Key Takeaways: The Professional’s Choice
- The Model: MANCOSA is a Private Distance Learning institution. You do not attend daily classes; you study online while you work.
- The MBA Rule: You cannot do an MBA with just a 3-year degree. You need an Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma (NQF 8) plus 3 years of work experience.
- The “RPL” Lifeline: If you are over 30 with 10+ years of experience but no degree, you might qualify for the MBA via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- 2026 Fees: Undergraduate approx. R35,000 per year; MBA approx. R85,000 per year.
- Accreditation: Fully accredited by the CHE and registered with the Department of Higher Education (DHET).
In the world of South African business education, MANCOSA (Management College of Southern Africa) has become the dominant player for working adults. While UCT and Wits Business School dominate the corporate boardroom, MANCOSA dominates the middle-management sector, offering affordable, flexible degrees that don’t require you to quit your job.
However, because it is a private college, many students are confused about its “validity” and its entry requirements. Can you really get a BCom without Matric Exemption? Can you do an MBA without a degree?
For the 2026 Academic Year, MANCOSA has tightened its admission policies. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to get in, how much it will cost, and how to use your work experience to skip the academic queue.
1. The Flagship: MBA Admission Requirements 2026
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is MANCOSA’s crown jewel. It is one of the most popular MBAs in Africa.
The “Golden Rule” of MBAs:
In South Africa, an MBA is a Masters Degree (NQF Level 9).1 Therefore, you cannot enter it directly from a standard 3-year Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7). You need a “Bridge.”
Standard Admission Criteria
To be accepted for the 2026 intake, you must meet ALL three criteria:
- Academic: A relevant Honours Degree OR a Postgraduate Diploma (e.g., PGDip in Business Management). This must be at NQF Level 8.
- Professional: Minimum of 3 years of work experience, preferably in a managerial or supervisory role.
- Language: Proficiency in English.
Note: If you only have a 3-year BCom or BBA, you must first register for the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDip) at MANCOSA (1 Year). Once you pass that, you qualify for the MBA.
The RPL Route (Recognition of Prior Learning)
- For: Older managers who never finished university but run companies or departments.
- Requirements:
- You must be 30 years or older.
- You must have 10+ years of work experience (with significant management responsibility).
- The Process: It is rigorous. You don’t just “get in.” You have to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) proving that your work experience is equivalent to an Honours degree. Admission is limited to 10% of the intake.
2. Undergraduate Requirements (BCom, BBA, BPubAdmin)
MANCOSA offers a wide range of degrees for school leavers or junior staff wanting to climb the ladder.
Bachelor’s Degrees (3 Years)
- Courses: BCom (Marketing, HR, Supply Chain, IT), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Public Administration.
- Requirement: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s Pass (Admission to Bachelor’s Degree).
- Maths Rule: Most MANCOSA commerce degrees accept Math Literacy (Level 4+). You do not strictly need Pure Maths unless you are doing the BSc IT or Financial degrees.
Higher Certificates (1 Year)
- For: Students who failed to get a Bachelor’s Pass.
- Courses: Higher Certificate in Supply Chain, Project Management, Local Government, or Information Technology.
- Requirement: NSC with a Higher Certificate Pass.
- The Strategy: If you pass the Higher Certificate, you can apply to transfer into the 2nd Year of a BCom or BBA degree. It is the perfect “backdoor” entry.
3. 2026 Fee Estimates (Private Fees)
Since MANCOSA is private, NSFAS does NOT cover it. You must pay yourself, or get a bank loan/Fundi loan.
Note: These are estimates based on the 2026 fee structure. Fees often increase by 5-8% annually.
Undergraduate Fees (Per Year):
- Registration Fee: ~R3,500 (Non-refundable).
- Tuition (Cash): ~R32,000 – R38,000 per year.
- Payment Plan: ~R3,800 per month x 10 months.
Postgraduate / MBA Fees (Per Year):
- MBA Registration Fee: ~R9,000.
- MBA Tuition (Year 1): ~R80,000 – R90,000.
- Postgraduate Diploma: ~R45,000 (Total).
What is included?
MANCOSA fees typically include your Digital Textbooks, access to MANCOSA Connect (the online portal), and exam fees. They do not include a laptop (unlike Richfield), so you must have your own device.
4. Distance Learning: How it Works
MANCOSA does not have “classes” in the traditional sense.
- The Portal (mylearning): You log in to download study guides, watch pre-recorded lectures, and submit assignments.
- Webinars: Live online classes are held in the evenings or on weekends for working students.
- Exams: Most assessments are now online (timed assessments), but some major exams may require venue attendance depending on regulatory changes.
- Support: You are assigned an “Academic Tutor” who answers questions via email or chat.
5. Accreditation: Is it “Real”?
Yes.
- DHET Registration: Registered with the Department of Higher Education (No. 2000/HE07/003).
- CHE: Accredited by the Council on Higher Education.
- International: MANCOSA is part of Honoris United Universities, a pan-African network. This gives the degree good recognition across Africa, though for emigration to the UK/Australia, you would still need to do a SAQA/NARIC conversion (which is standard for any SA degree).
6. How to Apply Online
Step 1: Application
- Visit
www.mancosa.co.za. - Click “Apply Now”.
- Complete the biographical form.
Step 2: Upload Documents
- Certified ID.
- Certified Matric Certificate (or highest qualification).
- CV (For MBA/PGDip applicants).
- Marriage Certificate (if your surname changed).
Step 3: Pay Registration
- Once accepted, you will receive an “Offer Letter.”
- You must pay the Registration Fee to active your student number.
Step 4: Delivery
- Your “Welcome Pack” (sometimes physical, mostly digital) is sent to you.
7. The “BBA” vs “BCom” Question
Students often ask: “What is the difference between the BBA and BCom?”
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): Specialist. Focuses on a specific discipline like Accounting, Economics, or Marketing. Choose this if you want a specialized career.
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Generalist. Focuses on Leadership, Operations, and Management. Choose this if you want to be a general manager or entrepreneur.
Summary: Is MANCOSA for you?
If you want the “University Experience” (parties, res life, rugby), do not go to MANCOSA. It is a serious institution for people who want to get qualified quickly and efficiently while working.
If you are a working professional stuck in a mid-level job because you lack a piece of paper, MANCOSA is arguably the best ROI (Return on Investment) in South Africa.
Action: Applications for the January 2026 intake are open now. If you apply before the end of January, you often avoid the late registration rush.
Disclaimer: Fees and admission policies are subject to the official MANCOSA 2026 Yearbook. Always verify directly with their admissions office.