No single authority sets the requirements to become a project manager, so the entry route depends on whether you want a professional certification or a university qualification. Certifications such as PMP and PRINCE2 are awarded on the basis of experience, training and an exam, while the qualification route runs through postgraduate study such as Unisa’s Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management.
South African universities do not appear to offer a standalone “Honours in Project Management” at the institutions checked, and Unisa’s diploma sits at NQF level 8, the same level as an honours degree.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management (Unisa, code 90146): a three-year 360-credit bachelor’s degree or an appropriate advanced diploma at NQF level 7, plus at least two years’ work experience and a detailed CV
- PMP: documented project management experience, 35 contact hours of formal project management education and an exam
- PRINCE2 Foundation: an exam, with no prerequisite listed by PeopleCert
- PRINCE2 Practitioner: proof of an accepted prior certification such as PRINCE2 Foundation, PMP or CAPM, and an exam
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The Unisa Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management is an NQF level 8 qualification of 120 credits, with a maximum duration of two years. Admission to the 2027 academic year requires a three-year 360-credit bachelor’s degree or an appropriate advanced diploma at NQF level 7, at least two years’ work experience and a detailed CV.
To get into a bachelor’s or diploma programme in project management or a related field, the national minimum for the National Senior Certificate is set by the Department of Higher Education and Training. A bachelor’s degree needs at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching plus a rating of 4 (50-59%) in four 20-credit subjects. A diploma needs 30% in that language plus a rating of 3 (40-49%) in four 20-credit subjects. Each institution then sets its own programme requirements, which are higher or more specific, so check them with the institution you want to apply to.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
No specific school subjects are needed for the certifications. For degrees and diplomas, subject and APS requirements are set by each institution and programme, so check the prospectus for your intake year.
For the PMP, the Project Management Institute’s exam outline (an older edition) lists the experience needed: 60 months of project management experience with a secondary or associate degree, 36 months with a four-year degree, or 24 months with a bachelor’s degree or higher from a GAC-accredited programme. That outline also requires the experience to fall within the eight years before you apply. PMI has since updated its pages, so check the current rules on pmi.org before you plan.
Documents and Application Requirements
Documents depend on the route.
- Unisa postgraduate diploma: proof of your degree or advanced diploma, proof of two years’ work experience and a detailed CV
- PMP: a record of your project management experience and proof of 35 hours of formal project management education, unless you hold an active CAPM
- PRINCE2 Practitioner: proof of one of the accepted prior certifications, such as PRINCE2 Foundation v7, PRINCE2 5th or 6th edition, PMP, CAPM, PMQ or IPMA levels A-D
Check the exact submission list with Unisa or the certifying body before you apply.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
The Unisa admission requirements above apply to the 2027 academic year; check Unisa for application dates. PMP and PRINCE2 are exam-based credentials you book through the certifying body.
Exam formats, per PeopleCert:
- PRINCE2 7 Foundation: 60 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, closed book, 60% to pass
- PRINCE2 7 Practitioner: 56 questions or sub-questions, 70 marks, 150 minutes, open book, 60% to pass
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an honours in project management?
No standalone “Honours in Project Management” was found at the South African universities checked. Unisa offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management at NQF level 8, the same level as an honours degree.
What qualification do I need to become a project manager?
The routes are professional certification (PMP, which needs experience, 35 hours of education and an exam, or PRINCE2, which starts with Foundation) or a university qualification such as Unisa’s NQF level 8 diploma.
What do I need for the Unisa Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management?
A three-year 360-credit bachelor’s degree or an advanced diploma at NQF level 7, at least two years’ work experience and a detailed CV.
Do I need experience before I can take the PMP?
Yes. The PMI outline requires documented project management experience and 35 contact hours of formal education, unless you hold an active CAPM. Check pmi.org for the current thresholds.
Do I need Foundation before PRINCE2 Practitioner?
You need proof of one accepted prior certification. PRINCE2 7 Foundation is one of them; PMP, CAPM and others are also accepted.
Confirm requirements with Unisa, PMI or PeopleCert before you apply. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.