How Long Is A Tourism Course?

How Long Is A Tourism Course?

A tourism course usually lasts about three years if you enroll in a full-time, contact-learning program. During this time, students spend a significant portion of their education gaining real-world experience in the industry. The rest of the time is divided between full-time classes and practical fieldwork, making sure students get both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills they need. The tourism industry is an ever-changing and exciting field, perfect for people who are passionate, committed, and eager to provide excellent customer service. A career in tourism isn’t easy; it demands strong communication and interpersonal skills, dedication to quality, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping others. Because of how dynamic the industry is, students must be prepared to adapt and tackle various challenges.

Enrolling in a tourism course equips students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive. These courses delve into understanding the travel and tourism sector and help students build competence, confidence, and professionalism. What’s more, after completing the course and gaining about 18 months of practical, hands-on experience in the industry, students can upgrade their initial certificate to a National N-Diploma. This upgrade is officially recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, adding value and credibility to their qualifications.

Whether you’re aiming to become a travel planner, a hospitality expert, or a manager within tourism services, this structured combination of study and industry practice provides a solid foundation. The experience gained in the field is invaluable, helping students develop the real-world skills employers are looking for. The journey to a tourism qualification blends classroom learning, fieldwork, and extensive on-the-job training. It prepares students not just to enter the industry, but to succeed and grow in a fascinating, people-centered career. If you’re passionate about travel and service, a tourism course could be the perfect starting point for your future.

How Long Will It Take to Complete a Tourism Course?

This is a three-year full-time, contact-learning program. Substantial time is spent in the industry. The remaining period is spent on full-time classes and fieldwork

Duration for Tourism Management Course

The duration of a tourism management course depends on the type of course. For example:

Tourism Management Short Course: Typically takes around 4 months to complete.
Tourism Management Certificate Course: Usually lasts about 8 months.
Tourism Management Comprehensive Course: This course can take up to 12 months.

Does the APS include tourism?

The NSC seven-point rating is used to calculate an Admission Point Score (APS), which is based on a candidate’s performance in any SIX recognized NSC 20-credit subjects (including subjects from the non-designated subject list, such as CAT, Tourism, Hospitality Studies, and Civil, Electrical & Mechanical Technology, etc.).

How Many APS Are Required For Tourism Studies?

You do not need to have any APS points to enroll in the tourism short courses. With or without a Matric, anyone can enroll in the tourism short courses. Even if you have a degree, you can enroll in one of the tourism short courses. If you match the following criteria, you’re good to go:

having reached the age of sixteen
understanding, reading, and writing English
to have access to distant learning for education

Requirements To Offer Tourism

These are the requirements needed to offer Tourism:

Grade 10: a top-notch color road map of South Africa that shows cities, towns, airports, harbors, and other landmarks. It’s a good idea to have a map of the region or city.
Grade 11: a top-notch color map of the SADC nations that shows cities, towns, airports, harbors, and other features
Grade 12: a world political map and a map of the world’s time zones with the largest cities
access to the most recent iteration of the Tourism Growth Strategy, as well as the 1996 White Paper on the Promotion and Development of Tourism in South Africa
Access to a selection of travel publications, brochures, maps, and advertising pamphlets, including hotel brochures, brochures, and maps of South Africa’s National Parks (SANParks)

Tourism Courses

TOURISM N4

Subjects: 

Tourism Destination N4
Travel Office Procedure N4
Travel Service N4
Tourism Communication N4

TOURISM N5

Subjects:  

Tourism Destination N5
Travel Office Procedure N5
Travel Service N5
Tourism Communication N5

TOURISM N6

Subjects: 

Tourism Destination N6
Travel Office Procedure N6
Travel Service N6
Tourism Communication N6

How To Apply For A Tourism Course

Simple steps on how to apply for tourism courses:

First, decide on the type of tourism course you want to study and find a school or college that offers that specific program. Take some time to research different options so you can pick the one that suits your goals best.
Next, review the entry requirements to make sure you qualify for the course. Usually, you’ll need your matric certificate or an equivalent qualification. Basic skills in English or the language of instruction are often required as well.
Head to the school’s website or admissions office and fill out the application form carefully. Make sure you enter all your details correctly and upload the required documents.
Some schools charge a non-refundable application fee. Check whether you need to pay this fee and keep a record or receipt of your payment as proof.
After submitting your application, keep an eye on your email or the school’s online application portal for updates and feedback on your application status.
Once you receive your acceptance letter, follow the instructions to register officially, pay your tuition fees, and prepare to start your studies in the tourism field.

Which University Can I Study Tourism At In South Africa?

Universities

University of South Africa (Unisa)
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
University of Cape Town (UCT)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
University of Pretoria (UP)
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Central University of Technology (CUT)

Tourism N6 Job Opportunities

You will be job-ready and able to take up a position in the following sectors of the tourism industry:

Airline Ground Crew
Car Rental Agents
Tourism Development
Foreign Exchange Agents
Reservation Agents at Inter-City Coach companies
Junior Travel Consultants
Conference and Events Planning
Game Ranging and Safari Work.
Foreign Exchange Agents
Tour Operators
Tourism Information Officer
Cruise Consultant
Front Office/Reservation Officers in the accommodation sector

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