The Diploma in Small Business Management at the University of South Africa (Unisa) is a three-year open distance learning qualification that equips students with the practical management, financial, and marketing skills needed to establish and run small and medium enterprises in South Africa. Students develop competence in business planning, financial management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and operational management — making the qualification particularly relevant for South Africa's informal sector and emerging entrepreneurs seeking formal credentials. Small and medium enterprises are a critical engine of South African economic growth and employment, yet many fail due to management gaps — this diploma directly addresses those needs. Unisa's distance learning model allows working business owners to study while running their enterprises.
Admission requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Diploma endorsement and at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning and at least 40% in Mathematics or 70% in Mathematical Literacy, or an appropriate Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences.