Are you dreaming of a career in hotels, events, travel, or ecotourism? South Africa offers a vibrant selection of Hospitality and Tourism Management programmes tailored to the demands of the global and local tourism industries. Below is a grouped list of leading South African universities offering degrees in this dynamic field for the 2026 academic year.
1. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
- Diploma in Tourism Management
- BCom in Tourism
- BCom in Hospitality Management
- Diploma in Tourism Management (George Campus)
These programmes provide students with practical training in tourism operations, management principles, and sustainable tourism practices.
2. North-West University (NWU)
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- BCom in Management Sciences with Tourism Management
- BCom in Management Sciences with Tourism and Recreation Skills
- BA in Tourism Management
NWU integrates theory with real-world application, preparing students for roles in destination planning, marketing, and ecotourism.
3. Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Diploma in Retail Business Management
- Advanced Diploma in Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management
Faculty of Humanities
- Offers modules in Heritage and Cultural Tourism through the BA and Heritage Studies pathways.
Though SPU focuses on business and heritage-related tourism, it is ideal for students interested in tourism governance and management in cultural contexts.
4. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Faculty of Management
- Diploma and Degree programmes in Tourism Management
- Hospitality Management
- Ecotourism
UJ offers practical skills training through industry partnerships, internships, and campus-based hospitality facilities.
5. University of South Africa (UNISA)
College of Economic and Management Sciences
- Diploma in Tourism Management
- Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism
- Bachelor of Arts in Heritage and Cultural Tourism
UNISA is ideal for distance learners and working professionals looking to upskill in tourism or hospitality sectors.
6. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
- BA in Human Ecology
- Bachelor of Community Development (includes Recreation and Nutrition pathways)
While UWC doesn’t offer a direct Tourism degree, it provides multidisciplinary courses related to community tourism, sustainable development, and well-being through recreation.
7. University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Diploma in Tourism Studies
- BA in Tourism
- BA in Environmental Planning & Development (tourism modules included)
UNIZULU’s offerings are tailored to regional and national tourism development with a strong focus on sustainability and rural development.
Why Choose a Career in Hospitality or Tourism?
- Global Opportunities: Work in hotels, resorts, airlines, and tour agencies across the world.
- Diverse Specializations: Choose between tourism planning, hospitality operations, ecotourism, culinary management, and more.
- South Africa as a Living Classroom: With its wildlife, heritage, and coastlines, SA provides unmatched real-world learning environments.