Higher Certificate courses in South Africa | 2025 Fee Structure

So, you’re nearing the end of high school, and everyone’s asking, “What’s next?” It can feel like a million different paths before you, right? 

However, not everyone is ready to enter a degree or might still need to decide what they want to study. That’s where higher certificate courses in South Africa come in.

Think of these courses as a stepping stone. They’re designed to give you a taste of different fields, help you build essential skills, and boost your confidence before making those big life decisions. 

Whether you’re looking to test the waters before committing to a degree or want a fast track to starting your career, higher certificate courses could be your perfect fit. 

This article will tell you what they are, why they matter, and how to choose the one that suits you best.

What Are Higher Certificate Courses?

You’re fresh out of high school, but not sure if you’re ready to go straight into university or pursue a full-on degree. Maybe you didn’t get the grades you hoped for, or perhaps you just want to ease into things before making a considerable commitment. T

This is where higher certificate courses come into play; they’re like the perfect in-between option, giving you the skills and qualifications to start working or continue studying later on.

A higher certificate course is a one-year program designed to give you practical knowledge in a specific field. In South Africa, these courses are recognized by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and usually sit at Level 5. 

They are like the foundational building block, meant to help you get your feet wet before deciding whether to pursue further studies or enter the workforce.

The coolest part? They’re offered in various subjects, from business and IT to creative fields like graphic design and media studies. 

So, if you are thinking about a career in hospitality, marketing, or even social work, there’s likely a higher certificate course that matches your interests.

Now, how does a higher certificate compare to other qualifications? 

• Diploma: This takes a little longer, usually around two to three years, and is more in-depth. A diploma digs deeper into the technical aspects of a career path and gives you more specialized skills.
• Degree: A degree, typically a three to four-year journey, is the highest qualification that prepares you for more professional roles. It’s much broader and theoretical, giving you a deeper understanding of your chosen field.

So, if you’re looking for something that’ll get you job-ready in a shorter time and with more hands-on learning, a higher certificate might be just what you need. It’s not as intense as a degree, but it gives you a great foundation.

Also see:Nosa Courses and Prices in South Africa

Popular Higher Certificate Courses in South Africa

1. Business and Management
2. IT and Technology
3. Health and Social Care
4. Film, TV & Entertainment Production
5. Performing Arts Higher Certificates
6. Radio & Podcasting Higher Certificates
7. Animal Welfare
8. Economic and Management Sciences
9. Archives and Records Management
10. Criminal Justice
11. Marketing
12. Tourist Management
    

These courses offer different career paths, depending on what excites you the most. There’s something out there for you from business, tech, healthcare, or even the entertainment industry.

1. Business and Management

Do you have an eye for leadership or enjoy solving problems? If so, a higher certificate in business and management could be right up your alley. 

This course is perfect for exploring business administration, project management, or human resources. It’s designed to teach you the basics of managing teams, understanding financials, and developing strategies to help businesses grow.

Business and management courses often cover business communication, financial management, and entrepreneurship. You’ll learn how to run day-to-day operations in a business, work on improving efficiency, and maybe even start your own company one day. The course will also give you insight into leadership and how to manage teams effectively.

The cost of these courses is typically around R42,600 per year (based on full settlement payment), though it varies depending on the university. You should also budget for additional costs like textbooks or specific software.

Schools

University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Offers Bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees in Business Management and related fields through its College of Business and Economics. See UJ ​University of Johannesburg.

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – NMU’s Business School offers MBAs, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Executive Education programs focused on business leadership NMU​ Business School.

University of Cape Town (UCT) – UCT’s Graduate School of Business offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programs known for their global reach and leadership emphasis at UCT.

2. IT and Technology

Are you the kind of person who enjoys solving tech problems or is curious about how apps and websites are built? A higher certificate in IT and technology can be your gateway into one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. From coding to networking, this course opens doors to all things tech.

