So, you’re looking to enter the hospitality industry, but you don’t know where to begin?
To get ahead in the hospitality industry, locally and internationally, hard work and dedication are vital traits for success. However, you will also need a stellar qualification and education to back up your skills!
Thankfully, South Africa is home to a number of world-renowned hospitality schools offering hospitality, hotel and tourism management courses, including degrees, diplomas and certificates.
How do you know which hospitality school is right for you?
We’ve got you covered with a selection of the best hospitality schools in South Africa, and their key hospitality programmes on offer.
What is the hospitality industry?
Hospitality has dozens of similar definitions, but it is generally summarised as the act of receiving guests and making them feel welcome. A host’s gestures of hospitality may encompass serving meals, drinks, providing entertainment and comfort in other appropriate areas. someone feel welcome, usually through entertainment and comfort.
So, what is the hospitality industry?
The hospitality industry includes 4 major service industries: food and beverage; travel and tourism; lodging; and recreation.
The industry’s large umbrella can include everything from hotels, resorts and theme parks, to restaurants, bed & breakfasts (BnBs), motels and more.
If you’re not sure whether or not a business is considered part of the hospitality industry, ask yourself these questions:
- Does this establishment serve food or drinks?
- Is customer experience a priority?
- Does the business generate its primary income by providing services, over supplying/retailing goods?
If you’ve answered yes to all of the questions above, there’s a strong chance the business is involved in the hospitality industry.
What is hospitality school?
Hospitality school provides students with both theoretical and practical skills to operate as an assistant in the industry of hospitality.
Where can I study hospitality in South Africa?
The hospitality industry is global, so no matter where you study, you can access opportunities to travel the world while working.
Students in South Africa, and across the globe, are attracted to our world-class universities, diverse cultures, natural beauty and historical landmarks. South Africa has the strongest university system within the African continent and is home to a number of world-renowned hospitality schools
Check out our list of the best hospitality schools in South Africa, and find the right fit for your exciting new career path!
Hospitality Schools in Johannesburg
Although Cape Town is the events capital of Africa, Johannesburg is home to a thriving hospitality industry and bustling events space.
Johannesburg offers plenty of opportunities for aspiring hospitality students, including a wide range of courses and programmes to help you land a hospitality job in Johannesburg, elsewhere in South Africa, or around the world!
Read on to find a hospitality school in Johannesburg that’s perfect for you!
The Swiss Hotel School, South Africa offers an esteemed hospitality programme developed, tried and tested in top Swiss Hotel Schools and recognized worldwide by the hospitality sector.
The Swiss Hotel School is located in Randburg, Johannesburg and offers a Bachelor Degree in Hospitality Management.
This full-time degree is completed over a 3-year period and costs R102 500.
Hillcross College is a private, registered and accredited provider of Further Training Education qualifications in South Africa and they offer an opportunity for job placement assistance through their hospitality industry network after graduating depending on availability.
They offer a Diploma in Hospitality and Catering which can be completed either full-time, over a duration of 1.5 to 2 years, or online, part-time, over a duration of 1.5 to 2.5 years.
Their programme requires that students undertake an internship for a minimum of 18 months in the relevant industry after completing their in-class academic studies.
Their course fees start at R20 500 per year.
Guvon Hotels and Spas offer students hospitality training in a very practically-orientated environment, placing them in one of their renowned Guvon Hotels or other exceptional hotel properties.
The duration of their courses are completed over a 3-year period and are internationally accredited.
Their course fees start at R69 000 per year.
Hospitality Schools in Pretoria
Pretoria has plenty of opportunities for students in the hospitality sector and includes some of the best hospitality schools in Africa, home to various nationally and internationally certified hospitality courses to provide you with a strong foundation for the industry.
Read on to find a hospitality school in Pretoria that is the right fit for your future career.
The University of Pretoria is located in Hatfield, Pretoria and offers BConSci Hospitality Management – an undergraduate programme that requires four years of full-time study.
The programme fees range between R31 000 and R65 000 per year.
Read our post on how to the Apply to University of Pretoria to get started.
International Hotel School is considered the leading hotel school in Africa, and is an internationally recognised hospitality school. You can choose to study full-time, part-time, or even online.
They offer a variety of Degrees, Diplomas and Higher Certificates programmes across the Food & Beverage Management and Hospitality Management sectors.
