Human resource management courses requirements depend on the level you apply for. 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. Unisa has no higher certificate named for human resource management: its route in is the Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences (NQF 5), which feeds into the diploma.
If you did not get a diploma or bachelor’s pass, you can still start. TVET colleges run Human Resource Management N4–N6, and a completed higher certificate from Unisa’s College of Economic and Management Sciences can lead on to the Diploma in Human Resource Management.
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.
- Unisa Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences (NQF 5, 120 credits): an NSC with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning, or an NC(V) with at least 40% in the language, and an APS of 15. Unisa allows up to three years to finish it.
- 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: 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.
- UJ BCom Human Resource Management (2027 intake): APS of 28, English at level 4 and Mathematics at level 4 or Mathematical Literacy at level 5.
- UJ Diploma in People Management (2027 intake): APS of 22 with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, or 24 with Mathematical Literacy. English at level 4 (50% or more) and Mathematics at level 3 (40% or more) or Mathematical Literacy at level 5 (60% or more).
- Advanced diploma (NQF 7) and postgraduate diploma (NQF 8): a completed HR diploma, or an NQF 7 qualification with good marks in its majors. Unisa’s follow-on route runs from the Diploma in Human Resource Management (98211) to the BCom in Human Resource Management (98307).
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 and UJ for level 4 English.
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 and UJ leave out Life Orientation (UJ counts your six best subjects), 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. Unisa offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Development (98227), which leads on to the MCom. UJ also runs human resource development programmes at higher certificate and diploma level, but they are continuing-education programmes outside its undergraduate prospectus tables, so ask UJ directly for the current entry requirements and application dates.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply online through the institution’s own portal. Have these ready:
- Your certified ID document (VUT asks for a certified copy), 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, if you are applying through RPL
Application periods vary, and several 2027 windows have already closed. Unisa took 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 for the first semester was 30 September and its application fee is R110. UJ’s 2027 applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. Central Johannesburg TVET College’s page lists January and July intakes for N4.
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 says meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.
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. UJ’s BCom in Human Resource Management needs 28.
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, and UJ’s needs Mathematics at level 4 or Mathematical Literacy at level 5 for its BCom.
What are the requirements for a higher certificate in human resource management?
Unisa does not list a higher certificate named for human resource management. Its Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences (NQF 5, 120 credits) needs an NSC with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning, or an NC(V) with at least 40% in the language, and an APS of 15. Completing it lets you apply for the Diploma in Human Resource Management. Other providers set their own rules, so confirm with them.
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?
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 Unisa offers it as a separate Postgraduate Diploma (98227).
Do I need a human resource management certificate to work in HR?
Registration with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) has its own rules. For HR Technician registration it asks for a one-year certificate plus one year’s experience, and for HR Associate a two-year HR diploma, two years’ experience and Board Exam 1. Check current criteria on the SABPP member FAQs.
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.