When people think about corporate training, they usually picture private business schools, short courses, or online certifications. But here’s what they don’t realize: some of the best corporate training in South Africa comes from public universities.
You might be thinking, “Aren’t universities just for full-time students chasing degrees?” Not at all. South African universities offer high-quality executive education, short courses, and corporate training programs that cater to professionals, managers, and businesses looking to upskill. And the best part? Employers take university-backed training seriously.
If you want credibility, structured learning, and a qualification that actually carries weight, corporate training from a university might be your smartest move. Let me break it down.
List of Public Universities Offering Corporate Training in South Africa
South Africa has several universities offering business, leadership, digital skills, finance, and industry-specific training. Here’s a comprehensive list of public universities where you can get corporate training that actually matters:
1. University of Cape Town (UCT) – Executive Education & Online Short Courses
Best for: Business, leadership, finance, IT, and digital transformation.
- UCT’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) offers executive education for professionals and senior managers.
- UCT GetSmarter (powered by 2U, Inc.) provides online short courses in various fields, including project management, leadership, and marketing.
- Flexible learning: Online and in-person options.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Wits Business School & Professional Development
Best for: Business management, digital skills, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
- Wits Business School (WBS) is one of the most respected business schools in Africa, offering executive education for corporates.
- Short professional courses in areas like data analytics, finance, and corporate strategy.
- Offers customized corporate training for companies.
3. Stellenbosch University (USB-ED) – Leadership & Digital Transformation Training
Best for: Business strategy, leadership, digital skills, and finance.
- Stellenbosch University’s Executive Development (USB-ED) specializes in corporate leadership, business strategy, and technology training.
- Offers online and blended learning options.
4. University of Pretoria (GIBS) – Gordon Institute of Business Science
Best for: Business leadership, entrepreneurship, and corporate management.
- GIBS is consistently ranked as one of Africa’s top business schools.
- Offers executive education for CEOs, managers, and entrepreneurs.
- Strong focus on innovation, strategy, and digital business.
5. University of South Africa (UNISA) – Distance Learning & Corporate Training
Best for: Affordable, flexible corporate training with recognized accreditation.
- UNISA provides distance learning and online short courses for professionals.
- Specializes in business, finance, project management, and marketing.
6. North-West University (NWU) – Business & Digital Transformation Training
Best for: Business management, digital transformation, and corporate strategy.
- NWU offers executive training programs focused on business leadership, finance, and corporate governance.
- Provides specialized digital transformation courses to help professionals adapt to the changing business landscape.
- Offers both in-person and online short courses for professionals and corporate teams.
7. University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Executive Education & Leadership Development
Best for: Leadership, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management.
- UJ’s Centre for Entrepreneurship & Supply Chain Management provides cutting-edge corporate training.
- Offers executive education programs aimed at middle-to-senior-level managers.
- Focuses on innovation, digital business models, and strategic leadership.
8. Rhodes University – Business & Social Development Programs
Best for: Public administration, business ethics, and social enterprise development.
- Rhodes University offers corporate training for business leaders, public sector managers, and social entrepreneurs.
- Focus on corporate ethics, business sustainability, and impact-driven leadership.
- Ideal for professionals in government, NGOs, and corporate governance sectors.
9. Durban University of Technology (DUT) – Vocational & Technical Training
Best for: Engineering, technology, and practical business training.
- DUT provides corporate training in technical and vocational skills to improve workforce readiness.
- Specializes in manufacturing, engineering, and information technology courses.
- Offers both online and on-campus professional development programs.
10. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – Technical & Business Skills Training
Best for: Business, marketing, and technical skills development.
CPUT offers corporate training in business administration, project management, and marketing.
Provides practical, hands-on training with real-world business applications.
Custom training programs available for businesses looking to upskill employees.
11. University of Limpopo – Business Management & Governance Training
Best for: Business leadership, governance, and entrepreneurship.
- The University of Limpopo offers corporate training programs focused on business management, strategic planning, and governance.
- Specializes in small business development and cooperative governance training.
- Works with government and private sector organizations to provide enterprise development workshops.
12. University of Zululand – Education, Business Administration, and Rural Development Programs
Best for: Education leadership, business administration, and rural economic development.
- UNIZULU offers professional development programs in business management, education leadership, and rural entrepreneurship.
- Strong focus on community development and social entrepreneurship.
- Works with local municipalities and rural enterprises to provide tailored business and leadership training.
13. Walter Sisulu University – Short Courses in IT, Healthcare, and Community Development
Best for: IT skills development, healthcare management, and community upliftment programs.
- WSU provides practical training in IT, business administration, and public health management.
- Offers custom corporate training solutions for NGOs, small businesses, and healthcare institutions.
- Known for its community-based approach to corporate education, bridging the gap between academia and workforce readiness.
14. Vaal University of Technology – Leadership & Business Skills Training
Best for: Leadership development, business skills, and technical training.
- VUT provides corporate training in business leadership, project management, and innovation.
- Strong focus on engineering, manufacturing, and business process optimization.
- Offers customized corporate training packages tailored to company-specific needs.
15. University of Mpumalanga – Agricultural Business & Rural Enterprise Training
Best for: Agribusiness, rural entrepreneurship, and sustainable farming practices.
