Financial management requirements depend on the route: a degree, a short certificate programme, or a competency standard for a public-sector post. Entry rules differ between universities. Unisa is a worked example here: its BCom in Financial Management (98306 – FMN) is a 360-credit qualification with an APS of 21.
Municipal finance posts have their own minimum competency qualifications set by National Treasury, covered below.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management (Unisa): an NSC with degree endorsement, at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning and at least 50% in Mathematics.
- Financial management certificate (Unisa short learning programme 71277): an NSC, Grade 12/matric or equivalent NQF level 4 qualification.
- Municipal finance officials: a qualification in accounting, finance or economics at the NQF level the regulations set for the post.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
For the Unisa BCom in Financial Management you need an NSC with degree endorsement, with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning and at least 50% in Mathematics. A Senior Certificate with matric exemption and a D (HG) or C (SG) in the relevant subject also qualifies, as does any completed Higher Certificate or Diploma in the College of Economic and Management Sciences.
If you want to work in municipal finance, the amended Municipal Regulations on Minimum Competency Levels (Government Gazette 41996, 2018) set the higher education qualification. For the finance posts it is at least a Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance or Economics, or a relevant NQF level 7 qualification of at least 360 credits. The higher column requires a postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8 (120 credits) or a CA(SA). A relevant NQF level 6 qualification of 240 credits applies to lower officials.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Unisa lists an APS of 21 for the BCom in Financial Management, with the 50% Mathematics requirement above. Other universities set different APS scores and subject conditions for their financial management or commerce degrees, so check the programme you are applying to.
The BCom is a 360-credit qualification (SAQA ID 101094). The financial management certificate is a short learning programme that takes about twelve months.
Documents and Application Requirements
Unisa’s online application fee is R160, paid after you receive a student number, and it is non-refundable. Apply through the programme page and keep your matric certificate and ID ready. The full document list is on the Unisa site.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Unisa also has a recognition of prior learning (RPL) route for the BCom in Financial Management. You must be at least 30 years old, have at least Grade 10, and have at least five years’ relevant work experience.
The fees and dates shown are for the 2027 application cycle at Unisa. Check the short learning programme page for the certificate’s current intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for a bachelor of financial management?
At Unisa the qualification is the BCom in Financial Management: an NSC with degree endorsement, 50% in the language of teaching and learning and 50% in Mathematics (APS 21), or a qualifying Higher Certificate or Diploma from its College of Economic and Management Sciences. Other universities set their own rules.
Do I need Mathematics?
For the Unisa BCom in Financial Management, yes: at least 50% in Mathematics. The financial management certificate programme needs only an NSC, Grade 12/matric or equivalent NQF level 4 qualification.
What is the financial management certificate?
Unisa’s Programme in Financial Management (71277) is a short learning programme of about twelve months. It requires an NSC, Grade 12/matric or an equivalent NQF level 4 qualification.
Are there special requirements for government finance roles?
Municipal finance officials must meet the minimum competency regulations published by National Treasury. These set the required qualification level by post, as described above. For national and provincial departments, ask the employing department what it requires.
Can I study without matric?
Unisa’s RPL route for the BCom requires you to be at least 30, with at least Grade 10 and five years’ relevant work experience.
Confirm the current rules with Unisa or the university you are applying to, and National Treasury for municipal posts before you apply. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.