Requirements

Tourism Courses Requirements

Tourism courses are offered at several levels, and the entry requirements depend on the institution and the programme. As a verified example, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Diploma: Tourism Management for 2027 asks for a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma admission, English at level 4, and a total of 20 APS with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, or 21 APS with Mathematical Literacy (Life Orientation excluded). See the VUT 2027 minimum admission requirements.

If you want to work as a tourist guide, the route is different: guiding needs an accredited guiding qualification and registration with a Provincial Registrar, separate from any diploma.

Entry Requirements at a Glance

For a tourism course such as a diploma in tourism, the VUT 2027 requirements are:

For tourist guiding, you need a guiding qualification from an accredited provider, a valid first aid certificate and registration with a Provincial Registrar.

Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements

Nationally, the minimum for admission to a Diploma is an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching, plus an achievement rating of 3 (40-49%) or better in four recognised 20-credit NSC subjects, as set out in the DHET admission policy. That is only the floor. Each institution sets its own APS and subject levels, as the VUT figures above show.

Tourist guides are a separate case. The Tourism Act 3 of 2014 defines the scope of tourist guiding and provides for National and Provincial Registrars, and the Department of Tourism states that the Act prohibits acting as a tourist guide without being registered, and also prohibits employing an unregistered person as a guide. There are three guide categories (nature, culture and adventure), and guides are further categorised by area: site, provincial or national.

Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements

At VUT, one of Tourism, Geography, Business Studies or History at level 4 is compulsory. That means Tourism itself is not strictly required, but you do need one subject from that list. Mathematical Literacy is accepted at VUT at level 4, with a total of 21 APS instead of 20. Other institutions set their own rules, so check the programme you want.

For guiding, the competence must be SAQA-recognised and obtained through a CATHSSETA-accredited provider or a higher-education institution with SAQA-accredited programmes. The SAQA record for the Further Education and Training Certificate: Tourist Guiding (NQF 4, 134 credits) shows a last date for enrolment of 30 June 2028 and a last date for achievement of 30 June 2031.

Documents and Application Requirements

For a VUT diploma application you need:

Apply online at the VUT website. Initial selection is based on your final Grade 11 or latest Grade 12 results.

To register as a tourist guide, the Department of Tourism lists the following. See how to register as a tourist guide.

Registration is open to South African citizens and holders of a valid work permit. The portal is undated, so confirm the fee and procedure with your Provincial Registrar, since procedures differ by province.

Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations

VUT states that meeting the minimum subjects and symbols does not guarantee acceptance. For the 2027 intake its academic closing date was 30 September, so that window has closed; residences were listed as 31 October. Check the VUT website for any later arrangements and for the next intake.

Guides must be trained by accredited training providers before an application for registration is considered. Check a provider’s accreditation yourself using the CATHSSETA list and SAQA before paying.

Entry rules for tourism certificates, degrees and TVET college tourism programmes differ from the VUT diploma, so ask the institution you are considering for its own requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for tourism courses?

It depends on the level and the institution. At VUT (2027) the Diploma: Tourism Management needs diploma admission on your NSC, English level 4, Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 4, one of Tourism, Geography, Business Studies or History at level 4, and 20 or 21 APS.

Do I need Mathematics for tourism?

Not necessarily. VUT accepts Mathematical Literacy at level 4 with 21 APS, against Mathematics at level 3 with 20 APS. Other institutions may differ, so confirm with the one you choose.

Do I need Tourism as a school subject?

At VUT, one compulsory subject at level 4 must come from Tourism, Geography, Business Studies and History, so Tourism is one of four options rather than a strict requirement.

What is a course in tourism that leads to guiding?

A guiding course from an accredited provider leads to a Certificate in Tourist Guiding, after which you register with a Provincial Registrar. You also need a valid first aid certificate and, to register, proof of citizenship or a valid work permit.

Do tourist guides need registration?

Yes. The Department of Tourism states that the Act prohibits acting as a tourist guide without being registered, and prohibits employing an unregistered person as a guide.

Is a first aid certificate needed for guiding?

Yes. Registration requires a valid first aid certificate (Basic Level 1) from an institution recognised by the Department of Labour.

Confirm requirements with the institution you plan to study at, and with your Provincial Registrar of tourist guides for guide registration. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.

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