The International Hotel School’s Pretoria campus is located in Ashlea Gardens.
Their course fees start from R47 000 per year for full-time courses and R23 600 for online courses.
Capital Hotel School has embraced the art of hospitality, offering national and international qualifications to students and industry professionals.
They offer full-time, part-time and in-staff training at the campus which is located in Arcadia, Pretoria.
Capital Hotel School now also offers blended learning – a learning model that combines both traditional classroom and online courses.
Contact the school via their website for information on their fees structure.
The Legend Hospitality School is located at the Zebra Country Lodge in Pretoria.
Their Hospitality Management course is facilitated through theoretical and practical lectures, classes, demonstrations, and functions.
Their practical lessons and on-the-job training are facilitated and practised within Legend Hospitality Group Properties.
Their course fees start at R 96 000 per year.
Hospitality Schools in Cape Town
Cape Town is known as the events capital of Africa, with a huge hospitality industry that had shown years of growth in the lead up to the unexpected pandemic.
Cape Town offers a range of opportunities for aspiring hospitality students, with a variety of hospitality courses and programmes to provide the perfect foundation for a successful start in the industry.
Read on to find a hospitality school in Cape Town and learn more about their courses.
The International Hotel School Cape Town campus is located in Salt River, Cape Town and offers a variety of internationally recognised hospitality programmes.
Their graduates are recognised around the world for their dedication to exceptional service in the hospitality industry.
You can choose to study full-time, part-time, or even online.
Their course fees start from R47 000 per year for full-time courses and R23 600 for online courses.
Cape Town Hotel School is part of Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s (CPUT) Faculty of Business Management Sciences and is based at the Granger Bay Campus in Mouille Point, Cape Town.
Their Diploma in Hospitality and Hotel Management is a new sought-after, full-time course completed over 3 years. It costs R63 005 for the first year of the course and includes a wide
range of modules to provide hospitality students with a solid foundation as the step into the industry.
Read our post on how to Apply to Cape Peninsula University of Technology to get started.
IHT Hotel School is located in Bellville, Cape Town and intake for courses start in January with classes kicking off in March.
IHT Hotel School offers a full-time three-year Diploma in Hospitality Management.
Their programme includes theory classes on campus and two work-integrated Learning Modules which requires students to work in the hospitality industry.
Contact the school via their website for information on their fees structure.
The Cape Town campus of the School of Hospitality & Service Management is located in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Their courses span from higher certificates to advanced diplomas and bachelor’s degrees in hospitality and are globally recognised.
Their course fees start at R34 200 per year.
The Chefs Training & Innovation Academy offers e-learning (online) hospitality programmes only.
Their hospitality programmes include the Foundation Programme in Tourism and Hospitality; Undergraduate Programme in Hospitality and Advanced Programme in Hospitality.
Each course is covered over a duration of 12 months.
Complete the contact form on CTIA’s fees page for further information about their fee structure. You can also get in touch by using the contact information on their website.
Hospitality Schools in Durban
Durban is home to some top hospitality schools and an established hospitality industry with lots of opportunities.
For aspiring hospitality students, Durban has a variety of hospitality courses and programmes on offer to give you a strong background as you step into the industry.
Read on to find out more about hospitality schools in Durban and the courses available.
The Durban University of Technology offers a BTech in Hospitality Management in their Department of Hospitality and Tourism which is located at the MLS Campus on Sultan Road, Durban.
Their Hospitality Management programme is full-time and completed over a period of 3 years.
Contact the school via their website for information on their fees structure.
Read our post on how to Apply to Durban University of Technology (DUT) to get started.
The International Hotel School Durban campus is located in Westville, Durban and offers a variety of internationally recognised hospitality programmes.
Their graduates are recognised around the world for their dedication to exceptional service in the hospitality industry.
You can choose to study full-time, part-time, or even online.
Their course fees start from R47 000 per year for full-time courses and R23 600 for online courses.
The South African Hospitality Institute is located in Windermere, Durban and offers a Diploma in Hospitality Operations.
This course can be completed part-time or full-time and includes workplace learning experience in supervisory positions in various departments.
Contact the South African Hospitality Institute via their website for information on their fees structure.
The Hospitality Training Group is located in the heart of Durban.
Their hospitality courses are certified by City & Guilds and include a Diploma in Food Preparation & Culinary Arts which is completed over 18 months as well as a Diploma in Patisserie which is completed over 12 months.
