Hospitality is a big thing, especially in South Africa. Whether you dream of managing a fancy hotel, running a cosy little restaurant, or even starting your own travel business, there’s a lot of opportunity in this field.
But before you get in, getting the proper training is essential. That’s where hospitality courses in South Africa come in. They give you the skills, knowledge, and practical experience you need to stand out in the industry.
There are plenty of great hospitality courses, but how do you know which ones are the best? And what about the fees?
I get it; these are the things you’re probably thinking about. Well, I’m here to make it easier for you. We will go over the best 10 hospitality courses in South Africa and talk about the fee structure so you can decide what works for you.
Table of contents
- Is Hospitality a Good Career in South Africa?
- Hospitality Courses in South Africa
- 1. Diploma in Hospitality Management
- 2. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Hospitality Management
- 3. Certificate in Hotel Management
- 4. Diploma in Culinary Arts
- 5. Diploma in Event Management
- 6. Certificate in Front Office Management
- 7. Diploma in Food and Beverage Management
- 8. Certificate in Housekeeping Management
- 9. Diploma in Tourism Management
- 10. Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Hospitality Management
- How long is a hospitality course in South Africa?
- Which Universities offer Hospitality Courses in South Africa?
- What are the requirements for hospitality courses in South Africa?
- Hospitality Courses Fee Structure in South Africa
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Is Hospitality a Good Career in South Africa?
Yes, hospitality is a promising career in South Africa. Why? First of all, South Africa is a significant tourist destination. From its beautiful landscapes to its rich culture, people from all over the world visit, and the hospitality industry is at the heart of that.
This means there’s always a demand for skilled people in hotels, restaurants, and tourism. Plus, it’s a growing field, with local and international opportunities.
Another great thing is that hospitality gives you flexibility. You can work in many areas—hotels, event planning, food services, and cruise ships! It’s a career where you can move up quickly, especially if you’re good at dealing with people and managing operations. So, it’s worth considering!
Read: Nosa Courses and Prices in South Africa
Hospitality Courses in South Africa
Here’s a list of the best hospitality courses in South Africa:
- Diploma in Hospitality Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Hospitality Management
- Certificate in Hotel Management
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Diploma in Event Management
- Certificate in Front Office Management
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Management
- Certificate in Housekeeping Management
- Diploma in Tourism Management
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Hospitality Management
1. Diploma in Hospitality Management
The Diploma in Hospitality Management is a top hospitality management course choice for anyone looking to enter South Africa’s booming tourism and hospitality industry.
This course focuses on the practical side of managing hotels, restaurants, resorts, and even event planning. It covers everything from customer service and front desk management to kitchen operations and financial management.
This diploma opens many doors in South Africa, where tourism is a big deal. You could work in top hotels or even start your own business. Schools like the International Hotel School offer this course.
For example, the International Hotel School fees are about R60,000 per year, and the course takes around three years to complete. It’s a solid foundation if you’re aiming to grow in this industry.
2. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Hospitality Management
If you want to combine business skills with a focus on hospitality, then the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Hospitality Management is perfect for you.
This degree prepares you to take on leadership roles in hotels, resorts, and tourism companies or even start your hospitality venture. This course opens up many opportunities in South Africa, where tourism plays a major role in the economy.
Northwest Executive Education and the University of Johannesburg are great places to study this course. At Varsity College, fees can range around R85,000 annually, and the program usually lasts about three years.
It’s a smart choice if you want to develop business and hospitality skills, making you more versatile in the job market.
Also, read: What is an MBA Qualification? MBA Eligibility Criteria, Full Form, Course, Fees, Admission 2025
3. Certificate in Hotel Management
Management goes beyond knowing how to run things—it’s about understanding people and business and creating a great experience. The Certificate in Hotel Management offers precisely that.
This course is an excellent choice if you’re looking to get your foot in the door of South Africa’s vibrant hospitality industry. It focuses on the essentials of managing hotels, from operations to customer service, and prepares you for entry-level management roles.
Institutions like Rosebank College offer this certificate. The International Hotel School’s fees can start around R55,000 for a year-long program, while Rosebank’s might be slightly lower.
This course is ideal if you want to acquire practical skills quickly, and it’s a fantastic way to start your career in hotel management.
