Diverse Economic Environment: South Africa, as one of the largest economies in Africa, provides a dynamic economic environment. This setting offers students practical insights into both emerging markets and the challenges of operating in a global economic landscape.
Cultural Diversity: South Africa's rich cultural diversity and history offer a unique perspective on business practices, making it an excellent place for students to learn how to navigate and manage in culturally diverse teams and markets.
Growing Startup Ecosystem: The country has a growing entrepreneurial environment, especially in tech and social entrepreneurship. This provides students with opportunities to engage with innovative startups and gain hands-on experience.
Strategic Location: Located at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is a gateway to other African markets. Students gain exposure to African trade and business practices, which are increasingly important in global business strategy.
Quality Education at Competitive Costs: South African universities offer high-quality education that is often more affordable compared to programs in Europe or North America. This includes reputable business schools like the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business and the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
International Networking Opportunities: Many programs offer networks that span across Africa and globally, thanks to partnerships with universities and multinational corporations. This enhances global career opportunities for graduates.
Exposure to Global Business Issues: South Africa faces unique economic and business challenges, including issues related to development, sustainability, and political economy. This exposure is invaluable for students interested in understanding complex global business issues.
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Business Science |
Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Economics, Information Systems, Law |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
General Management, Executive MBA |
University of Pretoria (Gordon Institute of Business Science - GIBS) |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
General Management, Entrepreneurship, Health Sector Management |
University of Pretoria |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Economics, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Business Management |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Economic Science |
Economic Science, Business Finance, Insurance and Risk Management |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Master of Management (MM) |
Public and Development Management, Finance & Investment, Innovation Studies |
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Economics, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Industrial Psychology |
Stellenbosch University |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Project Management, Health Care Leadership, Financial Planning |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Strategic Management, Human Resource Management, Logistics |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Strategic Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Financial Management, Marketing Management, Supply Chain Management |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Master of Business Leadership (MBL) |
Strategic Leadership, Project Management, Business Ethics |
University |
Course |
Program Level |
Duration |
Specializations |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Business Science |
Undergraduate |
3-4 years |
Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Economics, Information Systems, Law |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
General Management, Executive MBA |
University of Pretoria (Gordon Institute of Business Science - GIBS) |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
General Management, Entrepreneurship, Health Sector Management |
University of Pretoria |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Undergraduate |
3 years |
Economics, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Business Management |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Economic Science |
Undergraduate |
3 years |
Economic Science, Business Finance, Insurance and Risk Management |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Master of Management (MM) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Public and Development Management, Finance & Investment, Innovation Studies |
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Undergraduate |
3 years |
Economics, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Industrial Psychology |
Stellenbosch University |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Project Management, Health Care Leadership, Financial Planning |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Undergraduate |
3 years |
Strategic Management, Human Resource Management, Logistics |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Strategic Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Undergraduate |
3-4 years |
Financial Management, Marketing Management, Supply Chain Management |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Master of Business Leadership (MBL) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Strategic Leadership, Project Management, Business Ethics |
University |
Course |
Program Level |
Duration |
Specializations |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Business Science |
Undergraduate |
3-4 years |
Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Economics, Information Systems, Law |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Undergraduate |
3 years |
Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management |
University of Pretoria |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Undergraduate |
3 years |
Economics, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Business Management |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Economic Science |
Undergraduate |
3 years |
Economic Science, Business Finance, Insurance and Risk Management |
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Undergraduate |
3 years |
Economics, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Industrial Psychology |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Undergraduate |
3 years |