- UMP’s corporate training focuses on agriculture, agribusiness management, and environmental sustainability.
- Works closely with farmers, cooperatives, and agripreneurs to provide business and financial literacy training.
- Specializes in agriculture supply chain management and sustainability training programs.
16. Sol Plaatje University – Financial Literacy, Business Strategy, and IT Training
Best for: Financial education, business leadership, and digital skills development.
SPU offers financial literacy programs, business strategy courses, and IT training for professionals.
Works in partnership with government and financial institutions to promote entrepreneurship and business growth.
Provides customized corporate learning solutions to help companies develop their workforce.
17. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) – Technical and Vocational Corporate Training
Best for: Engineering, business administration, and technical skills training.
- MUT offers vocational and technical training aimed at equipping professionals with practical, industry-relevant skills.
- Specializes in engineering, business administration, and technical management courses.
- Works with corporate partners to develop tailored training programs for businesses.
18. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Business, Engineering, and Project Management Training
Best for: Business leadership, project management, and technical training.
- TUT provides corporate training programs in business management, project management, and technology-focused disciplines.
- Offers executive leadership courses for professionals aiming for senior management roles.
- Strong focus on engineering, manufacturing, and applied sciences for corporate clients.
19. Central University of Technology (CUT) – Leadership, Digital Transformation, and Technical Skills Training
Best for: Business leadership, technology, and industry-specific skills.
- CUT’s corporate training programs cover leadership, business process management, and IT skills development.
- Provides customized training programs for corporate teams.
- Focuses on digital transformation strategies and innovation management.
20. University of Venda (UNIVEN) – Business Development, Leadership, and Public Sector Training
Best for: Entrepreneurship, public administration, and business development.
- UNIVEN offers corporate training in entrepreneurship, leadership, and business administration.
- Focuses on public sector management, governance, and rural economic development.
- Provides enterprise development programs for SMEs and start-ups.
21. University of Fort Hare (UFH) – Public Administration, Leadership, and Business Skills Training
Best for: Public service management, business skills, and rural development.
- UFH specializes in public administration, business leadership, and financial literacy training.
- Provides corporate training solutions for government institutions and businesses.
- Offers skills development programs in financial management, business ethics, and governance.
22. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – Corporate Healthcare and Medical Administration Training
Best for: Healthcare management, medical administration, and public health training.
SMU offers specialized corporate training for healthcare professionals.
Focuses on hospital management, healthcare leadership, and medical administration.
Provides public health and safety training for corporate healthcare environments.
23. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Executive Education & Professional Development
Best for: Business leadership, education, public administration, and research-based training.
- UKZN offers executive education and short courses in business, education, governance, and healthcare.
- Provides customized training solutions for corporate teams and government agencies.
- Partners with business and industry experts to offer practical, market-relevant training.
24. University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Leadership, Business, and Health Sciences Training
Best for: Business management, leadership, education, and public health.
- UWC provides corporate training in business leadership, education, and financial management.
- Strong focus on health sciences, community development, and legal studies.
- Offers executive education programs aimed at professionals looking to enhance their strategic skills.
25. Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – Executive Education & Business Leadership
Best for: Business strategy, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
- NMU’s Business School offers executive training for professionals and business leaders.
- Focuses on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and corporate governance.
- Provides short executive courses in leadership, finance, and technology-driven business strategies.
26. Walter Sisulu University (WSU) – Short Learning Programs & Skills Development
Best for: IT, engineering, business management, and healthcare.
- WSU provides short learning programs (SLPs) that address corporate training needs in engineering, business, and IT.
- Strong focus on healthcare administration, public health, and community development.
- Works with local businesses and government sectors to design specialized skills programs.
What to Expect from University-Based Corporate Training
Training Formats
- In-person executive education: Best for networking and hands-on learning.
- Online courses: Flexible and ideal for busy professionals.
- Blended learning: A mix of online and in-person training.
Course Duration
- Short courses (4 weeks – 6 months)
- Executive programs (6 months – 2 years)
- Custom corporate training (Tailored to company needs)
Accreditation & Industry Recognition
- Public universities carry more credibility than many private training providers.
- Certificates are widely recognized by employers.
- Higher ROI for career advancement.
How Much Does University-Based Corporate Training Cost?
Corporate training from a public university isn’t cheap—but it’s worth it. Here’s what you need to know:
- Short courses: R5,000 – R30,000+ (varies by field)
- Executive programs: R40,000 – R250,000 (for MBAs & leadership training)
- Distance learning programs: More affordable (R2,500 – R15,000 per module)
Funding & Financial Assistance
- Employer sponsorships: Many companies fund executive education for employees.
- Payment plans & bursaries: Some universities offer installment options or scholarships.
- Government funding (SETA grants): Available for skills development programs.
Should You Choose University-Based Corporate Training?
If you want credibility, structured learning, and employer recognition, university-based corporate training is a solid choice. But it’s not the only option. Here’s when it makes sense:
- If you want a certification that carries weight in the job market (vs. short online courses).
- If your employer is funding it (universities look good on corporate training budgets).
- If you prefer structured, academic-backed training (rather than quick private training programs).
If cost is an issue, consider cheaper online options or employer-funded programs. But if you can afford it, university-backed corporate training is one of the best investments you can make in your career.
Explore Other Corporate Training Providers in South Africa