Top 6 Event Planner Courses In South Africa

In South Africa, various institutions offer event planning courses to equip individuals with the skills needed for careers in the event management industry. These courses vary in duration, level, and focus, from short workshops to diploma programs.

Event Planner Courses In South Africa

1. Event Planning and Wedding Coordination

At: The South African School of Weddings
Duration: 6 months (part-time)
Focus: Planning and coordinating weddings, corporate events, private functions, budgeting, timelines, and working with vendors.
Requirements:
- No formal qualifications are required.
- A passion for event planning is essential.
- Candidates must have access to a computer and the internet for assignments.

2. Event Coordination and Planning Diploma

At: The Aleit Academy
Duration: 3 years (full-time)
Focus: Comprehensive event management, including corporate events, social functions, weddings, and conferences. It also includes practical placements in the industry.
Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent.
- Proficiency in English.
- A passion for events and creativity is an advantage.

3. Diploma in Event Management

At: Varsity College (The Independent Institute of Education)
Duration: 3 years (full-time)
Focus: A broad range of event planning aspects, including logistics, marketing, budgeting, project management, and post-event evaluation.
Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (Matric) with admission to diploma studies.
- Candidates should be proficient in English.

4. UCT Event Management Online Short Course

At: University of Cape Town (via GetSmarter)
Duration: 10 weeks (part-time, online)
Focus: Covers the full event planning cycle, including client relationships, venue management, marketing, and risk management.
Requirements:
- No formal prerequisites, but a matric certificate is recommended.
- Access to a computer with an internet connection for the online format.

5. Event Management Short Course

At: College SA
Duration: 6-12 months (part-time, online)
Focus: Fundamentals of event management, including budgeting, event design, logistics, and vendor management.
Requirements:
- No specific entry requirements.
- Access to the internet for online learning.

6. Certificate in Event Management

At: SA School of Events
Duration: 6-12 months (self-paced)
Focus: Comprehensive overview of event management principles, including planning, marketing, logistics, budgeting, and event execution.
Requirements:
- Basic English literacy.
- A desire to work in the events industry.

General Requirements for Event Planning Courses in South Africa:

Education Level: Most diploma and certificate programs require a National Senior Certificate (Matric). Shorter courses may not have formal educational requirements.
Skills: A passion for events, creativity, attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
Technology: Some online courses require access to a computer and stable internet

Fees Of Event Planning Courses in South Africa

Event planning courses in South Africa vary widely in fees based on the institution and the course level (short courses, certificates, or diplomas). Here are some examples:

Boston City Campus offers a Diploma in Event Management that can be completed in 3 to 9 years via distance learning. The cost typically ranges from R30,000 to R40,000 per year
Rosebank College provides a Higher Certificate in Event Management, which is a one-year, full-time program. It is offered at selected campuses (Pretoria, Braamfontein, Cape Town, Durban) with distance learning options. The fees are around R21,000 per year
MANCOSA has a Higher Certificate in Events Management, a year-long course. The specific fees were not listed, but MANCOSA’s courses usually range between R18,000 and R25,000 per year
For short courses, places like Oxbridge Academy and IQ Academy offer flexible learning options at lower costs, typically ranging from R6,000 to R10,000 for 6-12 months of study

Each institution may have different pricing structures, and it is advisable to contact them directly for precise details on course fees.

Career Opportunities Of Event Planning Courses in South Africa

Event planning courses in South Africa can open up various career opportunities, such as:

Event Coordinator/Manager: Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of events, from weddings to corporate functions.
Conference Planner: Specialize in organizing conferences, trade shows, and seminars.
Wedding Planner: Focus on organizing and managing weddings.
Corporate Event Planner: Handle events for businesses, such as product launches, team-building events, and corporate retreats.
Venue Manager: Manage event spaces and coordinate with clients to book and plan events.
Marketing and Promotions Specialist: Develop and implement promotional strategies for events.
Event Design Specialist: Focus on the aesthetic and thematic aspects of event planning, including décor and setup.
Freelance Event Planner: Offer event planning services on a freelance basis, allowing flexibility and a diverse range of projects.

Conclusion

The event planning industry in South Africa is growing, with opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Courses often provide skills in project management, budgeting, and client relations, which are valuable in these roles.