This course usually involves computer programming, database management, and networking basics. It’s a fantastic way to dive into the world of IT without overwhelming yourself with a degree-level course just yet. You’ll learn both the technical skills and some business knowledge that’ll prepare you for a role in the tech sector.

The course costs around R19,840 annually, with modules spread over different parts of the year. Some initial modules cost about R8,730, while more advanced topics cost around R11,110.

Schools

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Offers several programs in IT and related fields through its School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics Wits.

Stellenbosch University – Known for strong IT programs, especially in Computer Science and Information Systems Stellenbosch.

Explore to see Free Online Courses With Certificates In South Africa

3. Health and Social Care 

If you are passionate about helping people and want to make a real difference in your community, a higher health and social care certificate could be the right fit. 

The healthcare industry in South Africa is always looking for trained professionals, and with a growing demand for services, this course can set you up for success.

Health and social care courses often cover emergency medical care, caregiving, and essential healthcare management. 

You’ll learn the foundational skills needed to care in hospitals, clinics, or community settings. If you’ve ever been interested in being a paramedic or working in healthcare administration, this course can be the first step.

A higher certificate in Emergency Medical Care costs about R78,596 at LCOEC (Life College of Emergency Care). It’s an investment in a career where you can make a difference.

Schools

University of South Africa (UNISA) – Department of Health Studies
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Colleges/Human-Sciences/Schools,-departments,-centres,-institutes-&-units/School-of-Social-Sciences/Department-of-Health-Studies

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – School of Nursing and Public Health
https://snph.ukzn.ac.za/

University of Pretoria (UP) – School of Health Systems and Public Health
https://www.up.ac.za/school-of-health-systems-and-public-health

4. Film, TV & Entertainment Production

Are you passionate about movies, TV, and storytelling? If so, a higher film, TV, and entertainment production certificate might be perfect for you. This is where you get to turn your creativity into a career, learning about everything from scriptwriting to video editing.

These programs are designed to teach you the ins and outs of the entertainment industry, including production techniques, lighting, sound design, and even how to pitch ideas to producers. It’s an exciting course for anyone looking to enter the media world.

The cost is around R85,280 for a year. It might sound steep, but consider it an investment in your future if you’re serious about the entertainment world.

Schools

AFDA, The School for the Creative Economy
https://www.afda.co.za/

University of Cape Town (UCT) – Centre for Film & Media Studies
https://www.fam.uct.ac.za/

CityVarsity School of Media and Creative Arts
https://www.cityvarsity.co.za/

5. Performing Arts

If you’ve got a love for being on stage, whether it’s singing, dancing, or acting, then a higher certificate in performing arts might just be the thing for you. This course is designed to help you develop your craft, whether you dream of performing on stage or in front of the camera.

Performing arts courses focus on building your drama, music, and dance skills. You’ll work on developing your talents, learning about stage presence, and understanding the technical aspects of a performance. It’s perfect for anyone who loves being creative and expressive.

Like the film and TV production courses, the annual fee for a performing arts certificate is about R85,280.

Schools

University of Cape Town (UCT) – Drama Department
https://www.drama.uct.ac.za/

Rhodes University – Drama Department
https://www.ru.ac.za/drama/

Stellenbosch University – Department of Drama
https://www0.sun.ac.za/drama/

6. Radio & Podcasting

If you’re more into talking than acting, why not consider a career in radio or podcasting? This higher certificate program is perfect for those who love the sound of their voice (in the best way possible) and want to create audio content.

This course teaches you everything about radio broadcasting, from producing a show to captivating your audience with your voice. You’ll also dive into podcasting, which is blowing up as more people turn to on-demand audio content.

The fee for a higher certificate in radio and podcasting also sits at R85,280 per year.

