The Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA) is a private tertiary institution that was founded in 1995 that wanted to channel a post-apartheid regime that offered previously disadvantaged students affordable, accessible and accredited courses via distance learning. The institution falls under the Pan-African Honoris United Universities that pride itself on investing in the next African leaders and professionals through their internationally accredited education.
How to Apply to MANCOSA
Like most institutions, it is ideal for prospective students to apply online rather than offline; however, they still offer both options. The online application can be done on their website (https://www.mancosa.co.za/ ) and will require you to have an email address to be able to register as a user. Complete the application form on their website and submit it with supporting documents informing you.
These are often personal documents that are expected:
- An ID,
- Final matric results and address.
- It is advised that you make a copy of these required items before you begin your application.
MANCOSA Hard-copy Application
Offline applicants can download the application form from the MANCOSA website or request one at the administration building from one of the MANCOSA campuses. Prospective students should bear in mind that there are limited spaces at MANCOSA; therefore, applying at the earliest convenience would ensure that your application outcome is successful. A registered user will regularly be able to check the status of their application online.
MANCOSA is currently open for applications and registration for Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma and Certificate programmes. These 35 programmes fall under commerce, functional management, leadership and education, filled by 12,000 students a year.
MANCOSA Fees
The registration fee for undergraduate programmes is R5250 and for Postgraduate programmes is R5900. The fees for respective courses are found in the Programme Handbook. Payments can be made via direct deposit and cheque. Proof of payment must be sent to their Durban Branch through fax at, 086 532 5455 or by email at; finance@mancosa.co.za.
The following information must be attached to the proof of payment:
- Full name of the student,
- The programme they have enrolled into,
- Contact number(s) and
- Student or reference number.
Cheques have to be handed to MANCOSA Finance Department,
26 Samora Machel Street, Durban or posted to, PO Box 49494, East End, Durban, 4018, South Africa.
If the applicant is experiencing issues or has questions, they can call MANCOSA on the number, +27 31 300 7200.
MANCOSA Bursaries
MANCOSA also has bursaries available for deserving students. The bursary will only cover the cost of tuition. Students will have to fund their textbooks and registration fee. Those who have been chosen as a candidate will receive notice within two weeks; however, your request is likely to be unsuccessful if nothing has been sent. Although the student has to meet the minimum requirements for the course they have enrolled on, their chances of obtaining the bursary will be higher if their marks are higher than that of the minimum requirements.
MANCOSA Requirements
The other entry criteria are as follows:
- South African citizenship
- National Senior Certificate
- Registering and obtaining an unconditional acceptance into a distance-learning programme at MANCOSA
- A first-time student
- Registration and other expenses have been paid in full,
- Achieving at least a 4 for English and Maths if you are entering a tertiary institution for the first time,
- Reaching an overall average of at least 60% in matric for a higher certificate programme,
- A degree programme bursary requires a minimum overall average of 65%, a bursary for honours or postgraduate studies. The student needs an overall average of 70% from their previous qualification, and a bursary for the master’s programme expects a minimum overall average of 75%.
To apply for the bursary, one has to download the form from the MANCOSA website and submit it via email at bursary@mancosa.co.za. The email should contain the words “MANCOSA Bursary Application – Your Full Name” in the subject line. Clear copies of the following documents must be attached, or your application will automatically be deemed unsuccessful:
- A certified copy of your ID document.
- A certified copy of your National Senior Certificate.
- Certified copies of all your qualifications (if applicable).
- A complete Curriculum Vitae.
- A motivational letter that provides reasons as to why you should be awarded the bursary and a certified copy of your latest payslip (that is within 2 months).
The general requirements for the higher certificate, advanced certificate and degree programmes stipulated by MANCOSA is a National Senior certificate with specific subjects and academic merit required for specific programmes. A Higher Certificate is the minimum entry requirement to get into their undergraduate courses. Non-South African students who have acquired education through O and A levels need to have passed both of these to gain acceptance for an undergraduate programme. Prospective students who want to pursue honours or postgraduate diploma programmes have to complete an appropriate undergraduate degree or advanced diploma. This qualification has to be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree supported by MANCOSA and be accredited and recognised.
MANCOSA is different from other institutions as a majority of their courses are distance learning courses. This gives students more flexibility with their time.
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The institution is especially suited for people who are working or even working to support their studies. Since COVID-19 has forced many institutions to opt for online learning, it does not strike a threat to MANCOSA because they have had distance learning systems put in place for a long time. In accordance with their distance learners, students should have a laptop or computer and an internet connection to be able to attend online lectures and submit assignments.
While distance learning thrives at MANCOSA, they also have tangible resources such as libraries that students can utilise in the following locations: Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Polokwane, East London, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi and Mauritius. Their learning centres can be found in, Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Polokwane, East London, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Pietermaritzburg and Nelspruit. Their South African Development Community Offices (SADC offices) are found in Mauritius, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, eSwatini and Mozambique.