4. Diploma in Culinary Arts
There is art, and then there is Culinary Arts, which takes creativity into the kitchen. A Diploma in Culinary Arts is perfect if you love food and want to turn that passion into a career.
This course teaches you the technical skills and knowledge to become a professional chef, focusing on everything from knife skills to preparing gourmet dishes. Culinary arts are booming in South Africa, with opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and even your catering business.
Schools like the University of Mpumalanga offer this diploma. Depending on the institution, fees range from R65,000 to R120,000, and courses typically last 18 months to 2 years. It’s a great way to get deep into cooking and food creation!
5. Diploma in Event Management
Event managers have become the hospitality industry’s new superheroes, ensuring every occasion goes off without a hitch. A Diploma in Event Management is your ticket to learning how to plan and execute everything from corporate conferences to weddings.
In South Africa, this course equips you with essential budgeting, vendor management, marketing, and customer service skills—all key to turning an event into a memorable experience.
South African schools like the Boston City Campus offer this diploma. Depending on the institution, fees can range from R30,000 to R75,000, and the course usually takes 12 to 18 months.
With the growing demand for skilled event planners across hotels, festivals, and private venues, the opportunities in South Africa are endless!
6. Certificate in Front Office Management
Don’t think front office management is just about answering phones and greeting guests – it’s so much more. A Certificate in Front Office Management teaches you how to handle reservations, manage guest experiences, and run the entire front desk smoothly.
This course is perfect in South Africa if you want to enter the hospitality industry but start by focusing on customer service and operations.
Institutions like Sam Hospitality offer this program, which typically costs R15,000 to R40,000 and lasts about 6 to 12 months.
Once qualified, you can work in hotels, resorts, or even corporate offices, where skilled front-office managers are in high demand. The opportunities to grow in this field are endless!
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7. Diploma in Food and Beverage Management
Most people think managing food and beverages is just about serving food, but a Diploma in Food and Beverage Management goes far beyond that.
This course explores the industry’s business side, teaching you everything from menu planning and cost control to understanding customer service and managing staff.
This is a great way to enter the hospitality sector in South Africa, especially if you’re passionate about food and business.
Places like The International Hotel School offer this diploma. Depending on the school, it’s a one—to two-year program with fees between R30,000 and R60,000.
After completing this, you can step into roles like restaurant management or work with big hotel chains. It’s a dynamic field with loads of growth potential!
8. Certificate in Housekeeping Management
Think of this as the backbone of any hotel or hospitality service. A Certificate in Housekeeping Management teaches you about maintaining cleanliness, managing staff, and ensuring guests have the best experience possible.
This course is perfect if you want to step into a management role in the hospitality industry, especially with big hotel brands. You’ll learn about inventory control, room preparation, and even budgeting for housekeeping needs.
Schools like the International Hotel School offer this certification. The course usually lasts 6 months to a year, with fees ranging from R20,000 to R50,000. Once completed, you can expect job opportunities in top hotels, resorts, or cruise ships, where efficient housekeeping is critical.
Also, see: 10 Accredited Online Universities in South Africa
9. Diploma in Tourism Management
In recent times, tourism has become one of the biggest contributors to South Africa’s economy, and with a Diploma in Tourism Management, you’re stepping into a field with massive potential.
This is one of the best tourism and hospitality courses. It equips you with the skills to manage tourist services, plan tours, and understand the ins and outs of travel operations.
Given how diverse and scenic South Africa is, tourism offers endless job opportunities—from managing hotels to working for tour companies to running your travel agency.
Schools like the Univeristy of South Africa (UNISA) offer this diploma, which usually takes 2 to 3 years to complete. Tuition can range from R30,000 to R60,000 per year.
With tourism driving a large chunk of the economy, there’s a huge demand for skilled professionals, especially as more visitors flock to experience South Africa’s beauty.
10. Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Hospitality Management
You can never get it wrong with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Hospitality Management if you’re serious about making waves in the hospitality industry! This program dives deep into the business side of hospitality, covering everything from financial management to marketing strategies and human resources.
In South Africa, where tourism and hospitality are booming, having this qualification can open doors to high-level management roles, such as hotel or resort manager, event coordinator, or even positions in hospitality consulting.
