Find out where to study Travel & Tourism with a GED credential in South Africa.
Travel and Tourism is a flourishing industry in South Africa, that employs half a million people and in 2019, this figure was predicted to double.1 This means that individuals who are skilled and competent in management are vital and in high demand in this vibrant sector.
According to statistical experts, the travel and tourism industry is a fast-growing market in South Africa. In 2024, Statista2 predicted that “the market is expected to show an annual growth rate of 5.92%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$3,187.00m by 2029,” and that “that South Africa’s Travel & Tourism market is projected to reach a revenue of US$2,391.00m by 2024.” In addition, they state that “South Africa’s travel and tourism industry is currently experiencing a rise in demand for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism options.”
“In South Africa’s Travel & Tourism market, online sales are expected to generate 66% of the total revenue by 2029.”
The travel and tourism sector includes the following industries:
- accommodation and hospitality
- travel agencies and tours
- transportation (airlines and car rentals)
- event management
- eco- and adventure tours
- marketing
- local, regional or national tourism organisations
- private or corporate sector business operations
Careers in the Travel & Tourism Industry
Careers in this blossoming industry include roles such as:
- travel agent
- tour operator
- tour guide
- travel planner
- travel manager
- marketing co-ordinator
Study Travel & Tourism with a GED
Below is a list of South African tertiary institutions which offer a variety of qualifications in travel and tourism, where you should easily be accepted with a GED qualification (comparable to NQF Level 4). We have not listed any of the public universities here, but many of them also offer degrees in Tourism Management. Check out our University page for more information about admission to universities with a GED.
The institutions below are listed in no particular order. Always check their admission requirements as they may change from time to time:
Boston City College offers a Higher Certificate in Travel and Tourism Operations. Boston is very GED-friendly.
Eduvos offers a Higher Certificate in Business Management (Tourism) and also a Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism Management. They also offer pre-degree foundation courses for students who need to qualify for exemption from USAf.
Newbridge Graduate Institute – Diploma in Tourism Management (NQF 6)
Their admissions info confirms they will accept a student with an NQF 4 qualification from SAQA. The GED is comparable to NQF 4*.
Oxbridge Academy offers online study to achieve National Certificates in Tourism (N4, N5 and N6).
Mancosa offers a Higher Certificate in Tourism Management.
College of Cape Town offers National Certificates in Tourism (N4-N6).
South African Wildlife College offers various short courses ranked at NQF 5 and NQF 6.
SA Specialist offers a free short course – This short course does not appear to be accredited, but it may be useful to add to your CV or as a foretaste of what study and work in this industry may entail. Their website states:
“Through the SA Specialist programme you will become a South African Tourism-accredited travel specialist who has the knowledge to sell South Africa as a destination. You are also entered into the South African Tourism (SAT) database of SAT Specialists, improving your marketability. You will receive a certificate confirming that you have successfully completed the relevant course, and will be entitled to use the name ‘SA Specialist’ or ‘South African travel expert’ in your marketing materials.”
There may well be more options where you can study Travel & Tourism in South Africa with a GED. Please email us and share any others you find.
Check this article too as there may be other options to explore – Where Do GED Graduates Study?
References:
1 https://www.cput.ac.za/storage/openday/2018/BusinessandManagementSciences/TOURISM_Web.pdf, accessed 20 December 2024
2 https://www.statista.com/outlook/mmo/travel-tourism/south-africa, accessed 20 December 2024
*SAQA (the South African Qualifications Authority) has evaluated the GED® and found the National Senior Certificate as its closest comparable qualification. As with any kind of matric or high school credential, there is no guarantee that a GED® graduate will be granted exemption from USAf, nor that a university will accept his/her application, as there may be other selection criteria too. Read more here: University with a GED® and read our GED Success Stories.
Disclaimer: Although every effort has been taken to provide accurate, up-to-date and correct information, Go Prep™ (previously Online GED Prep) shall never be liable for losses or other damages that may result from inaccuracy or incompleteness of information on this website about universities and their requirements.