Acquire critical skills to help unlock Africa’s growth potential
This internationally accredited PGDip will equip you with the know-how to help design and implement financing interventions for initiatives such as roads, energy plants, dams, schools, houses, hospitals and telecommunication infrastructure. These are crucial skills needed to help unlock Africa’s future.
You will learn how to design and implement African-driven solutions, and how to shape the policies and programmes to make this happen. You will also be exposed to skills that are critical for Africa’s future – such as responsible leadership, the management of risk and uncertainty, and the management of projects.
Although the content of this programme is focused on Africa, the know-how acquired can be applied in any developing country. Over the past five years, students from over 18 countries attended the programme.
The programme is aimed at entry-level to mid-level managers who typically work in the financial services industry, public institutions, banks, companies or corporates, and development finance institutions. This PGDip can give you access to our MPhil Development Finance, MBA (generalist and Project Portfolio Management stream), and MPhil Leadership Coaching.
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate Diploma Development Finance
The dates and fees for 2024 will be added once this information becomes available.
Modular
Dates for 2024: (on campus)*
- Block 1: 26 February – 2 March (Orientation on the Monday)
- Block 2: 20 – 24 May
- Block 3: 12 - 16 August
- Block 4: 28 October – 1 November
Fees: R101 520 (2023)
Duration: 1 or 2 years
*The Business School reserves the right to change programme dates and times.
Blended
Dates for 2024: (blended)*
- 15 January (Orientation) Remote.
- Classes commence 16 January @ 16:00 until 4 December
- Classes can run multiple evenings in one week
Foundation modules – Foundation modules – Tuesday (Blended 1), Wednesdays (Blended 2), Thursdays (Blended 3).
Specialisation modules – Wednesdays
Fees: R101 520 (2023)
Duration: 1 or 2 years
*The Business School reserves the right to change programme dates and times.
What you need to apply
- A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Commerce or Management, OR
- Any other 3-year Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years of relevant experience, OR
- Recognition of prior learning
- Application fee
- Certified copies of your academic records
- Certified copies of your degree certificates
- Copy of your ID/Passport
- Comprehensive CV indicating your work experience.
- Verification consent form
- Motivational essays
- Highly recommended: Proficiency in English.
Acquire critical skills
Learn how to design and implement financing for economic development
Choice between 2 duration options
1 year or 2 years, with both allowing you to study while you work
Choice between 2 formats
Modular (blocks of classes spread over time) and Blended Learning (weekly or fortnightly late-afternoon classes)
2023 Application deadlines
South African applicants: 30 November
SADC + rest of world applicants: 15 November
Recognition of Prior Learning applicants: 31 October
Course Structure and Content
The modules of the PGDip DevFin are split into a foundation phase (covering skills, frameworks and tools you can apply in any field of work) and a specialisation phase (programme-specific modules).
This programme provides skills to managers in the development finance environment to enable them implement and manage the design and financing of interventions that will help to grow South Africa as well as the greater Africa. The programme therefore equips entry-level to mid-level managers with the know-how to:
- Provide financial and operational input in terms of development finance issues
- Identify development projects or policies
- Contribute to the design and implementation of structured policies and interventions to finance development needs, especially in Africa.
The value of this programme also lies in the integration of theory and practice, and in global business knowledge with African contextualisation.
The modules of the PGDip DevFin are split into a foundation phase (covering skills, frameworks and tools you can apply in any field of work) and a specialisation phase (programme-specific modules). Students are provided with comprehensive support throughout the programme.
Passed at a certain level, this PGDip can give you access to these programmes at the Business School:
- MPhil Development Finance
- MBA (generalist and the Project Portfolio Management stream)
- MPhil Leadership Coaching
The programme is aimed at entry-level to mid-level managers who typically work in the financial services industry, public institutions, banks, companies or corporates, and development finance institutions.
The foundation phase modules cover skills, frameworks and tools you can apply in any field of work while the specialisation phase modules focus on development finance skills.
You need to do these 4 foundation phase modules:
- Term 1: Understanding the World
- Term 2: Responsible Leadership
- Term 3: Managing of Projects
- Term 4: Managing Risk and Uncertainty
You also need to do the 4 specialisation phase modules:
- Term 1: Financing for Development
- Term 2: Financial Analysis and Project Appraisal
- Term 3: Financing Public Sector Projects
- Term 4: M&E of Development Projects
The flexible design of the programme allows you to choose the format (blended learning or modular) and duration (1 year or 2 years), making it easier for you to study while you work.
