you’re planning to complete your Matric, start a diploma, or upgrade your qualifications, Bellview Institute is here to help you succeed with accredited courses you can trust.
Apply Now or Contact Us today and take the first step toward your future!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Author: Morné van Emmenis