Strategic Management, Human Resource Management, Logistics |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
Undergraduate |
3-4 years |
Financial Management, Marketing Management, Supply Chain Management |
University |
Course |
Program Level |
Duration |
Specializations |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
General Management, Executive MBA |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of Commerce (MCom) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management |
University of Pretoria (Gordon Institute of Business Science - GIBS) |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
General Management, Entrepreneurship, Health Sector Management |
University of Pretoria |
Master of Commerce (MCom) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Economics, Financial Management, Business Management, Marketing Management |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Master of Management (MM) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Public and Development Management, Finance & Investment, Innovation Studies |
Stellenbosch University |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Project Management, Health Care Leadership, Financial Planning |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Strategic Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Master of Commerce (MCom) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Economics, Financial Management, Business Management, Marketing Management |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Master of Business Leadership (MBL) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Strategic Leadership, Project Management, Business Ethics |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Master of Commerce (MCom) |
Postgraduate |
1-2 years |
Economics, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management |
University |
Course |
Program Level |
Duration |
Specializations |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
PhD in Business Science |
Doctoral |
3-5 years |
Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Economics, Information Systems, Law |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
PhD in Commerce |
Doctoral |
3-5 years |
Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management |
University of Pretoria |
PhD in Economic and Management Sciences |
Doctoral |
3-5 years |
Economics, Financial Management, Business Management, Marketing Management |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
PhD in Business Sciences |
Doctoral |
3-5 years |
Public and Development Management, Finance & Investment, Innovation Studies |
Stellenbosch University |
PhD in Business Management |
Doctoral |
3-5 years |
Project Management, Health Care Leadership, Financial Planning |
Stellenbosch University |
PhD in Economic and Management Sciences |
Doctoral |
3-5 years |
Economics, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
PhD in Business Management |
Doctoral |
3-5 years |
Strategic Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
PhD in Commerce |
Doctoral |
3-5 years |
Economics, Financial Management, Business Management, Marketing Management |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
PhD in Business Leadership |
Doctoral |
3-5 years |
Strategic Leadership, Project Management, Business Ethics |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
PhD in Commerce |
Doctoral |
3-5 years |
Economics, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management |
University |
Course |
Program Level |
Duration |
Specializations |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice |
Postgraduate |
1 year |
General Management, Leadership |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration |
Postgraduate |
1 year |
Business Administration, Entrepreneurship |
University of Pretoria |
Postgraduate Diploma in Economic and Management Sciences |
Postgraduate |
1 year |
Financial Management, Business Management, Marketing Management |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Management |
Postgraduate |
1 year |
General Management, Strategic Marketing, Human Resource Management |
Stellenbosch University |
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management |
Postgraduate |
1 year |
Project Management, Financial Planning, Health Care Leadership |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management |
Postgraduate |
1 year |
Strategic Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce |
Postgraduate |
1 year |
Financial Management, Business Management, Marketing Management |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration |
Postgraduate |
1 year |
Business Leadership, Project Management, Business Ethics |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies |
Postgraduate |
1 year |
Financial Management, Marketing Management, Supply Chain Management |
Nelson Mandela University |
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration |
Postgraduate |
1 year |
General Management, Strategic Leadership |
University/Institution |
Course |
Program Level |
Duration |
Specializations |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Strategic Business Management |
Short-term |
6-12 weeks |
Business Strategy, Management Practices |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers |
Short-term |
8-10 weeks |
Financial Management, Accounting |
University of Pretoria (GIBS) |
Executive Development Programme |
Short-term |
12 weeks |
Leadership, Management |
University of Pretoria (GIBS) |
Entrepreneurial Development Programme |
Short-term |
8-10 weeks |
Entrepreneurship, Business Development |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Advanced Project Management |
Short-term |
10-12 weeks |
Project Management |
Stellenbosch University (USB-ED) |
Management Development Programme |
Short-term |
6-8 weeks |
General Management, Leadership |
Stellenbosch University (USB-ED) |
Essentials of Marketing |
Short-term |
6-8 weeks |
Marketing, Business Development |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Leadership in Four Dimensions |
Short-term |
6-8 weeks |
Leadership, Strategic Management |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Advanced Business Analytics |
Short-term |
6-8 weeks |
Data Analytics, Business Intelligence |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Fundamentals of Strategic Management |
Short-term |
8-10 weeks |
Strategic Management |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Principles of Marketing Management |
