Applications are open for the 2027 Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care – Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) intake in the Northern Cape.
The programme is offered through the Northern Cape College of Emergency Medical Care in partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The advertised intake is for full-time study over 12 months, with 20 training opportunities available.
Applicants should pay close attention to the academic requirements. The advertised criteria include specific minimum levels for English, Life Science, Mathematics and Physical Science, while Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
The application closing date is 31 October 2026.
Quick Summary
The 2027 ECA intake is aimed at applicants who want to pursue training in emergency medical care.
The qualification is a Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care at NQF Level 5, and UJ lists the programme as a one-year, full-time qualification. SAQA identifies the qualification as SAQA ID 111391.
The Northern Cape recruitment notice reproduced by Edupstairs states that only Northern Cape applicants will be considered and that 20 training opportunities are available.
Emergency Care Assistant 2027: What You Need to Know
The programme provides an entry-level pathway into emergency medical care. SAQA says the qualification develops competencies for Emergency Care Assistants working under the guidance of Emergency Care Technicians, Emergency Care Practitioners and Medical Officers.
UJ’s programme information confirms that the qualification is offered full-time at NQF Level 5, with a one-year duration and an application closing date of 31 October 2026.
Opportunity Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care |
| Career pathway | Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) |
| Intake | 2027 |
| Training institution | Northern Cape College of Emergency Medical Care |
| Academic partner | University of Johannesburg |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Duration | 1 year / 12 months |
| NQF level | 5 |
| Training opportunities | 20 |
| Province | Northern Cape |
| Closing date | 31 October 2026 |
The 20-place figure and Northern Cape-specific recruitment details come from the recruitment notice reported by Edupstairs, while UJ independently confirms the qualification, duration, NQF level and 31 October 2026 application closing date.
Who Can Apply?
According to the advertised Northern Cape intake requirements, applicants must have Grade 12/Matric with the following subject results:
- English: Level 5 or higher
- Life Science: Level 4 or higher
- Mathematics: Level 3 or higher
- Physical Science: Level 3 or higher
- Two additional subjects: Level 3 or higher each
- Mathematical Literacy: Not accepted
UJ’s published admission requirements also specify a minimum APS of 21 and confirm that Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
The Northern Cape recruitment information further states that only Northern Cape applicants will be considered.
An additional tertiary qualification in a related clinical field is described as an advantage rather than a basic requirement.
What the Programme Involves
The Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care is more than a general first-aid course. It is a formal higher-education qualification designed around emergency medical care.
SAQA describes the qualification as developing the knowledge and competencies required for Emergency Care Assistants and includes theoretical and work-integrated learning components in approved clinical settings or facilities.
The qualification includes areas such as emergency medical care theory and practical work, clinical practice, anatomy, chemistry, mental health and wellness, professional practice and end-user computing.
SAQA also states that the qualification provides an entry point into emergency services and a foundation for further study in pre-hospital emergency medical care.
Selection Process
Applicants should understand that meeting the academic requirements does not by itself mean admission is guaranteed.
UJ’s current programme information lists a selection process that includes:
- Academic merit
- A structured personal interview
- Phobia evaluation
- Medical examination
- Physical fitness and swimming proficiency evaluation
- English proficiency evaluation
- Previous appropriate experience as a recommendation
The Northern Cape recruitment information also describes assessments involving areas such as stamina, endurance, upper-body strength and responses to heights, confined spaces and water.
What Applicants Should Know Before Applying
The Mathematics requirement is particularly important.
Applicants should check their actual Matric subject results rather than assuming that any mathematics-related subject will satisfy the requirement. Both the Northern Cape recruitment information and UJ state that Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
Applicants should also confirm that they meet the required levels for English, Life Science and Physical Science before starting the application.
Helpful applicant advice: Keep copies of all documents submitted and confirm the latest application instructions with the relevant institution if anything is unclear.
What Applicants Should Prepare
The Northern Cape recruitment information states that applicants applying through the College should submit:
- The prescribed University of Johannesburg application form
- A detailed CV
- South African ID
- Matric Certificate
Applicants using the online UJ route should follow the University’s current application instructions rather than relying on older application procedures.
How to Apply
The advertised recruitment information provides two application routes.
Option 1: Northern Cape College of Emergency Medical Care
Applicants can visit the College for assistance with the application process and submit the required application documentation.
Option 2: University of Johannesburg
UJ’s official programme page provides the online application route for the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care. The university lists the programme code as F9E01Q and gives the application period as ending on 31 October 2026.
University of Johannesburg — Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care
Application tip: Make sure you select the correct Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care programme and the relevant intake when completing an online application.
Important Date
Closing date: 31 October 2026.
Applicants should check the application status and requirements before submitting, particularly if they are applying close to the deadline.
Why This Opportunity May Be Worth Considering
For applicants who meet the subject requirements and are interested in emergency medical services, this intake provides a formal route into an emergency-care qualification.
The qualification is registered at NQF Level 5 and is designed as an entry point into emergency medical care. SAQA also records progression possibilities into further qualifications in the field.
It is important, however, to distinguish the qualification from a guaranteed job. Completing the programme does not mean that employment is automatically provided.
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Final Reminder
Before applying, check your Matric results against every required subject level.
In particular:
- Mathematics must meet the stated minimum.
- Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
- Physical Science is required.
- Life Science and English have their own minimum levels.
- The Northern Cape recruitment information states that only Northern Cape applicants will be considered.
- The application deadline is 31 October 2026.
Use the official UJ application route and verify any application instructions that may have changed before submitting your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Emergency Care Assistant programme open for 2027?
Yes. The UJ programme page lists an application closing date of 31 October 2026 for the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, while the Northern Cape recruitment notice identifies the intake as 2027.
How many training opportunities are available?
The Northern Cape recruitment notice states that 20 training opportunities are available.
How long is the programme?
UJ lists the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care as a one-year, full-time programme.
What NQF level is the qualification?
The qualification is registered at NQF Level 5.
Can I apply with Mathematical Literacy?
No. UJ’s published admission requirements state that Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for this programme.
Can applicants from other provinces apply for this Northern Cape intake?
The Northern Cape recruitment information states that only Northern Cape applicants will be considered.
Is there a selection process beyond academic requirements?
Yes. UJ lists academic merit, an interview, phobia evaluation, medical examination, physical fitness and swimming proficiency evaluation, English proficiency evaluation and previous appropriate experience as part of its selection information.
When do applications close?
The UJ programme page gives 31 October 2026 as the application end date.
Official Source
University of Johannesburg — Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care. UJ’s official programme page confirms the programme, NQF Level 5, one-year duration, admission requirements, selection process and 31 October 2026 application closing date.
SAQA — Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, SAQA ID 111391. SAQA confirms the qualification’s registration, NQF level, purpose and emergency-care scope.
The Northern Cape-specific intake details, including the 20 training opportunities and Northern Cape applicant restriction, are based on the recruitment notice reproduced by Edupstairs.
Last Checked Date
3 October 2026
The UJ programme page and SAQA qualification record were checked for the programme and admission information, while the current recruitment notice was checked for the Northern Cape intake details.
Author/Updated Information
Written by: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Published: 3 October 2026
Updated: 3 October 2026
Information checked: 3 October 2026
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
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