Blended learning classes: Late-afternoon classes once every week for those doing their PGDip over 1 year, or once every fortnight for those doing their PGDip over 2 years. The blended learning classes are presented online and on campus. Classes are presented on Tuesday afternoons from 16:00 till 20:15 (short break included), and for some foundation modules on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons from 16:00 till 20:15 (short break included). The online classes are presented synchronously with the on-campus classes.
The advantages of the blended learning format are:
- Flexibility: Study while you work with the flexibility of digital class attendance, which means minimum time away from work. Attending regular weekly or fortnightly classes can be likened to running a marathon.
- Less travel: The blended learning delivery option opens up access to students from elsewhere in South Africa, from other African countries and even further afield. It also lowers the opportunity cost to do this programme with us as it reduces travel and accommodation costs.
Modular classes: Four full blocks of classes spread over the year if you are doing the one-year PGDip (i.e. morning and afternoon classes from Monday to Friday), or four blocks of either morning or afternoon classes per year if you are doing the two-year PGDip (i.e. morning or afternoon classes from Monday to Friday).
The advantages of the modular format are:
- Flexibility: Study while you work, with in-class experience and focused studies. Think of the modular blocks as sprints.
- An immersive experience: Being on campus for a week at a time allows you to focus on your studies without interruption from work. Working with your classmates in a face-to-face environment adds another dimension to collaborative (peer-to-peer) learning and network building.
1-year PGDip
Delivery mode for all modules (foundation and specialisation):
- Blended learning format: 1 late afternoon session per week for 40 weeks + 4 weeks of assessments
- Modular format: 4 full modular blocks spread over the year (i.e. mornings and afternoons)
2-year PGDip
- Delivery of foundation modules in Year 1: Blended learning format - 1 late afternoon session every second week
- Delivery of specialisation modules in Year 2: Blended learning format - 1 late afternoon session every second week
Notes:
- Each modular block runs from Monday to Friday, except the first modular block which runs from Monday to Saturday.
- South African students who select the 2-year option will be able to pay their fees over 2 years.
Stellenbosch Business School provides additional access to its programmes through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, as recommended by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). The purpose of the Council on Higher Education’s policy on Recognition of Prior Learning is to develop and facilitate the implementation of RPL across the higher education sector and to base this on the principles of equity, access, inclusivity and redress of past unfair discrimination with regard to educational opportunities.
In line with the requirements of the Council on Higher Education, the Business School may admit up to 10% of its student body per programme under RPL.
Candidates who wish to be admitted under the RPL policy will firstly have to submit all the documentation as required for all prospective students. In addition, prospective students applying for this PGDip need to adhere to the following:
- Have at least an NQF 4 qualification (i.e., school-leaving certificate, matric) (all school and academic certificates are required)
- Have at least 10 years of working experience after obtaining a school-leaving certificate, of which at least 5 years should have been in a management or related professional position
- Submit a comprehensive CV, indicating detailed areas of responsibility as well as information of activities outside the work environment
- Provide the Business School with the names and contact details of at least two persons who can testify about the candidates’ managerial or related professional abilities (typically current or former line heads). These persons will be required to give a detailed personal reference about the candidate on forms provided by Stellenbosch Business School.
The RPL selection process entails the following:
- The Business School’s Admissions Committee (programme head and another academic) will conduct an in-depth interview with the candidate.
- If the Committee is of the opinion that the candidate has the ability to cope with the demands of the Postgraduate Diploma, he/she may be admitted.
- A recommendation of admission is sent via Stellenbosch Business School’s Academic Planning Committee to the Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences for notification.
- RPL candidates need to apply by 31 October each year to allow sufficient time for the assessment process.
Programme Head
Dr
Elizabeth
Nanziri
Download brochure here
Download brochure to discover more about our programmes
This internationally accredited PGDip will equip you with the know-how to help design and implement financing interventions for initiatives such as roads, energy plants, dams, schools, houses, hospitals and telecommunication infrastructure. These are crucial skills needed to help unlock Africa’s future.
Programme Fees
Application fee for 2023
Tuition fees for 2023 (Fees for 2024 will be published once finalised)
Important:
- Payment of full programme fees for South African students: Students can pay the full programme fees upon registration, or they can pay 80% of the annual fees by the end of May and the balance of 20% by the end of September.
