Human resource management courses requirements depend on the level you apply for. A higher certificate in human resource management needs a National Senior Certificate (NSC) that allows higher certificate study. A diploma needs an NSC with a diploma pass and set marks in English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. A degree in human resource management, such as a BCom, needs a bachelor’s pass and usually Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy.
If you did not get a diploma or bachelor’s pass, you can still start. TVET colleges run Human Resource Management N4–N6, and private higher education institutions and some universities offer one-year NQF 5 certificates that can lead on to a diploma or degree.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- TVET Human Resource Management N4–N6: set by each college. Central Johannesburg TVET College, for example, accepts a relevant NC(V) Level 4 certificate, an equivalent NQF 4 occupational qualification, or an NSC with an APS of 24 calculated with English counted twice.
- Higher certificate (NQF 5, one year): an NSC that gives access to higher certificate study, plus the provider’s English requirement.
- Unisa Diploma in Human Resource Management (NQF 6): NSC with diploma endorsement, APS of 17, at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and 40% in Mathematics or 70% in Mathematical Literacy.
- VUT Diploma: Human Resources Management: NSC or NC(V) Level 4 with diploma eligibility, English level 4, Mathematics or Technical Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 4, one other subject at level 4, and an APS of 20 (Mathematics) or 21 (Mathematical Literacy), excluding Life Orientation.
- Unisa BCom in Human Resource Management (NQF 7): NSC with degree endorsement, APS of 21, and at least 50% in both the language of teaching and learning and Mathematics.
- Advanced diploma (NQF 7) and postgraduate diploma (NQF 8): a completed HR diploma, or an NQF 7 qualification with good marks in its majors.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Your pass type sets the lowest level you can enter. A diploma pass opens diplomas such as Unisa’s and VUT’s. A bachelor’s pass is needed for the BCom. Unisa’s diploma also accepts any higher certificate from its College of Economic and Management Sciences, and its BCom accepts a completed higher certificate or diploma from that college. So you can move up a level without rewriting matric.
Unisa also takes working adults through recognition of prior learning (RPL). For the diploma and the BCom, you must be at least 30, have completed Grade 10 and have five years’ relevant work experience in human resources.
For an advanced human resource management course, you need a qualification behind you:
- TUT’s online Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management (NQF 7) requires a Diploma or National Diploma in Human Resource Management, or an equivalent NQF 6 qualification in HR or a related field of at least 360 credits.
- Unisa’s Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (NQF 8) requires an appropriate NQF 7 qualification with at least 60% for the majors or for selected NQF 7 modules. RPL applicants must be at least 23 with five years’ current, relevant experience.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
English is the subject that matters most across human resource management courses. Unisa asks for 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and VUT for level 4 English. None of the institutions above lists Business Studies, Economics or Accounting as compulsory.
Mathematics decides whether a degree is open to you. Unisa’s diploma accepts Mathematical Literacy at 70%. Its BCom needs 50% in Mathematics and does not list Mathematical Literacy as an option. If you have Mathematical Literacy, the diploma, and then an advanced diploma, is the realistic route to NQF 7.
Each institution calculates APS its own way. VUT leaves out Life Orientation, and Central Johannesburg TVET College doubles your English mark. Use the method on the institution’s own admission page.
Human resource development courses
Human resource development (training, learning and organisational development) has its own qualifications. UJ’s Higher Certificate in Human Resource Development (NQF 5) needs a Grade 12 certificate with access to higher certificate studies or an NQF 4 FETC, and UJ prefers one year’s work experience. Its part-time Diploma in Human Resource Development (NQF 6, three years) needs an NSC with diploma endorsement and two to three years’ work experience, preferably in training and development or HR. Both require computer literacy and internet access.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply online through the institution’s own portal. Have these ready:
- Your ID document, or passport for international applicants
- Your NSC or NC(V) certificate, or your latest school results if you are still in Grade 12
- Academic records for any higher certificate or diploma you are building on
- A CV and proof of work experience, for RPL and for UJ’s human resource development programmes
Application periods vary. For 2027, Unisa takes undergraduate applications from 17 August to 9 October 2026 and charges a non-refundable R160 application fee once you have a student number. VUT’s academic closing date is 30 September. UJ’s human resource development programmes accept applications from 1 April to 30 November 2026. Central Johannesburg TVET College enrols N4 students in January and July.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. Unisa admits applicants only where space is available, VUT says its minimums do not guarantee acceptance, and UJ runs a selection process for its human resource development programmes because student numbers are limited.
Check how a course finishes. Passing N6 is not the end of the TVET route: Central Johannesburg TVET College lists 18 months of practical experience as part of the programme, which you need for the National N Diploma.
If you choose a private provider’s human resource management certificate, confirm it is a registered qualification. Search its SAQA ID on SAQA’s qualification database and check that the institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What APS do I need for human resource management?
Unisa lists an APS of 17 for its Diploma in Human Resource Management and 21 for its BCom. VUT’s diploma needs 20 with Mathematics or 21 with Mathematical Literacy.
Can I study human resource management with Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, at diploma level. Unisa asks for 70% in Mathematical Literacy and VUT asks for level 4. Unisa’s BCom in Human Resource Management needs 50% in Mathematics.
What are the requirements for a higher certificate in human resource management?
An NSC that gives access to higher certificate study, plus the provider’s English requirement. It is a one-year NQF 5 qualification of 120 credits, and some providers accept mature applicants through RPL.
Can I study human resource management without matric?
Possibly. Some TVET colleges accept an NC(V) Level 4 or an equivalent NQF 4 occupational qualification for N4. Unisa accepts RPL applicants aged 30 or older who have Grade 10 and five years’ relevant work experience.
How long does a human resource management course take?
A higher certificate takes one year. N4–N6 takes three semesters of full-time study, followed by 18 months’ practical experience. Unisa’s diploma and BCom are each 360 credits, and Unisa gives you up to eight years to finish either one.
What is the difference between human resource management and human resource development?
Human resource management covers the whole employment cycle, from recruitment to labour relations. Human resource development focuses on training, learning and organisational development, and UJ offers it as a separate higher certificate and diploma.
Entry requirements and application dates change every intake. Confirm them on the programme pages of Unisa, VUT or your chosen college, and check any private qualification on SAQA’s qualification database. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.