Hospitality courses requirements depend on the level you enter at. A public TVET college accepts a Grade 9 certificate for the NC(V) Hospitality programme, the N4 to N6 Hospitality Services route at Central Johannesburg TVET College asks for an NC(V) Level 4, an N4 Food Services certificate, an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification or an APS of 24, and a university of technology diploma needs a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma entry plus specific English and Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Accounting ratings.
Hospitality courses in South Africa also build in workplace training, and some programmes add an interview, health requirements and a uniform and toolkit you pay for yourself. A hospitality course is a qualification that prepares you to work in food preparation, food service or accommodation (TVET level) or to become a hospitality manager across accommodation, food and beverage and events (diploma level).
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- NC(V) Hospitality, Levels 2 to 4 (TVET): Grade 9 certificate or an NQF Level 1 equivalent
- Hospitality Services N4 to N6 (TVET, NATED): at Central Johannesburg TVET College, an NC(V) Level 4 in Hospitality, an N4 Food Services certificate, an equivalent NQF Level 4 occupational qualification, or an APS of 24
- Diploma in Hospitality Management (university of technology): NSC with diploma entry, English at level 4 and minimum ratings in Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Accounting
- Selection extras at DUT: an interview for Hospitality Management, a suitability test for Catering Management, Hepatitis A vaccination, and your own uniform and kitchen toolkit
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
TVET colleges. The NC(V) Hospitality programme is a three-year, full-time qualification that ends at NQF Level 4. False Bay TVET College lists the entry requirement as a Grade 9 certificate or NQF Level 1 equivalent. It covers English First Additional Language, Life Skills and Computer Skills, and Mathematical Literacy alongside Hospitality Generics, Hospitality Services, Food Preparation, and Client Services and Human Relations. Its Mathematics requirement is Mathematical Literacy, not pure Mathematics.
For the Hospitality Services N4 to N6 route, Central Johannesburg TVET College asks for one of the following: a Hospitality NC(V) Level 4 certificate, an N4 Food Services certificate, an equivalent NQF Level 4 occupational qualification, or an APS of 24 calculated with English counted double plus your four next-best NSC or NC(V) subjects. Each level takes six months, you must pass at least three subjects to be promoted, and 18 months of in-service training completes the qualification.
Universities of technology. DUT’s rule for any diploma is an NSC with a rating of 3 in English and a rating of 3 in four recognised 20-credit subjects. Hospitality programmes set their own subject minimums on top of this, as the DUT example below shows. Other universities of technology set their own rules, so check their prospectus.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
At Durban University of Technology (DUT), the three-year Diploma in Hospitality Management (NQF 6, SAQA ID 110953) requires:
- English at NSC level 4
- One of Mathematics at level 2, Mathematical Literacy at level 3 or Accounting at level 3
- Three further recognised 20-credit NSC subjects at level 3
- For NC(V) Level 4 applicants: 50% in English and in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, or 60% in Accounting
DUT gives preference to applicants who passed Business Studies, Economics or a hospitality-related subject, or who bring industry experience or CATHSSETA units. The Diploma in Catering Management is stricter on subjects: Accounting at level 3 is compulsory, alongside English at level 4, Mathematics at level 2 or Mathematical Literacy at level 3, and two further recognised 20-credit subjects at level 3.
Hospitality courses do not use one national APS. Central Johannesburg TVET College states an APS of 24 for one entry route, while DUT states subject ratings for its diploma. Check the points or ratings of the specific institution.
Documents and Application Requirements
Check the application route of each institution, then prepare these before you apply:
- Where to apply (DUT): first-time DUT applicants apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). You upload a certified copy of your ID and your final Grade 11 and Grade 12 certificate (or your June or trial report if you have not yet written). The CAO application fee for South African citizens was R250 for the 2027 intake. DUT’s closing date for 2027 entry was 30 September 2026 and has passed (some programmes closed earlier). Check DUT’s How to Apply information for the next cycle.
- Where to apply (TVET): apply on the college’s own website or through its admissions office, and confirm the documents it asks for.
- Health (DUT Hospitality Management): Hepatitis A vaccination, a primary dose and a booster.
- Uniform and equipment (DUT): a uniform and a kitchen toolkit, at your own cost.
- Funding: the NSFAS TVET bursary covers students on NC(V) and Report 191 programmes at public TVET colleges. Apply to NSFAS separately from your study application.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. For the Diploma in Hospitality Management, DUT requires every applicant who meets the minimum to attend an interview. For the Diploma in Catering Management, DUT runs a suitability test and may then shortlist applicants for an interview.
Workplace training is part of the qualification, not an optional extra. The DUT Diploma in Hospitality Management spends two years at the Hotel School and one year in a hospitality organisation. The Central Johannesburg TVET College N4 to N6 route needs 18 months of in-service training to complete.
Applicants aged 23 or older without an NSC can apply to DUT through mature-age entry. DUT states that you must be 23 in your first year of registration, have at least three years of appropriate work experience and/or pass an assessment approved by its Senate, and apply at least four months before the academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hospitality course?
NC(V) Hospitality teaches the theory and practical skills to work as an assistant in food preparation, food service or accommodation. At university of technology level, the DUT Diploma in Hospitality Management prepares you to become a hospitality manager in accommodation, food and beverage and events.
What are the requirements for a hospitality course after Grade 9?
You can start the NC(V) Hospitality programme at a public TVET college with a Grade 9 certificate or an NQF Level 1 equivalent. It takes three years full-time and ends at NQF Level 4.
Can I study a hospitality course with Mathematical Literacy?
Yes. DUT accepts Mathematical Literacy at level 3 for its hospitality and catering diplomas, and the NC(V) Hospitality subjects include Mathematical Literacy.
What APS do I need for hospitality courses in South Africa?
It depends on the institution. Central Johannesburg TVET College states an APS of 24 (English counted double) as one entry route for its N4 hospitality programme. DUT states subject ratings for its diploma.
What are the hospitality and catering courses requirements?
The DUT Diploma in Catering Management needs English at level 4, compulsory Accounting at level 3, Mathematics at level 2 or Mathematical Literacy at level 3, and two further subjects at level 3. DUT then runs a suitability test.
Do hospitality courses include practical work?
Yes. The DUT diploma includes a year in a hospitality organisation, and the Central Johannesburg TVET College N4 to N6 route needs 18 months of in-service training.
Can I get into a hospitality course without matric?
Yes, through the NC(V) route with a Grade 9 certificate, or at DUT through the mature-age route if you are 23 or older and meet its work experience and assessment rules.
Entry requirements, closing dates and fees change with each intake, so confirm them with the TVET college or university of technology you are applying to. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.