Top 5 Event Management Courses In South Africa

Event management courses in South Africa range from certificates to diplomas and even degrees, offered by various universities, colleges, and private institutions. In this article, we will see some examples along with their requirements.

Event Management Courses In South Africa

1. Event Management Short Course

At: University of Cape Town
Duration: 10 weeks (online)
Overview: This short course covers key event planning elements like event marketing, budgeting, venue management, risk management, and event evaluation.
Requirements:
- High school certificate (Matric)
- Proficiency in English
- Some institutions may require experience in hospitality or event coordination.
Delivery: Online

2. Diploma in Event Management

At: The International Hotel School
Duration: 2-3 years (full-time/part-time options available)
Overview: The course focuses on event planning, management, operations, marketing, and hospitality.
Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent
- Good command of English
Delivery: On-campus or online

3. BCom (Tourism Management) with Event Management Focus

At: Stellenbosch University
Duration: 3 years (full-time)
Overview: This degree focuses on tourism and event management, including subjects like strategic event planning, tourism economics, and marketing.
Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate with at least 50-60% in key subjects
- Mathematics and English
- Admission Point Score (APS) requirements depend on the department
Delivery: On-campus

4. Certificate in Event Management

At: Oxbridge Academy
Duration: 6-12 months (part-time, distance learning)
Overview: Covers the basics of planning and managing events, budgeting, marketing, and execution of different types of events.
Requirements:
- Basic literacy and numeracy
- No Matric required, but completion of Grade 10 is recommended
Delivery: Distance learning (home-based)

5. Higher Certificate in Business Administration (Event Management Stream)

At: TSIBA Business School
Duration: 1 year (full-time)
Overview: Combines business administration skills with a focus on event management, teaching essential project and event management skills.
Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent
- Proficiency in English
- Basic computer skills
Delivery: Blended learning

General Admission Requirements for Event Management Courses

Matric Certificate: Most diploma and degree programs require at least a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification.
Proficiency in English: Most programs require a good command of English, as many courses are conducted in English.
Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy: For degree programs, some institutions may require mathematics, while others may accept mathematical literacy.
Age Requirement: Generally, students must be 18 or older for most courses, but some short courses may allow younger applicants.
Work Experience (optional): Some advanced or professional programs may ask for prior experience in the events, hospitality, or tourism industries.

Fees Of Event Management Courses In South Africa

Event management course fees in South Africa can vary significantly depending on the institution, the level of study (certificate, diploma, degree), and the duration of the course. Below is a general overview of what you might expect:

1. Certificate Courses

Duration: 3 to 12 months
Fees: ZAR 5,000 to ZAR 20,000

2. Diploma Courses

Duration: 1 to 2 years
Fees: ZAR 15,000 to ZAR 50,000

3. Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management

Duration: 3 to 4 years
Fees: ZAR 30,000 to ZAR 90,000 per year

4. Short Courses

Duration: A few days to 6 months
Fees: ZAR 1,500 to ZAR 10,000

These are approximate fees and may vary depending on the institution. It’s advisable to contact the specific universities or colleges to get the most accurate and updated information.

Career Opportunities Of Event Management Courses In South Africa

Event management is a growing field in South Africa with several career opportunities. Here are some potential paths:

Event Planner/Coordinator: Organizing and managing events such as weddings, corporate events, and conferences.
Venue Manager: Overseeing operations and logistics for event venues like hotels, convention centers, or sports arenas.
Marketing and Public Relations Specialist: Promoting events and managing public relations to enhance the event’s visibility.
Corporate Event Manager: Handling events for companies, including product launches, team-building activities, and conferences.
Freelance Event Consultant: Offering specialized advice and services on a project basis.
Supplier and Vendor Management: Coordinating with vendors like caterers, decorators, and equipment rental companies.
Event Marketing Specialist: Creating and implementing marketing strategies to attract attendees and sponsors.

South Africa’s diverse culture and growing economy offer a vibrant market for these roles, particularly in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.

Conclusion

These courses provide both theoretical and practical skills needed for a career in event planning and management.