FAQs executive education

The Nelson Mandela School executive short courses are not currently accredited with UCT, or any other university. However, all participants that meet the stipulated attendance requirement will receive a signed, course specific, branded UCT certificate of course participation. 

The Mandela School executive short courses do not currently award CPD points.

The Nelson Mandela School executive short courses are not assigned NQF level rankings.

There is no standard length for a short course. Our courses vary in length from 3 to 5 days (when offered in person) and 4 to 9 weeks (when offered online), and typically only take place over week days.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the School has increased the online teaching and learning component of its work. Previously, the majority of short courses took place in the Western Cape, but we have also run courses in Gauteng and across the region where demand required it.

The fees for each short course vary as they are informed by course development and delivery costs. Please note that accommodation and travel costs are not included in course fees and must be covered by participants, where required.

Scholarships are provided in some, but not all, instances and are not necessarily available for all course offerings. Please contact the Executive Short Courses team with any queries regarding scholarships for particular upcoming courses.

The Executive Short Course programme delivers courses for senior public leaders and officials, as well as emerging and senior national and international actors in the private and non-profit sectors, and members of think tanks. Particular courses have more narrowly defined target audiences.

Demand for places on each course typically exceeds the number of places available, meaning that all applicants for a course are not necessarily accepted onto it. Those interested in attending a course are expected to complete the appropriate online application form. Each short course has its own application format. The completion of the application form enables the capture of information about applicants required by UCT, as well as by The Nelson Mandela School and any partners in delivering a course. The information contained in the application form informs the selection process. Applicants are expected to comply with application deadline as advertised.

Demand for places on each courses typically exceeds available places, necessitating a selection process. The selection process is designed to ensure that those most suited to the course offering are selected onto the course. These criteria are specific to each course; common elements for consideration include department/organisation, role, and motivation. All applications received before the deadline are considered. All applicants receive notification of the outcome of the selection process, usually within two weeks of the application deadline. Successful applicants then receive further information about the course and about the process for paying course fees.

The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance requires all successful participants to provide all their details required to produce an invoice for the course fees. Consideration will be given to accommodate any requirements for effecting payment within participants’ organisations.