Schools

University of Pretoria (UP) – Faculty of Humanities (Broadcasting & Radio)
https://www.up.ac.za/faculty-of-humanities

AFDA, The School for the Creative Economy – Radio and Podcasting
https://www.afda.co.za/

CityVarsity School of Media and Creative Arts – Radio Production
https://www.cityvarsity.co.za/

Read: Top 15 Best Bridging Courses in South Africa

7. Animal Welfare

A higher certificate in animal welfare is a fantastic choice for those who want to work with animals, help in their care, and advocate for their rights. 

Animal welfare courses teach you about animal behavior, health, and safety, along with the legal and ethical issues surrounding the treatment of animals. 

You’ll learn how to properly care for animals, handle them in stressful situations, and even help with animal rehabilitation.

The cost of this course ranges from R1,815 to R7,550 per module, depending on the institution and course structure. It’s often priced per module, so you can manage your payments as you progress.

Schools

University of Pretoria (UP) – Faculty of Veterinary Science
https://www.up.ac.za/faculty-of-veterinary-science

University of South Africa (UNISA) – Animal Health Programs
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Colleges/Agriculture-&-Environmental-Sciences/Animal-Health

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – Animal Sciences
https://www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/applied-sciences/departments/animal-sciences

8. Economic and Management Sciences

A higher certificate in economics and management sciences is the perfect starting point for those interested in finance and economics. 

It’s ideal for people who want to understand how businesses and economies work, laying the groundwork for finance, administration, or entrepreneurship roles.

This course covers economics, accounting, business management, and public sector administration. It provides a balanced combination of theory and practical knowledge, making it easier to understand how the real-world economy functions.

This course typically costs R45,573 annually, making it a solid investment for anyone looking to enter the business or finance sectors.

Schools

Stellenbosch University – Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
https://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/economy

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management
https://www.wits.ac.za/clm/

University of South Africa (UNISA) – College of Economic and Management Sciences
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Colleges/Economic-and-Management-Sciences

9. Archives and Records Management

If you’re the kind of person who loves history and organizing information, this one’s for you. Archives and records management might not sound like the most glamorous field, but it plays a vital role in preserving history and managing critical information for businesses and governments.

This course costs R30,000 annually and focuses on managing documents and records, preserving information for future generations, and ensuring that essential data is organized and accessible.

It teaches skills in digital archiving, document handling, and records management systems, which are crucial in today’s data-driven world.

Schools

University of South Africa (UNISA) – Department of Information Science
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Colleges/Human-Sciences/Department-of-Information-Science

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Information Studies Programme
https://informationstudies.ukzn.ac.za/

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Information and Library Science
https://www.wits.ac.za/wsl/

10. Criminal Justice Higher Certificates

Ever thought about a career in law enforcement or helping to bring justice to your community? A higher certificate in criminal justice is the first step toward understanding the legal system, criminology, and how law enforcement works in South Africa.

Criminal Justice covers essential topics like criminology, policing, and the South African legal system. You’ll get a good grounding in how criminal justice works and crime’s social and psychological aspects. 

It’s an excellent option for anyone considering a career in law enforcement, legal services, or corrections. The course is relatively affordable, costing around R14,750 per year.

Schools

University of South Africa (UNISA) – Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Colleges/Law/Schools,-departments,-centres-&-institutes/School-of-Criminal-Justice

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Department of Safety and Security Management
https://www.tut.ac.za/faculties/humanities/safety-and-security-management

University of Zululand – Department of Criminal Justice
https://www.unizulu.ac.za/

Accredited Institutions Offering Higher Certificate Courses

Many certified institutions in South Africa offer higher certificate courses, and you have two main options: public universities and private colleges. 

1. Public Universities

When people think about higher education, public universities often come to mind first. These universities are government-funded and offer various qualifications, including higher certificate programs.

Here are some of the top public universities in South Africa that offer higher certificate courses:

• University of South Africa (UNISA): Known for its flexible distance learning options, UNISA offers several higher certificate courses in fields like law, business, and social sciences.
• University of Johannesburg (UJ): UJ provides higher certificate programs in business management and information technology.
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT): CPUT offers higher certificates in construction and engineering, which is ideal for students who want to jump straight into practical, hands-on careers.
• Durban University of Technology (DUT): This university offers higher certificate courses in health, business, and information technology.
• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT): TUT has many higher certificate options, especially in business, design, and public management.