Top institutions like The University of Johannesburg offer this MBA, typically lasting around 1 to 2 years. Expect to pay between R50,000 and R100,000 per year. With this degree, you’ll be well-prepared for a rewarding career in a thriving industry!
How long is a hospitality course in South Africa?
Well, it depends on the type of course you choose. If you’re looking at a diploma, like a Diploma in Hospitality Management, it usually takes 1 to 3 years to complete.
For hospitality short courses, like certificates in specific areas, that is the kind of hospitality courses without matric, you’re looking at around 6 months to a year. And if you’re going for a higher-level qualification, such as a Bachelor’s degree, that typically runs for about 3 to 4 years.
There’s a lot of flexibility in these programs, and many schools also offer part-time options, which is great if you’re juggling work or other commitments. Just think about what fits your lifestyle and career goals best!
Which Universities offer Hospitality Courses in South Africa?
The University of Johannesburg offers a well-rounded Hospitality Management program. Its curriculum covers everything from food and beverage management to event planning and marketing, giving students a solid foundation for various roles in the industry.
Then there’s Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Their hospitality courses focus heavily on practical skills, so you’ll spend a lot of time in kitchens and on event setups, learning how to run operations smoothly. This hands-on experience is invaluable when you step into the workforce.
Tshwane University of Technology also has a great program. It emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, so students get a balance of classroom learning and real-world experience, which is essential in hospitality.
Damelin is another option. They offer flexible, short courses and diplomas that cater to those who might already be working but want to upgrade their skills or change careers.
Lastly, the International Hotel School is known for its strong industry connections, which allow students to gain experience through internships, which is a big plus for their career prospects.
What are the requirements for hospitality courses in South Africa?
First, you’ll need a matric certificate, which is essential for getting into these programs. It is one of the most important hospitality course requirements, but it’s not just about having that certificate; you’ll also want to have a Diploma endorsement.
Regarding specific marks, you should aim for at least a Level 4, around 50% or higher, in English as your home language. English is essential in this field since communication is a big part of hospitality.
You’ll also need a Level 3 in Mathematics, at least 40%, or a Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. It’s not about being a math whiz; it’s more about understanding the basics, especially when managing budgets or working with numbers in different scenarios.
Lastly, having an additional language can be a real bonus. Many hospitality programs appreciate students who can communicate with a wider range of people, which is helpful in our diverse society. So, if you meet these requirements, you’re on your way to a rewarding career in hospitality!
Also, see: Official List of ALX Courses in Africa | Requirements by Country
Hospitality Courses Fee Structure in South Africa
When it comes to the fee structure for hospitality courses in South Africa, it varies depending on the institution and the specific program you choose. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:
First, tuition fees for hospitality courses typically range from about R30,000 to R100,000 per year. Public universities usually charge lower fees than private institutions.
For example, a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management at a public university might cost around R30,000 to R50,000 per year, while private colleges can charge anywhere from R50,000 to R100,000 or more annually.
In addition to tuition, you’ll want to consider other expenses. Registration fees are usually around R1,000 to R5,000, and you might also have to pay for study materials like textbooks and equipment, which can add another R2,000 to R10,000 per year.
If you’re staying in student accommodation, that could range from R3,000 to R10,000 monthly, depending on the location and type of housing.
Remember additional costs like uniforms for practical sessions, which can be around R2,000, and field trips or practical training fees, which might be included in your tuition or charged separately.
FAQs
The Diploma in Hospitality Management is a versatile course that provides a strong foundation in various aspects of hospitality. It’s a great starting point for those looking to enter the industry and offers many career opportunities.
To study hospitality in South Africa, you must have completed high school with subjects like English, Mathematics, and a language. Some institutions may also require specific hospitality-related subjects or work experience.
Yes, the College of Cape Town offers a variety of hospitality courses, including diplomas and certificates in hospitality management, culinary arts, and front office operations.
Conclusion
In all of these best hospitality courses in South Africa, you can see how important they are for shaping a career in the booming hospitality industry. With the rising demand for skilled professionals, investing in these courses can open up exciting job opportunities. So, if you’re passionate about hospitality, this could be your chance to shine in a thriving field!
References
- haccsa.com – Hospitality & Cooking Courses
- educations.com – Hospitality courses in South Africa
- academiccourses.ng – Johannesburg, South Africa – Hospitality – Academic Courses
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