Their fees start at R50 000 per year.
What is required to study hospitality in South Africa?
If you’re interested in entering the hospitality industry, having a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism.
In order to study towards this degree, you will need a Grade 10 certificate or a National Senior Certificate that meets the entry requirements for a diploma or degree in a chosen specialisation in the hospitality industry.
What are the minimum requirements to study at a hospitality school in South Africa?
If you’re ready to start a career in hospitality, then you’re probably wondering, “What are the requirements for hospitality school?”, and, “is the hospitality industry the right fit for me?”.
Let’s dive into some of the subject areas and skills required to make it in the industry.
What are the high school subjects you need to study in hospitality?
The following High School subjects are recommended:
- Food and Beverage Management
- Home Economics
- Hospitality Studies
- Physical Science
- Mathematics
- Consumer Studies
What skills do you need to enter the hospitality industry?
The hospitality industry is fast-paced and requires individuals to be self-driven. You may benefit from having some of the following skills:
- organisational and time management skills
- excellent communication and number skills
- the ability to stay calm under pressure
- a willingness to serve others
- have a passion for service excellence
- be enthusiastic and hospitable by nature
How can I find out if I meet the requirements to study at culinary school in South Africa?
Visit the websites of hospitality schools in your area, (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban) and find out more about specific requirements to enter their courses for new hospitality students.
You should also contact each institution to find out more about their specific requirements, and gain more insight into what you can expect. As hospitality schools are private, generally speaking, entrance requirements are often flexible and take into account experience and skills in other areas.
How do I choose the right hospitality school?
When planning to enrol in a hospitality programme, it is important to ensure that the hospitality institute you select will give you the correct foundation to start your career in the hospitality industry; this includes establishing whether the qualification is locally or internationally accredited and if the courses cover a blend of important, theoretical knowledge and practical expertise that will make you a good fit as a newcomer in the hospitality industry.
Practical training is most often incorporated into hospitality courses, in order to give graduates the confidence and experience to work in any of South Africa’s top restaurants and hotels.
The best way to learn more is to check out any open days that institutes have on offer and find graduates you can chat to, and ask questions that may help inform your decision.
How long does it take to study hospitality in South Africa?
Generally, full-time hospitality programmes in South Africa span a minimum of three years, and usually include 18 months in theory and 18 months in experiential training.
This will equip students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work in supervisory roles and management positions across all hospitality industry sectors.
How much does hospitality school usually cost in South Africa?
The costs of studying hospitality in South Africa generally range between R20 500 and R96 000 per year; this depends on the course duration and the qualifications upon completing a chosen course.
Some institutes offer a limited number of bursaries to help cover these costs, otherwise, you can seek student finance to help cover the costs of tuition, accommodation and more.
What are the opportunities available in hospitality once qualified?
Hospitality and tourism is a fun, fast-paced and ever-evolving industry. It is an industry where experience is valuable in combination with key skills, and the longer you work in the industry, the more likely you are to unlock greater opportunities.
The hospitality sector is also full of friendly, energetic individuals from all walks and life, giving you the chance to meet new and interesting people, and work in beautiful locations around South Africa, Africa or abroad! meet up with people from all walks of life.
Hospitality comprises several sub-sectors which provide a wide variety of career opportunities.
Employment in the hospitality industry means more than just working in hotels and motels. Cruise ships, luxury resorts & spas, private bed and breakfasts, retirement communities and really any place that affords overnight accommodation can also be factored into the mix.
Some hospitality opportunities include working internationally as a hotel manager, cruise ship manager, concierge, flight attendant, barista, or even a chef – allowing you to travel the world and gain experience.
You can even use a background in hospitality to start your own business.
If you are interested in hospitality and events, you might enjoy our post covering the Top Culinary Schools in South Africa.
Funding your studies at a hospitality school in South Africa.
Studying hospitality can lead to a career path that has a wide variety of job opportunities.
From cruise liners, luxury yachts and seaside resorts to family-run B&Bs, international conference centres and game farms, you’ll have the opportunity to work in some of the world’s most scenic and sought-after destinations.
The industry is also very entrepreneurial, therefore you could choose to start your own establishment!
Turn your passion into a profession. If you need assistance with funding, Fundi is here to support you. We provide student financing for tuition costs, textbooks & study material, accommodation and more.
You can also find out more about our loan calculator.
