Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration

Qualification code:	98208
NQF level:	8
Total credits:	120
SAQA ID:	83587
APS/AS:	60

Maximum time to complete this qualification:

3 years

Purpose statement:
Upon completion of the Postgraduate Diploma: Public Administration, the qualified student would have been actively engaged in becoming a well-rounded, educated person, specifically preparing for further, more specific study and/or the work environment as an employer/manager in an administrative section. He or she will have a theoretical foundation that will guide him/her in the work environment to act as a functional level manager or at a higher management level. The person achieving this qualification will have developed certain values and be able to integrate general administrative knowledge and skills, management functions and the application of the theory of administration and management to achieve his/her goals. Qualifying postgraduate learners can demonstrate: Systematic knowledge, specialised skills, applied competence and appropriate attitudes and values in the field of public administration to become employable workers and contributors to public administration in various public and civic contexts.-In-depth knowledge and the ability to identify, define and solve complex problems.-The ability to widen the leadership base in innovative and knowledge-based public administration and scholarly activity.-The skills to play a constructive role as change agents in the field of public administration.-An understanding of the need for life-long learning and continued personal development.

Admission and re-admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

Please note:

• Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
• Unisa reserves the right to withdraw any offer for admission to the 2026 academic year should it be found that you do not meet the statutory, college and/or minimum admission requirements for the qualification to which you have been admitted. In such a case, the university will refund any registration fees paid towards the said qualification.

An appropriate NQF 7 qualification from an accredited provider of higher education. A minimum of 60% for the major(s), or for a selected number of NQF 7 modules in the qualification.
Unsuccessful applicants may appeal on the application portal at https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/Apply-for-admission-to-study:-application-tool and will be required to provide a motivation for special admission. The motivation must incorporate the following:
* academic motivation offering evidence of your ability to study a postgraduate qualification,
* work experience relevant to the qualification and courses completed since graduating with a Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma.

These appeals will only be considered if the enrolment target of the qualification has not been met and/or additional enrolment spaces are available.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements as indicated above may apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) provided they meet the statutory admission requirements for undergraduate studies; are at least 23 years old with a minimum of five years' current, relevant working and research experience in line with the approved qualification's RPL requirements. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl

Student fees and funding your studies

Apply for admission

Apply for admission to honours degrees or postgraduate diplomas for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025. 

Please note:

• You must apply for each new qualification even if you already have a formal Unisa student number. This includes first-time Unisa applicants, Unisa students changing to a new qualification and/or changing the specialisation of their current qualification, and applicants completing an undergraduate qualification who wish to continue with postgraduate studies.
  * Student numbers issued for short learning programmes and the Graduate School of Business Leadership are not formal Unisa student numbers.
• You may apply for a maximum of two qualifications, ranked in order of preference (although you may only register for one should all of your applications be successful). No changes may be made after the closing date for applications.
• You must accept or decline Unisa's offer within the prescribed period of time.
• You may only accept one offer. If you accept an offer, the other application for admission/offer will automatically fall away.
• If you accept Unisa's offer for the 2026 academic year, you may only register for the qualification and specialisation for which you received an offer. You may also only register for the 2026 academic year. Should you decide not to register for the 2026 academic year for any reason, you will need to apply for admission during the next application period.

Registration

Successful applicants should visit the registration website in January 2026 for updated registration information (eg qualification rules, curriculum/transitional arrangements, pre-requisites and co-requisites): www.unisa.ac.za/register

Curriculum / modules