Short-term |
6-8 weeks |
Marketing, Customer Relationship Management |
Nelson Mandela University |
Fundamentals of Project Management |
Short-term |
6-8 weeks |
Project Management |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
Business and Economic Reporting |
Short-term |
8-10 weeks |
Economic Reporting, Business Journalism |
Regent Business School |
Digital Marketing |
Short-term |
6-8 weeks |
Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing |
Henley Business School Africa |
Manager’s Toolkit |
Short-term |
6-8 weeks |
Management Skills, Leadership Development |
University |
Course Programs |
Program Level |
Specializations |
---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Business Science, Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Master of Business Administration (MBA), PhD in Business Science |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Economics, Information Systems, Law |
University of Pretoria |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Master of Business Administration (MBA), PhD in Economic and Management Sciences |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
Economics, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Business Management |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Economic Science, Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Master of Management (MM), PhD in Business Sciences |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
Economic Science, Business Finance, Public and Development Management, Finance & Investment, Innovation Studies |
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Master of Business Administration (MBA), PhD in Business Management |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
Economics, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Industrial Psychology |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Master of Business Administration (MBA), PhD in Business Management |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
Strategic Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Master of Business Leadership (MBL), PhD in Business Leadership |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
Financial Management, Marketing Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Ethics |
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Master of Commerce (MCom), PhD in Business and Economic Sciences |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
General Management, Strategic Leadership, Marketing, Financial Planning |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Master of Commerce (MCom), PhD in Commerce |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
Financial Management, Economics, Management, Information Systems |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Master of Business Administration (MBA), PhD in Management Studies |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
Economics, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Supply Chain Management |
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Master of Commerce (MCom), PhD in Commerce |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
Business Management, Economics, Finance, Marketing |
University |
Program Level |
Intake Periods |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
February, July |
Primary intake is in February; some programs offer mid-year intake in July. |
University of Pretoria |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
February, July |
Main intake in February; limited mid-year intake in July for certain programs. |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
February, July |
Main intake is in February; some postgraduate programs may offer July intake. |
Stellenbosch University |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
January, July |
Main intake in January; mid-year intake in July for selected postgraduate programs. |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
January, July |
Main intake in January; mid-year intake in July for some programs. |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
January, June |
Open distance learning with intakes in January and mid-year in June. |
Nelson Mandela University |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
February, July |
Main intake in February; mid-year intake in July for selected programs. |
Rhodes University |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
February |
Primary intake is in February; limited mid-year intake for some postgraduate programs. |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
February, July |
Main intake in February; some postgraduate programs offer July intake. |
North-West University (NWU) |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
January, July |
Main intake in January; mid-year intake in July for selected postgraduate programs. |
University |
Program Level |
Approximate Annual Tuition Fees (ZAR) |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Undergraduate |
60,000 - 90,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Postgraduate |
70,000 - 120,000 |
MBA programs are generally at the higher end of the fee range. |
University of Pretoria |
Undergraduate |
40,000 - 60,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
University of Pretoria |
Postgraduate |
50,000 - 100,000 |
MBA programs are generally at the higher end of the fee range. |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Undergraduate |
50,000 - 75,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Postgraduate |
60,000 - 110,000 |
MBA programs are generally at the higher end of the fee range. |
Stellenbosch University |
Undergraduate |
40,000 - 65,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
Stellenbosch University |
Postgraduate |
55,000 - 95,000 |
MBA programs are generally at the higher end of the fee range. |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Undergraduate |
30,000 - 55,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Postgraduate |
45,000 - 90,000 |
MBA programs are generally at the higher end of the fee range. |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Undergraduate |
15,000 - 30,000 |
Fees for distance learning programs; vary based on course load. |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Postgraduate |
20,000 - 50,000 |
Fees for distance learning programs; vary based on course load. |
Nelson Mandela University |
