Hospitality is one of the biggest employers in South Africa, from hotels and lodges to restaurants and events. You do not have to attend campus to start learning This guide lists online hospitality management courses you can take in 2027, from free short courses to a full university programme.
Free and low-cost courses
Alison – Essentials of Hospitality Management
- Duration: about 3 to 4 hours, self-paced
- Level: beginner
- Covers hotel and accommodation management, food and beverage operations and guest experience
- Learning is free. A digital or printed certificate costs extra (from about $30)
Alison – Introduction to Hospitality Management Studies
Other Alison courses cover hotel operations, food and beverage service and food safety.
Coursera – Introduction to Hospitality Management in the 21st Century
- About 10 hours, four modules, beginner level
- Full access and a shareable certificate need paid enrolment. A free preview may be available.
Coursera – Mastering Luxury Hospitality (EDHEC and Swiss Hotel Management School)
- About 8 hours, beginner level
- Certificate is paid
edX – International Hospitality Management MicroMasters (Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
- Master’s-level, four courses
- You can audit for free. Verified certificates and the full credential are paid.
Online programme in South Africa
University of Johannesburg – Short Learning Programme in Hospitality Management 1
- Fully online, one year (two 14-week semesters), about 5 hours of study per week
- Cost: R23,500
- Modules: Hospitality Financial Management, Culinary Studies, Hospitality Management, Food and Beverage Studies and Accommodation Management
- Requires a National Senior Certificate (or equivalent), at least one year of hospitality work experience, proof of employment and an employer support letter
- The application window listed was 13 January to 15 December 2026. Confirm the 2027 dates with UJ.
How to choose
- Just starting out: try a free Alison course first.
- Want a recognised certificate: pay for the certificate on Coursera or Alison.
- Already working in hospitality: consider the UJ programme.
How to enrol
- Choose a course and check the cost of the certificate.
- Create a free account on the platform.
- Enrol and study at your own pace.
- Complete the assessments to earn your certificate.