2. Private Colleges and Institutes

Private colleges are another excellent option, especially if you’re looking for more specialized or vocational training. 

These institutions are often laser-focused on specific industries, like business, IT, or the arts, and they usually offer more flexibility regarding class schedules.

Some leading private colleges offering higher certificate courses in South Africa include:

• Varsity College: This college offers higher certificates in business, IT, law, and more. It’s known for its focus on practical skills and workplace readiness.
• Rosebank College: Part of the IIE (Independent Institute of Education), Rosebank College provides higher certificate courses in various fields, from marketing to IT and hospitality.
• Damelin College: Damelin has a long history in South Africa and offers higher certificate courses in business management, creative arts, and media studies.
• Milpark Education: This college specializes in business and finance, offering higher certificates that can lead to careers in banking, accounting, or entrepreneurship.
• Vega School: Known for its focus on creativity and innovation, Vega School offers higher certificates in brand management, marketing, and graphic design.

Admission Requirements for Higher Certificate Courses in South Africa

You must meet basic admission requirements for a higher certificate course in South Africa. The most important one is having a National Senior Certificate (NSC). Here’s what you need to know about it:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC): This certificate you receive after completing Grade 12, also known as matric. It’s certified by Umalusi, the Council for General and Further Education and Training. It’s your ticket to higher education in South Africa.

But just having an NSC isn’t always enough. Depending on the institution and the specific higher certificate course you’re interested in, there might be additional requirements:

• Subject Combinations and Levels of Achievement: Some programs require you to have passed certain subjects at specific levels. For example, a higher certificate in business might need a good pass in mathematics or accounting. At the same time, a course in IT might look for a solid foundation in Computer Applications Technology.
• Language Requirements: Since most courses are taught in English, you’ll generally need to have passed English at a certain level in your NSC. This ensures you can keep up with the coursework and participate fully in class discussions.
• Institutional Requirements: Different universities and colleges might have their specific entry criteria. This could include a minimum overall percentage in your NSC or additional assessments or interviews.

Benefits of Pursuing a Higher Certificate Course in South Africa

These programs offer many benefits that could kickstart your career or open up more educational opportunities. 

1. Career Opportunities and Industry-Relevant Skills

One of the most significant benefits of a higher certificate course is the practical, industry-relevant skills you’ll gain. These programs are designed to prepare you for the working world quickly, which is perfect if you want to start earning sooner rather than later.

2. Hands-On Learning

Higher certificate courses focus on equipping you with the skills you’ll use in the workplace. These programs teach you the ropes and give you real-world experience. 

For example, suppose you’re studying for a higher certificate in hospitality. In that case, you won’t just learn the theory—you’ll also get practical experience in customer service, event planning, and team management.

3. Industry-Relevant Content

Many higher certificate programs are developed in partnership with industry professionals. This means that what you’re learning is directly aligned with the skills employers are looking for. You’ll be ready to hit the ground running in your chosen field by graduating.

Also read: MANCOSA Courses and Fees | 2025 Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Higher certificate courses in South Africa offer a fantastic opportunity for students who want to kickstart their careers or further their education without immediately committing to a lengthy degree. 

These programs are affordable and accessible and designed to equip students with practical, industry-relevant skills. 

With the flexibility of part-time and distance learning options, these programs are ideal for students from diverse backgrounds. 

They also help bridge the gap between high school and tertiary education, making higher learning more attainable for those needing more time to meet the requirements for a degree program.

Higher certificate courses are more than just a qualification—they are a stepping stone. They provide real-world skills employers value, and many industries are actively hiring graduates from these programs.

References

• mancosa.co.za-All Qualifications
• unisa.ac.za– All Programmes

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