Digital marketing course requirements depend on the route you choose. No single authority sets them for the field. The UCT online short course has no formal prerequisites, Unisa’s Higher Certificate in Marketing needs a National Senior Certificate, and Google’s free Skillshop certifications are earned by passing an assessment.
Employers in this field tend to look at what you have actually run, so a course is best bought for structure and feedback. This page covers the academic and short-course routes and what each asks of you.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Online short course (UCT) — UCT states that enrolment is open to all with no formal prerequisites. The course runs for 6 weeks at 4–6 hours a week, is taught in English, costs R15,900 and ends with a UCT certificate. Price and duration are as shown on UCT’s page on 10 October 2026 and can change.
- Higher Certificate in Marketing (Unisa, NQF 5) — a National Senior Certificate with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning, or an equivalent Senior Certificate or NC(V). See the Unisa qualification page.
- Google Skillshop certifications — free Google Ads training and certification. The help pages state no entry prerequisite; you prepare with the course material and pass the assessment.
- Other short courses, diplomas and degrees set their own entry requirements. Ask the provider for its current admission criteria before you pay.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Short courses. The UCT course needs no formal academic qualification. Other providers set their own rules, so confirm directly with them.
Unisa Higher Certificate in Marketing. This NQF 5 qualification carries 120 credits and an APS of 15 for the 2027 intake. The requirement is an NSC with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning, or the SC / NC(V) equivalents.
Admission through work experience. For the same Unisa qualification, recognition of prior learning is available if you are at least 30 years old, have completed at least Grade 10 and have at least five years’ relevant work experience.
Diplomas and degrees. Marketing diplomas and degrees at other institutions set their own entry levels and APS. Check the programme page of the institution you are considering.
Before paying a private provider, ask who accredits the qualification and whether it is registered, and check it with SAQA. Be wary of any course that promises specific earnings or guaranteed clients.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
- Short courses and platform certifications: no subject or APS requirement is stated for the UCT course or for Skillshop.
- Unisa Higher Certificate in Marketing: an APS of 15 and at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning (2027 intake).
- Other diplomas and degrees: subjects and APS are set by each institution and programme.
- Much of the work involves writing and reading reports, so a good command of English helps. UCT’s course is taught in English.
Documents and Application Requirements
Documents differ by provider. For a formal qualification such as Unisa’s, expect to provide identity documents and your school results. For short courses and platform certifications you enrol or sign in online.
- Your South African ID, or passport and study permit for international applicants
- Your NSC or final Grade 12 results, where a formal qualification is involved
- A CV or portfolio only where the programme asks for it
- A computer and a reliable internet connection for online study
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Unisa 2027 intake. Applications for undergraduate qualifications ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026 and have now closed. Admission depends on meeting the requirements and on available space. Check the Unisa page for what happens next.
Skillshop certificates expire. Skillshop certifications are valid for one year from the date issued and need recertification. Depending on the assessment, you need a score of 80% or more to pass. There is no limit on attempts, with a 24-hour wait after a fail.
Build evidence while you learn. A small campaign for a school, non-profit or your own site, with results you can show, adds weight to any certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for a digital marketing course?
It depends on the course. UCT’s online short course has no formal prerequisites. Unisa’s Higher Certificate in Marketing needs an NSC with at least 30% in the language of teaching. Skillshop certifications are free and assessed, with a pass mark of 80% or more depending on the assessment.
Do I need a qualification?
No authority sets a single qualification for digital marketing. Some routes need none, while a formal qualification such as the Unisa certificate needs a matric pass.
Are the free platform certifications worth doing?
They cost nothing for Google Ads and show you whether you enjoy the work. Remember they expire after a year and need renewing.
What should a paid course add?
Look for assessed work with feedback, practice on live campaigns or a recognised qualification. Ask the provider what it offers that free material does not.
Can I study without matric?
For the UCT short course, yes, as no prerequisites apply. For Unisa’s certificate you need an NSC or equivalent, or you may qualify through recognition of prior learning at 30 or older with Grade 10 and five years’ relevant experience.
Admission rules, prices and intake dates change, so confirm current details with the provider. See the admission requirements guide and browse all education requirements.