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.
This qualification will enable you to work in development finance environments in both the public and private sectors. This PGDip can give you access to the MPhil Development Finance, MBA (generalist and Project Management streams), and MPhil Leadership Coaching.
Duration
1 year or 2 years
Format
Blended Learning (combination of online and on campus classes). Find more information about Blended Learning’s combination of technology with a strong human touch here.
How to apply
Click here to see the 8 steps of the application process
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. Students are provided with comprehensive support throughout the programme.
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
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 also on campus depending on Covid restrictions). Classes are presented on Tuesday afternoons from 16:00 till 20:15 (with 15-minute break from 18:00 to 18:15), and for some foundation modules on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons from 16:00 till 20:15 (with 15-minute break from 18:00 to 18:15). The online classes are presented synchronously with the on-campus classes.
Choose between two duration options:
- 1-year PGDip
- 8 Modules
- Delivery mode for all modules (foundation and specialisation): Blended l earning format - 1 late afternoon session per week for 40 weeks + 4 weeks of assessments
- 2-year PGDip
- 8 Modules
-
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:
South African students who select the 2-year option will be able to pay their fees over 2 years.
Programme Head
Dr
Nyankomo
Marwa
Need more information?
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 and SHL tests for 2023
Tuition fees for 2023
Important:
- Payment of full programme fees for South African students: South African students can pay the full programme fees upon registration, or they can pay 75% of the annual fees by the end of May and the balance of 25% by the end of September.
- Payment of full programme fees for international students: International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due two weeks before commencement of the programme.
- Assessment of international students’ applications: 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 conduct an in-house credential evaluation after you have submitted your application. 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. The Business School will only assess your application once we have received your application fee and SHL fee.
- 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.
- Application fee: The application fee must accompany the application. The application fee is non-refundable.
- Fees for second and subsequent years of enrolment: These fees will be adjusted to make provision for annual price increases.
- Travel and accommodation: Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs.
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply
- Academic qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Commerce or Management OR any other three-year Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of relevant experience OR recognition of prior learning (see elsewhere in brochure).
- Selection test: SHL selection test (see below). This test is done online.
- Essay: You need to write an essay (see below).
- Additional documentation: A comprehensive CV indicating your work experience.
- Highly recommended: Proficiency in English.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Stellenbosch Business School provides wider access to its programmes through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. In line with the requirements of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), we may admit up to 10% of our student body per programme under RPL. In order to be admitted to a Postgraduate Diploma at the Business School, candidates should be in possession of a relevant degree or National Diploma at NQF level 7.
Write an essay
An essay of between 400 and 500 words on the topic outlined below is to be submitted 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?
You need to complete the SHL abilities selection test as part of your application process. The test consists of verbal, numerical and inductive reasoning tests, which are used for selection and for the identification of your development areas.
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
- Preparation: No preparation is required. However, you are encouraged to perform a practice test to familiarise yourself with the test format. See shl.com/shldirect/en-us/practice-tests/
- About the test: The SHL test is done online. (Random verification might be requested.) You will be provided with a link to the SHL test once you have paid your PGDip Development Finance application fee and SHL selection test fee, and after you have submitted your application form and have received your provisional student number. (You need to use this provisional student number when writing the SHL.)
- Cost: For fees, please see the fees section above. See bank details under How to apply and use your provisional student number as reference. The application fee and SHL selection test fee can be paid online, and they are non-refundable.
- Link to the SHL selection test: You do not have to arrange with Stellenbosch Business School to write the SHL test. You will receive a link to the test once the relevant payments have been received and you have submitted your application form. The Business School will receive your results directly from SHL and will upload it to your application form on your behalf.
- Additional information: shl.com/en/assessments/cognitive-ability/
- Important: The SHL selection test is valid for 18 months. If your SHL selection test results are older than this, you should ideally rewrite the test as people grow and develop and assessments need to take this into account. Stellenbosch Business School does not consider SHL tests from other institutions as you may have written a different type or level of test, or you may have been compared to a different comparison group. If you have completed the SHL with Stellenbosch Business School during the past 18 months, you do not have to rewrite the test.
Stellenbosch Business School provides wider access to its programmes through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. In line with the requirements of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), we may admit up to 10% of our student body per programme under RPL. In order to be admitted to a Postgraduate Diploma at the Business School, candidates should be in possession of a relevant degree or National Diploma at NQF level 7.
Candidates who wish to be admitted under the RPL policy will firstly have to submit all the documentation and tests as required for all prospective students. In addition, prospective students applying for a Postgraduate Diploma at Stellenbosch Business School need to adhere to the following:
- Have at least an NQF 4 qualification (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 five 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 at least two references (typically current or former line heads) who can testify about the candidate’s managerial or related professional abilities. The references will be asked to give a detailed personal reference of the candidate on forms that can be download from the application form.
- Write and submit three motivational essays (specific topics are provided)
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.
Contact Us
If you need more information on programmes or need support with the application process, contact us here:
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]
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. You need a relevant Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years 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 closing dates for each programme appear on the web page for that programme. In general, the closing dates for international applicants from non-SADC African countries and rest of world close approximately three months prior to the closing date for applicants from South Africa and (visa-exempt) SADC countries. 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 – hence the early application deadline for international students. RPL candidates (all programmes) need to apply by 31 October each year. Late applications after the closing dates will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
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