Undergraduate |
35,000 - 50,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
Nelson Mandela University |
Postgraduate |
45,000 - 85,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
Rhodes University |
Undergraduate |
40,000 - 60,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
Rhodes University |
Postgraduate |
50,000 - 90,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Undergraduate |
30,000 - 50,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Postgraduate |
40,000 - 80,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
North-West University (NWU) |
Undergraduate |
30,000 - 45,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
North-West University (NWU) |
Postgraduate |
40,000 - 75,000 |
Fees vary based on specific program and year of study. |
Criteria |
Undergraduate Programs |
Postgraduate Programs |
---|---|---|
Academic Qualification |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Bachelor’s Pass |
Relevant Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification |
Subjects |
Mathematics (often required), English |
Specific to the program (e.g., BCom for MBA), depending on the program focus |
Grade Requirements |
Minimum of 50-60% in Mathematics and English |
Minimum average of 60-65% in undergraduate studies |
Language Proficiency |
Proficiency in English (IELTS/TOEFL if non-native speaker) |
Proficiency in English (IELTS/TOEFL if non-native speaker) |
Work Experience |
Not typically required |
2-5 years of relevant work experience (common for MBA programs) |
Entrance Exams |
Some programs may require the National Benchmark Test (NBT) |
GMAT/GRE (common for MBA programs) |
Application Documents |
Completed application form, transcripts, ID or passport copy |
Completed application form, transcripts, CV, letters of recommendation |
Additional Requirements |
None generally, though interviews or personal statements may be needed |
Personal statement, letters of recommendation, possibly an interview |
International Students |
Valid study visa, proof of funding, medical insurance |
Valid study visa, proof of funding, medical insurance |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Benefits |
How to Apply |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
NRF Scholarships |
South African citizens, permanent residents, and some international students |
Tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs |
Online application via NRF website |
Focus on research-based programs |
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship |
African citizens aged 19-29 |
Full tuition, accommodation, meals, travel allowance |
Online application via Mandela Rhodes Foundation |
Emphasis on leadership development |
Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship |
South African citizens pursuing undergraduate studies |
Tuition, residence fees, textbooks, monthly stipend |
Online application via Allan Gray Orbis Foundation |
Requires demonstration of entrepreneurial potential |
Canon Collins Scholarships |
Nationals of Southern African countries |
Tuition fees, living expenses, and other support |
Online application via Canon Collins Trust |
Focus on social justice, education, humanities |
FNB Fund Bursary |
South African citizens in financial need |
Tuition, accommodation, books, meals |
Online application via StudyTrust |
Preference for financially disadvantaged students |
Sasol Bursary |
South African citizens studying relevant fields |
Full tuition, accommodation, meals, and allowances |
Online application via Sasol Bursary portal |
Fields include Business, Finance, and Engineering |
Old Mutual Imfundo Trust |
South African citizens with strong academic records |
Full tuition, accommodation, meals, and book allowances |
Online application via Old Mutual website |
Focus on actuarial science, accounting, and finance |
Investec Bursary |
South African citizens with academic excellence and financial need |
Full tuition, accommodation, meals, and allowances |
Online application via Investec website |
Preference for students in financial fields |
Standard Bank Group Bursary |
South African citizens or permanent residents with strong academics |
Tuition, accommodation, books, meals |
Online application via Standard Bank website |
Includes mentorship and internship opportunities |
University-specific Scholarships |
Varies by university |
Varies (typically tuition, living expenses, research costs) |
Check specific university websites |
Each university may offer its own scholarships |
Career |
Job Description |
Average Salary (per annum) |
---|---|---|
Accountant |
Manages financial records, audits, and prepares financial statements |
ZAR 300,000 - ZAR 500,000 |
Financial Analyst |
Analyzes financial data, market trends, and assists in investment decisions |
ZAR 350,000 - ZAR 600,000 |
Marketing Manager |
Develops and implements marketing strategies to promote products/services |
ZAR 450,000 - ZAR 750,000 |
Human Resources Manager |
Manages recruitment, training, employee relations, and organizational development |
ZAR 400,000 - ZAR 700,000 |
Business Consultant |
Provides expert advice to improve business efficiency and performance |
ZAR 400,000 - ZAR 800,000 |
Economist |
Conducts research, analyzes economic data, and forecasts economic trends |
ZAR 400,000 - ZAR 700,000 |
Operations Manager |
Oversees daily operations, ensures efficiency, and manages operational strategies |
ZAR 500,000 - ZAR 900,000 |
Entrepreneur |
Starts and manages own business, taking on financial risks for profit |
Varies widely (dependent on success) |
Supply Chain Manager |
Manages logistics, supply chain processes, and inventory |
ZAR 450,000 - ZAR 800,000 |
Investment Banker |
Provides financial services to clients, including raising capital and advising on mergers |
ZAR 600,000 - ZAR 1,200,000 |
Project Manager |
Plans, executes, and oversees projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget |
ZAR 450,000 - ZAR 850,000 |
Sales Manager |
Leads sales teams, develops sales strategies, and meets sales targets |
ZAR 400,000 - ZAR 700,000 |
Actuary |
Analyzes financial risks using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory |
ZAR 700,000 - ZAR 1,200,000 |
Corporate Strategist |
Develops and implements strategies for corporate growth and development |
ZAR 600,000 - ZAR 1,000,000 |
Risk Manager |
Identifies, assesses, and mitigates financial and operational risks |
ZAR 500,000 - ZAR 900,000 |