Payment schedule (calculated on outstanding fee after deposit payment):
28 February - 31 May - 20% x 4 months (80%)
30 June - 20 September - 5% x 4 months (20%) - Payment of full programme fees for international students: International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due one month before commencement of the programme. The South African exchange rate favours international students.
- Deposit: All students pay a deposit on acceptance of admission. South African students must pay a set deposit on admittance. International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The deposit payable is non-refundable and will be deducted from the total programme fees.
- Application fee: The application fee must accompany the application. The application fee is non-refundable.
- Additional fees for international students: International students pay an International Registration Fee (IRF) per academic year. Students from countries other than those in the Southern African Development Community also pay an International Tuition Fee (ITF) (i.e. students from SADC countries are exempt from the ITF).
- Study materials: Study fees include tuition, assessment and e-textbooks.
- Travel and accommodation: Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs.
- Fee changes: Stellenbosch Business School reserves the right to change the fees at any time.
Please use your Student Number as Reference | Email proof of payment to [email protected] | Quote your student number in all correspondence.
Admission Requirements
Academic qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Commerce or Management, OR
- Any other 3-year Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years of relevant experience, OR
- Recognition of prior learning
Additional requirements
- Comprehensive CV indicating your work experience.
- Highly recommended: Proficiency in English.
Write an essay
Write an essay of 400 to 500 words on this topic and submitted it in PDF format:
Stellenbosch Business School aspires to be a source of value for a better world. How are your career goals aligned with being a source of value for a better world, and how would this postgraduate programme assist you in achieving your short-term (2 to 3 years) and long-term (10 years) career goals?
- The online application form consists of various sections. In order to progress to the next section, all the information in the current section must be completed and accepted by the information management system.
- You will be able to complete the form in steps without losing information (i.e. you do not have to complete the application form in one sitting).
- The application process is the same for South African and international students.
- International students require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate their degrees according to South African standards. The Business School’s International Affairs Office will first handle the credential evaluations of international students free of charge. Students need to complete the online application and upload all certificates with their application. The International Affairs Office will, as part of the application process, conduct an in-house credential evaluation after you have submitted your application. However, should the International Affairs Office be unsure about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA before we consider your application further.
- Applicants can go back to their applications and check the status of their applications.
- All degrees undergo a formal vetting process to eliminate fraudulent applications.
- It is best to use Google Chrome as web browser when completing your application.
- Also see Apply for your PGDip Development Finance in 7 steps
The application process
Click on the APPLY NOW button and complete the online application form by completing each of the required sections. You also need to upload the following supporting documentation:
- Certified copies of academic records (which must include a transcript of the subjects)
- Detailed CV
- Consent form to verify your qualifications (please download, complete and upload the form in order for Managed Integrity Evaluation (Pty) Ltd to verify your qualification documents)
- Motivational essay (see above)
- Copy of ID (or passport for non-South African students)
- Marriage certificate (where the applicant’s new surname does not match that on the degree certificates)
Payment of your application fee can be done online:
- Bank details: Bank: Standard Bank; Type of account: cheque account; Account name: US Business School; Account number: 073003069; Branch name: Stellenbosch; Branch code: 050610; Beneficiary name: Stellenbosch University; SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ.
- Enquiries about payments: Please send an e-mail to [email protected].
What happens next?
Your application can only be assessed by the selection panel if it is accompanied by your completed online application form and all the supporting documents, and if you have paid the application fee. The outcome of the selection process will be made known within 30 days or as soon as possible thereafter. If you are uncertain whether your application is complete and is being processed, contact [email protected] for assistance.
Click on the APPLY NOW button and complete the online application form by completing each of the required sections. You also need to upload the following supporting documentation:
- Proof of school-leaving mathematics results
- Certified copies of academic records (which must include a transcript of the subjects)
- Detailed CV
- Consent form to verify your qualifications (please download, complete and upload the form in order for Managed Integrity Evaluation (Pty) Ltd to verify your qualification documents)
- Motivational essay
- Copy of ID (or passport for non-South African students)
- Marriage certificate (where the applicant’s new surname does not match that on the degree certificates)
- Signed declaration form
Payment of your application fee can be done online:
- Bank details: Bank: Standard Bank; Type of account: cheque account; Account name: US Business School; Account number: 073003069; Branch name: Stellenbosch; Branch code: 050610; Beneficiary name: Stellenbosch University; SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ.
- Enquiries about payments: Please send an e-mail to [email protected].
