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Higher Certificate in Business Administration (HCBA)

Gain essential business and administrative skills to start your career and grow in the corporate world.

SAQA ID No. 90864NQF Level 5120 Credits1 yearOnline & On Campus
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About

Our Higher Certificate in Business Administration (HCBA) is your gateway to the world of business, designed for ambitious individuals ready to build real, job-ready skills from day one. Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to strengthen your foundation, this programme equips you with the essential knowledge and practical expertise to thrive in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Gain hands-on experience in key areas such as administration, management, and organisational operations, while developing the confidence to succeed in a range of professional roles. You won’t just learn theory, you’ll build the competencies that employers are actively looking for.

The programme's primary goal is to provide a solid base for your future studies while also equipping you with the practical skills that employers value. This higher certificate is 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
500Economic Environment 500515
511General Management 511515
511Information Systems 511510
511Fundamentals of Accounting 511510
Subject CodeSemester 2NQF LevelCredits
512Office Administration 512510
500Introduction to Commercial Law 500510
512General Management 512515
512Information Systems 512510
512Fundamentals of Accounting 512510
500Work Integrated Learning 500510

Admission Requirements

You can gain admission to the Higher Certificate in Business Administration (HCBA) 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
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Office Coordinator
  • Records Clerk
  • Operations Assistant
  • Supervisor

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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