Requirements for Hospitality Courses – A Complete Guide
Hospitality Studies: Requirements and Where to Study in South Africa
Interested in studying Hospitality but not sure what the requirements are? Here’s your guide to the qualifications, entry criteria, and institutions offering hospitality-related programmes.
What is Hospitality Studies?
Hospitality Management and Tourism focus on the hospitality industry—the relationship between guests and hosts. Studying Consumer Science or Hospitality Management prepares you for careers across various hospitality sectors and can open the door to exciting global opportunities.
You can pursue a hospitality qualification at:
Universities
Colleges dedicated to Hospitality Management
Business schools with relevant departments
Institutions & Requirements
1. University of South Africa (UNISA)
Programme: Bachelor of Consumer Sciences in Hospitality Management (NQF Level 7)
Minimum Admission Requirements:
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement or equivalent, plus:
At least 50% in the language of teaching and learning
At least 40% in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, OR 60% in Mathematical Literacy
Senior Certificate (SC) with matric exemption, plus:
At least a D symbol (HG) or C symbol (SG) in the language of teaching and learning
At least an E symbol (HG) or D symbol (SG) in Mathematics
Higher Certificate meeting the Language and Mathematics requirements
Applicants who do not meet the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification first.
2. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Programme: Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management Honours
Admission Requirements:
Relevant undergraduate degree, Advanced Diploma, or BTech in Tourism/Hospitality (NQF Level 7)
Average mark of 60% in final year or equivalent modules
English language proficiency (literacy test)
Selection interview may be required
Postgraduate opportunities include Master’s and PhD qualifications.
3. University of Pretoria (UP)
Programme: BConSci in Consumer Science (Specialisations: Clothing Retail Management, Food Retail Management, Hospitality Studies)
Admission Requirements:
National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with university endorsement
Grade 11 results for conditional admission; Grade 12 results for final admission
Life Orientation excluded from APS calculation
No acceptance of GED or School of Tomorrow qualifications
Note: Applications close when programme capacity is reached, even before the official closing date.
4. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Programmes Offered:
BTech in Hospitality
BTech in Tourism
Diploma in Catering Management
Diploma in Hospitality Management
Diploma in Tourism Management
Requirements for BTech:
Relevant National Diploma in Hospitality or Tourism Management (depending on the BTech chosen)
Further study options include a Master of Technology in Tourism and Hospitality.
Key Takeaways
Entry requirements vary by institution—always check directly before applying.
Many programmes allow you to progress from diploma to BTech, then to Master’s.
Hospitality studies can lead to international career opportunities.