What happens next?
Your application can only be assessed by the selection panel if it is accompanied by your completed online application form and all the supporting documents, and if you have paid the application fee. The outcome of the selection process will be made known within 30 days or as soon as possible thereafter. If you are uncertain whether your application is complete and is being processed, contact [email protected] for assistance.
Deadlines for PGDip Development Finance applications:
- 30 November for applicants from South Africa
- 15 November for applicants from visa-exempt SADC countries, and the rest of the world
- 31 October for Recognition of Prior Learning applicants.
Also note the following:
- Deadlines for RPL applicants: Note that application deadlines for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are earlier than those for South African students.
- Study permits for international students: Obtaining a study permit (study visa) from the South African authorities can take up to 12 weeks from the date of being offered a place on a programme at the Business School. An early start with the application process is therefore recommended.
- Multiple-entry visas: Students from non-SADC African countries and other countries with visa requirements who need to apply for study visas can obtain a letter from Stellenbosch Business School confirming the duration of registration at the Business School. This will help students to obtain multiple-entry study visas in case of modular studies.
Study visa requirements for international students
All residential students who are non-South African citizens and are studying at Stellenbosch Business School require a study visa. Prospective students should contact their nearest South African Mission (South African Embassy, Consulate or High Commission), normally in their country of origin, to enquire about the requirements for study visas for South Africa. Applicants are required to present themselves in person so that biometric data may be captured. All international students can contact the Business School’s International Affairs Office at [email protected] for assistance. All international students must hold a valid visa for their intended activity prior to entering South Africa.
Notes on obtaining a study visa
- Obtaining a study visa from the South African authorities takes approximately 12 to 16 weeks from the date of application. However, some missions may process applications sooner. Sufficient time should be allowed for study visa applications to be processed.
- Your study visa application should include a copy of the letter offering a place on the Business School’s study programme. This letter will be provided by our Academic Administration once the application has been approved. A place on the programme must be confirmed before a study visa application can be considered by the South African Department of Home Affairs. Students should not proceed to Stellenbosch University or its Business School without a valid study visa.
- Although applicants are expected to determine exactly what they require to apply for a study visa, they can be expected to provide the following, among others: a police clearance certificate, proof of medical insurance recognised in South Africa, a radiology report, proof of sufficient funds, and an admission letter from Stellenbosch Business School. Your nearest South African Mission will be able to advise in this regard. The onus falls on the student to make sure that he/she submits a complete application pack.
- All documents should be certified and translated into English before submission (in order not to delay the outcome of the application).
You can still apply based on your management experience. You need to submit all the documentation and assessments as required for all prospective students, plus additional requirements as explained under Recognition of Prior Learning elsewhere on this page.
Write an essay of 400 to 500 words on this topic and submitted it in PDF format:
Stellenbosch Business School aspires to be a source of value for a better world. How are your career goals aligned with being a source of value for a better world, and how would this postgraduate programme assist you in achieving your short-term (2 to 3 years) and long-term (10 years) career goals?
Contact Us
Please contact us if you need more information on this programme or the application process:
Programme enquiries and support with the applications process
Henry Booysen
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4243
Email: [email protected]
Admission and registration enquiries
Marissa Groenewald
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4114
Email: [email protected]
Mphumleli Dyushu
Chris Peters
Ritsep Mataboge
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. You need a relevant Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of working experience in order to be considered.
Yes. South African students must pay a set deposit on admittance. 75% of the annual fee is payable by the end of May and the balance of 25% by the end of September. South African students doing their PGDip over 2 years can spread their payment over 2 years. International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due two weeks before commencement of the programme.
Stellenbosch University’s main campus will be in a position to provide you with more information:
http://www0.sun.ac.za/pgstudies/postgraduate-funding-and-support.html
The deadlines for PGDip Development Finance applications are 30 November for applicants from South Africa; 15 November for applicants from visa-exempt SADC countries and from the rest of the world; and 31 October for Recognition of Prior Learning applicants.
Obtaining a study permit (study visa) from the South African authorities takes up to 12 weeks from the date of being offered a place on a programme at Stellenbosch Business School – an early start with the application process is therefore recommended. Recognition of Prior Learning candidates (all programmes) need to apply by 31 October each year. Late applications after the closing dates will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Related Programmes
Related Articles
New report launched: Bold steps to stimulate a changed economy and renewal of South Africa’s growth trajectory
READ MORE