Requirements

Supply Chain Management Requirements

Supply chain management requirements depend on the level you study at. A degree needs a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor’s pass and Mathematics; a diploma needs a diploma pass and usually accepts Mathematical Literacy at a higher mark. For example, Unisa’s BCom in Supply Chain and Operations Management asks for a bachelor’s pass with at least 50% in Mathematics and in the language of teaching, while UJ’s and VUT’s logistics and supply chain diplomas accept Mathematical Literacy.

Supply chain management courses are offered by universities, universities of technology, distance institutions and private colleges, so always check the requirement for the exact qualification and year you are applying for.

Entry Requirements at a Glance

Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. Institutions select from applicants who meet or exceed it.

Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements

Degree (BCom) level: you need an NSC endorsed for bachelor’s degree study. Unisa also accepts a completed higher certificate or diploma from its College of Economic and Management Sciences as an alternative route into the BCom.

Diploma level: you need an NSC endorsed for diploma study. Diplomas are practical, typically take three years, and lead into operational roles in purchasing, warehousing and distribution. UJ lists purchasing manager and warehouse manager among the careers its logistics diploma prepares you for.

Adult learners without matric: Unisa’s BCom allows admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) if you are at least 30 years old, have completed at least Grade 10 and have at least five years’ relevant work experience in the field.

Supply chain certificate and short courses: short courses and certificates are widely advertised, including by private providers. Before you pay, confirm whether the course leads to a registered qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or is a non-credit-bearing short course, and whether the provider is registered or accredited. A short course alone will not meet the entry requirement for a degree.

Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements

The subjects that decide your supply chain management course options are Mathematics and English:

If you are still choosing Grade 10 subjects and want a supply chain management degree, take Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy. It keeps both the degree and diploma routes open.

Documents and Application Requirements

Apply directly to each institution through its own online application system. Typically you will need:

Unisa charges a non-refundable R160 fee for online undergraduate applications and lists its undergraduate application period as 17 August to 9 October 2026. UJ lists applications for its Diploma in Logistics as open from 1 April to 31 October 2026. Other institutions set their own dates, so check each one.

Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations

Selection is based on your academic results: UJ states that selection for its logistics diploma is based on academic credit, and VUT notes that meeting its minimum subjects and levels does not guarantee acceptance. Apply with a margin above the minimum, and apply to more than one institution.

Distance study through Unisa suits people already working in purchasing, stores or transport, because you study by distance rather than on campus. UJ’s Diploma in Logistics, by contrast, is full time at its Auckland Park Bunting Road campus.

If you are not sure a supply chain management course is for you, compare it with the closely related logistics courses requirements. Logistics focuses on moving and storing goods, while supply chain management also covers procurement, planning and supplier relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Unisa supply chain management requirements?

For the BCom in Supply Chain and Operations Management: an NSC with degree endorsement and at least 50% in Mathematics and in the language of teaching and learning. A completed Unisa College of Economic and Management Sciences higher certificate or diploma, or RPL (age 30+, Grade 10, five years’ relevant experience), are alternative routes.

Can I study supply chain management with Mathematical Literacy?

Yes, at diploma level. UJ’s Diploma in Logistics accepts Mathematical Literacy at level 5 (60%) with an APS of 26, and VUT’s diploma accepts level 4 with an APS of 21. Degree programmes such as Unisa’s BCom require Mathematics.

What APS do I need for supply chain management?

It depends on the institution and programme: 20 (with Mathematics) at VUT, 24 (with Mathematics) at UJ, and an admission score of 21 at Unisa for the BCom. Use each institution’s own points calculation, because they are not interchangeable.

Is a supply chain certificate enough to get a job?

It can help if you already work in the field, but check that it is an NQF-registered qualification from an accredited provider. For entry-level roles, employers usually look for a diploma or degree.

What is the difference between supply chain management and logistics?

They overlap heavily. Logistics deals with the movement and storage of goods; supply chain management covers the wider network, including procurement, planning and supplier relationships.

Entry requirements, APS minimums and application dates are set by each institution and change every admissions cycle. Confirm the current requirements on Unisa’s BCom in Supply Chain and Operations Management page, the UJ Diploma in Logistics page, VUT’s 2027 minimum admission requirements or the admissions office of the institution you are applying to. See also admission requirements and all education requirements.