Colourful office setting with computers and general office supplies.

Higher Certificate in Office Administration (HCOA)

Gain practical office and administrative skills to support effective business operations across industries.

SAQA ID No. 88901NQF Level 5120 Credits1 yearOn Campus
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About

Our Higher Certificate in Office Administration is where efficiency meets opportunity with the programme that places you at the heart of how businesses truly operate. Often called the “engine room” of any organisation, office administration is essential to keeping everything running smoothly and now you can become a key player in that success.

This programme equips you with the practical skills, confidence, and professional know-how to support management, streamline operations, and make a real impact from day one. You’ll learn how to organise, communicate, and manage office processes like a pro. Skills that are always in demand across industries.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to step into a variety of administrative roles in any sector, opening doors to a stable and rewarding career path. This higher certificate is also a powerful stepping stone that opens doors to further study, giving you access to diploma and degree programmes and setting you on a clear path to long-term career growth.


Curriculum

Curriculum Breakdown Year 1
Subject CodeSemester 1NQF LevelCredits
511Office Administration 511510
511Office Communication 511510
511Fundamentals of Accounting 511510
500Introduction to Commercial Law 500510
511Information Systems 511510
500Marketing Management 500510
Subject CodeSemester 2NQF LevelCredits
512Office Administration 512510
512Office Communication 512510
512Fundamentals of Accounting 512510
500Human Relations 500510
512Information Systems 512510
500Work Integrated Learning 500510

Admission Requirements

You can gain admission to the Higher Certificate in Office Administration (HCOA) if you meet one of the following:

  • National Senior Certificate

    A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an endorsement for admission to a Higher Certificate and/or Diploma and/or Degree.

  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV)

    NQF Level 4 with appropriate subject combination and levels of achievements.

  • Further Education and Training

    Further Education and Training (FET) NQF Level 4.

  • Mature Age Exemption

    For students above the age of 23 as set out in the Higher Education Regulations.

  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Possible Career Paths

  • Office Administrator
  • Front office co-ordinator
  • Records clerk

Accreditation

Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), registered with the Department of Higher Education & Training as a Private Higher Education Institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997, Registration Certificate No. 2000/HE07/008, registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), endorsed by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) – for the BCom AGA programme and has partnerships with global leaders such as IBM, AWS, Oracle, Cisco, and Salesforce for industry-recognised certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions‌

What are the admission requirements for undergraduate programmes?

You'll need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor's degree endorsement. Some programmes have specific subject requirements, so it's best to check the prospectus for your chosen qualification. If you're 23 or older, you may also qualify through our mature age exemption or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

How do I apply to Richfield?

Applying is simple and fast. Just head to our Apply Now portal online. If you need more assistance, our student advisors are also on hand to help guide you through the process or answer any questions you may have.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of R800. Your application can't be processed without this payment, however, should you not meet the entry requirements for your chosen qualification, this fee will be refunded.

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Head of Faculty
Dr. Raj Tulsee

Dr. Raj Tulsee

Phd.

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