Available Courses for 2026 Applications

As you plan to apply for the 2026 academic year, one of the most critical steps in this journey is knowing which courses are available and understanding the admission requirements. This guide will walk you through the wide range of available courses for 2026 applications in South Africa.

Available Courses for 2026 Applications

A wide range of courses is open for 2026 applications at universities and colleges. These programmes are offered across various qualification levels, including:

• Higher Certificate
• Diploma
• Degree
• Advanced Diploma
• Postgraduate Diploma
• Honours
• Master’s degree
• PhD

A breakdown of the qualification levels

• Higher Certificate

This is an entry-level qualification that takes one year to complete. It provides foundational knowledge and practical skills in a specific field. Higher Certificates are ideal for students who do not meet the requirements for diploma or degree programmes but want to gain access to further study or improve their employability.

• Diploma

Diploma programmes usually take three years to complete and offer a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. They prepare students for specific careers and are commonly offered in fields like engineering, education, information technology, and business. Some diplomas may include work-integrated learning (WIL) or internships.

• Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is a three to four-year programme that provides in-depth academic and practical training in a chosen field. It is the most common undergraduate qualification and is required for many professional careers. Fields include science, law, education, commerce, and the humanities.

• Advanced Diploma

An Advanced Diploma is a one-year qualification that builds on a diploma or a bachelor's degree in a related field. It is ideal for those seeking to specialize further or qualify for entry into postgraduate study.

• Postgraduate Diploma

This is a one-year programme designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to deepen their knowledge in a specific area without committing to a full master’s programme. It’s often a stepping stone to a Master’s degree.

• Honours Degree

An Honours degree is a one-year postgraduate qualification completed after a bachelor’s degree (usually in the same field). It includes a research component and prepares students for further academic study or professional specialisation.

• Master’s Degree

A Master’s degree takes one to two years to complete and involves advanced coursework, research, or a combination of both. It allows students to develop expertise in a specialized area and is often required for senior or research-based roles.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is the highest academic qualification and focuses on original research that contributes new knowledge to a specific field. It typically takes three or more years to complete and is suited for those aiming to become researchers, university lecturers, or experts in their disciplines.

List of popular courses available for 2026 applications in South Africa  

Higher Certificate (NQF Level 5)

• Higher Certificate in Business Management
• Higher Certificate in Information Technology
• Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Development
• Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management
• Higher Certificate in Accounting
• Higher Certificate in Marketing
• Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management
• Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies
• Higher Certificate in Office Administration
• Higher Certificate in Community Health Work

Diploma (NQF Level 6)

• Diploma in Financial Accounting
• Diploma in Policing
• Diploma in Information Technology
• Diploma in Public Relations Management
• Diploma in Civil Engineering
• Diploma in Human Resource Management
• Diploma in Tourism Management
• Diploma in Nature Conservation
• Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Diploma in Agriculture

Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7)

• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
• Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelor of Administration (Public Administration)
• Bachelor of Environmental Science

Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)

• Advanced Diploma in Project Management
• Advanced Diploma in Information Technology
• Advanced Diploma in Education (TVET)
• Advanced Diploma in Financial Management
• Advanced Diploma in Logistics
• Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management
• Advanced Diploma in Public Management
• Advanced Diploma in Communication
• Advanced Diploma in Health Services Management
• Advanced Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality

Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8)

• Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGCE)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
• Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
• Postgraduate Diploma in Risk Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law
• Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Data Analytics
• Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing

Honours Degree (NQF Level 8)

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics
• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Science
• Bachelor of Education Honours in Curriculum Studies
• Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics
• Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Sociology
• Bachelor of Laws Honours (LLB Honours)
• Bachelor of Health Science Honours in Public Health
• Bachelor of Engineering Honours
• Bachelor of Environmental Science Honours
• Bachelor of Psychology Honours

Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9)

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Education in Inclusive Education
• Master of Public Health
• Master of Arts in International Relations
• Master of Commerce in Finance
• Master of Social Work
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering
• Master of Environmental Management

Doctorate / PhD (NQF Level 10)

• PhD in Education
• PhD in Computer Science
• PhD in Public Health
• PhD in Law
• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in Agricultural Sciences
• PhD in Engineering
• PhD in Environmental Science
• PhD in Political Science
• PhD in Business Administration

To make the most of your 2026 applications, keep these tips in mind:

1. Most universities open applications around April to June 2025.
2. Some programs, like Medicine and Architecture, have earlier deadlines.
3. Each course has different APS score and subject requirements.
4. Use official prospectuses or online APS calculators to determine your eligibility.
5. Always have backup options. Apply to at least 3 to 5 institutions.
6. Don’t forget to apply for NSFAS, university bursaries, and external scholarships.
7. NSFAS applications usually open in September.
8. Certified ID copy, Grade 11 final report or Matric certificate are needed.

Conclusion

There are thousands of courses available for the 2026 application cycle across South Africa’s universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges. The best course for you depends on your academic strengths, personal interests, and long-term career goals.

Take time to explore each institution’s website, download prospectuses, and speak to career guidance counsellors. The choices you make now can shape your future.