There is no single national entry requirement for tourism management courses; each institution sets its own. As a verified example, the Unisa Diploma in Tourism Management (98223) needs a National Senior Certificate with a Diploma endorsement and at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning. Check the requirements of the institution you are applying to.
A tourism management qualification does not by itself allow you to work as a tourist guide. Guiding has its own qualification and registration requirements, covered below.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Tourism management qualifications range from short courses to diplomas and degrees, and entry depends on the provider. The Unisa example shows what a diploma looks like:
- Qualification: Diploma in Tourism Management, code 98223, NQF level 6, 360 credits (SAQA ID 86247)
- APS/AS: 17
- Maximum time to complete: 8 years
- Language mark: at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning
Unisa’s programme page shows a 2027 application information banner, so confirm the intake you are applying for with the university.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Unisa accepts any one of these for the Diploma in Tourism Management:
- A National Senior Certificate with a Diploma endorsement and at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning
- A Senior Certificate with at least a D symbol on Higher Grade or a C symbol on Standard Grade in that language
- Any Higher Certificate from its College of Economic and Management Sciences
Other universities and colleges set different minimums, so use the programme page of the institution you are considering, and see our admission requirements guide for how admission requirements work in general.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
For the Unisa diploma, the only mark stated is the 50% in the language of teaching and learning; no subject-specific mark such as Mathematics is named. The programme’s APS/AS is 17.
Other providers may name specific subjects or a different APS for their tourism management diplomas and degrees. Ask the institution for its programme requirements in writing before you apply.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply through the institution’s own admissions channel. For Unisa, the programme page is the place to start: Diploma in Tourism Management (98223). Institutions list the documents they need on their application pages, so follow that list rather than a generic one.
If you want to become a registered tourist guide, the Department of Tourism’s guide on how to become a registered tourist guide lists what registration needs:
- Proof of competence recognised by SAQA
- A valid first aid certificate from an institution recognised by the Department of Labour
- The application form with the prescribed fee
- A signed code of conduct
- Proof of South African citizenship or a valid working visa
- Four passport photos
Source: How to become a registered tourist guide (Department of Tourism). Confirm the fee and how long registration lasts with the registrar.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
If you do not meet the Unisa requirements, you may consider a Higher Certificate from its College of Economic and Management Sciences. Unisa also has a recognition of prior learning route for applicants who are at least 30 years old, have at least Grade 10 and have at least five years’ relevant work experience.
Tourist guides are registered by Provincial Registrars, who are appointed in each of the nine provinces. In the Western Cape, for example, guides must follow the code of conduct, hold the necessary qualifications and training, and have had first aid training; you train through an accredited course and then register online with the Tourist Guide Registration Office (Western Cape Government). Accredited guide training providers can be found through CATHSSETA, and guide enquiries and appeals go to the National Registrar via the Department of Tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for a tourism management course?
They depend on the institution. At Unisa, the Diploma in Tourism Management needs an NSC with Diploma endorsement and at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning (APS 17), an equivalent Senior Certificate, or a College of Economic and Management Sciences Higher Certificate.
Are there tourism management courses that need Mathematics?
The Unisa diploma names no subject-specific mark. Other institutions set their own subject requirements, so check each programme page.
Does a tourism management diploma let me work as a guide?
No. Tourist guides must register with a Provincial Registrar. Registration requires proof of competence recognised by SAQA, a valid first aid certificate, the application form and prescribed fee, a signed code of conduct, proof of citizenship or a valid working visa, and four passport photos.
Is tourist guide registration national?
Registration is handled by Provincial Registrars appointed in each of the nine provinces. Confirm the process with the registrar for the province where you intend to guide.
Can I enter a tourism management course without matric?
Unisa has a recognition of prior learning route for applicants who are at least 30 years old, have at least Grade 10 and have at least five years’ relevant work experience. Other institutions set their own rules.
Confirm current entry requirements and intake dates with the institution, and guiding registration with the Provincial Registrar or the Department of Tourism. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.