The University of South Africa (UNISA) no longer offers any computerised accounting courses. The courses that were offered were ICB Short course: Junior Bookkeeper – Computerised Accounting, and short courses in SAGE Pastel Accounting Software.
However, you can still study ICB courses through reputable distance learning colleges, such as:
Each of these colleges offers three ICB courses. ICB Financial Accounting is the course that includes Computerised Accounting as a subject. The three ICB courses offered are:
- ICB Financial Accounting
- ICB Business Management
- ICB Office Administration
None of these courses requires you to have Matric to apply. You can apply with your Matric if you have it, or you can use a Matric Equivalent, and for some you do not even have to have up to Matric Equivalent to apply.
ICB Study Stream | Business Management | Financial Accounting | Office Administration |
Entry Requirement | Grade 11 or Equivalent | Grade 10 or Equivalent | Matric or Equivalent |
Examples of Equivalents |
|
|
|
Starting NQF Level | 4 | 3 | 5 |
Completion NQF Level | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Subject Examples |
|
|
|
Career Opportunities |
|
|
|
Does UNISA Offer Bookkeeping?
Yes, UNISA does still offer a short learning programme in practical bookkeeping, however, this does not teach any Computerised Accounting information. These courses do require you to have Matric to apply.
What If I Do Not Have Matric?
You can study to get your Matric if you do not have it. You can study your Matric online through distance learning, which will allow you to work to earn an income while you are busy with your studies. You can choose:
- Matric Rewrite – if you are under 21 and have written Matric, but would like to improve your results
- Matric Upgrade – if you are 21 or older and have written Matric, but you would like to improve your results
- Adult Matric – if you are 21 or older, and you have not written Matric
Does NSFAS Pay For Short Courses?
No, NSFAS does not fund any short courses. NSFAS also does not fund any studies done at private institutions, or any postgraduate courses.
How Long Are UNISA Short Courses?
This depends on which short course you choose. They range in length from three months to six months.
What Does A Bookkeeper Earn In South Africa?
The pay scale for a Bookkeeper in South Africa is between R 8 100 and R 29 400 per month. The average salary for a Bookkeeper in South Africa is currently R 14 670 per month.
What Is The Difference Between An Accountant And A Bookkeeper?
The main difference between an Accountant and a Bookkeeper is that a Bookkeeper handles day-to-day recording of transactions, while an Accountant manages the general analysis of the data provided by those reports.
What Have We Learned?
- UNISA no longer offers Pastel Accounting short courses
- UNISA offers one bookkeeping course
- NSFAS does not fund any short courses
- UNISA short courses range from three months to six months in length
- A Bookkeeper handles day-to-day records, while an Accountant analyses those records
Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: July 18, 2022