Business School

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) equips students with essential management skills such as critical and strategic thinking, problem-solving, and responsible, ethical leadership. The programme also prepares students for successful enrolment in our Master of Business Administration (MBA).

The PGDBA provides the opportunity for prospective students with an undergraduate degree to gain general and advanced knowledge of business administration and management. Students without management experience can engage in a challenging curriculum covering business acumen essentials, strategic management principles, design thinking and problem-solving, financial management for strategic decision-making, business research for managers, risk and governance, leadership for managers and how to lead an organisation responsibly and in context.

To further career prospects in management and administration after completing the qualification, students can enrol for an MBA or a research master’s degree. Students who proceed and are admitted to Milpark’s MBA will receive module exemptions for modules shared with the PGDBA.

Programme Structure

Modules

  • Business Acumen Essentials
  • Leading an Organisation Responsibly
  • Leading an Organisation in Context
  • Business Research for Managers
  • Design Thinking and Problem-Solving
  • Financial Management for Strategic Decision-Making
  • Strategic Management Principles
  • Risk and Governance
  • Leadership for Managers

The minimum admission requirement is a Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7).

Available learning modes

Immersive Online Learning

IO Learning is a guided, flexible digital experience designed to foster deeper learning and meaningful connection. Through scheduled sessions, interactive content, and collaborative activities, students engage in a human-centred environment that blends structure with flexibility. Advanced online tools, small-group collaboration, and personalised feedback create a rich, engaging, and connected learning journey.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7)
  • Have an acceptable rating in the Milpark admission assessment
  • Have a minimum of three to four years of relevant work experience
  • Be proficient in financial management at an undergraduate or postgraduate level or have working experience in financial management. Applicants with no proficiency in or experience with financial management must enrol in our bridging module, Finance for Non-Financial Managers. This bridging module must be completed successfully before students can register for Financial Management for Strategic Decision-Making. However, completing the bridging module before the start date of the first PGDBA block is advisable. (Please see the details of the short bridging module in the programme Factsheet)
  • Submit a comprehensive professional CV
  • Present themselves for an interview with the Programme Manager
  • Be proficient in English (proof of proficiency may be required for international students)
  • Be computer literate
  • In exceptionally limited cases, admission to the qualification may also take place via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about being admitted via the RPL route here.

Other / International certificates

Further to the requirements for admission provided above, foreign nationals or South African nationals seeking to apply for admission onto the qualification based on a non-South African/foreign NQF Level 7 equivalent qualification or degree, must obtain, and submit to Milpark, a Certificate of Equivalence from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) (www.saqa.org.za).

Applicants with non-South African/foreign degree qualifications, are advised to submit their SAQA Certificate of Equivalence at the time of applying online for a Milpark Postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
Next start dates: 9 February 2027
Duration:
1 Year or 18 Months
NQF:
Level 8
Credits:
120
SAQA ID:
76924
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Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration

Programme Downloads

Frequently Asked Questions

Business School programmes: Admission via the RPL Route (Entry Route 2)

In exceptionally limited cases, admission to the qualification may also take place via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This is because RPL admissions are limited to 10% of the total intake and are, therefore, often oversubscribed.  To apply via the RPL route, kindly contact the respective Programme Manager before applying online for admission on RPL grounds:

MBA and PGDBA applicants can do this through the Milpark Helpdesk at helpdesk.milpark.ac.za.

In addition to fulfilling the standard (Entry Route 1) selection criteria, RPL applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 30 years of age.
  • Have at least 10 years of significant senior management work experience.

Note: only once all Entry Route 1 places have been finalised will a limited number of RPL candidates be admitted onto the qualification.

International Students
International applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide proof of proficiency in English before admission to the qualification.

Further to the requirements for admission provided above, foreign nationals or South African nationals seeking to apply for admission onto the qualification based on a non-South African/foreign NQF Level 8 equivalent qualification or degree must obtain – and submit to Milpark – a Certificate of Equivalence from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) (www.saqa.org.za).

Is Milpark Business School internationally accredited?

Yes. Our MBA programme is internationally accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). This accreditation is a mark of excellence and quality, ensuring global recognition. Graduates gain the credibility and skills to pursue careers internationally.

What does AMBA accreditation mean for Milpark’s MBA students?

It means that our MBA programme meets rigorous international standards in teaching, curriculum and student outcomes. Graduating from an AMBA-accredited institution provides global recognition and enhanced career opportunities.

What is the cost of the international elective in the MBA programme?

The cost of the international elective varies depending on the destination.

Is an entrance assessment required for the MBA programme?

Yes. All applicants for the MBA programme must achieve an acceptable rating in the Milpark Education admission test administered by Top Talent Solutions (TTS).

What if I’ve already taken an entrance assessment?

If you’ve previously written the TTS test and the results are still valid, you won’t need to take it again.

Are there any alternatives to the TTS entrance assessment?

Yes. If you’ve taken the GMAT, NMAT, APIL or SHL tests and have valid results, you may submit those for evaluation instead.

Is there an age requirement for the MBA programme?

Yes, applicants must be at least 25 years old to be eligible for the MBA programme because it is designed for professionals with a postgraduate degree and substantial work experience.

How much time should I expect to spend on each PGDBA module?

The time commitment for each module is calculated based on notional hours. One credit typically equals 10 notional hours of work. For example, a 25-credit module would require approximately 250 hours of total study time, including all related activities.

How many module exemptions can I get if I move from the Milpark PGDBA to the MBA?

You can receive exemptions for five modules. This enables you to potentially complete the MBA programme in a shorter period.

Does Milpark Business School offer Distance Learning (DL) options?

No. All the courses in the Business School are offered via Distance Learning Online (DLO). As a result, students can exchange ideas and collaborate with peers in a globally connected classroom environment to establish professional networks, which can lead to collaborations or international employment opportunities. 

DLO is a fully digital learning experience. Students in this mode access all their study materials, including textbooks, through Milpark’s online learning platform. DLO provides a highly interactive and engaging environment, with regular live online classes, discussion forums and collaborative projects.

Is Milpark Education accredited?

Yes. Milpark is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Our qualifications are accredited by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Our qualifications are also recognised on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

Does NSFAS fund Milpark Education?

NSFAS only covers public institutions and TVET Colleges. As a private higher education institution, Milpark Education does not offer NSFAS funding. However, we provide select bursaries and work closely with Capitec to offer financial aid to prospective students. Learn more about our Capitec partnership here.

Does Milpark offer bursaries?

Yes, Milpark Education offers bursaries based on academic performance and financial need. Applications typically open in September and close in November for the following year. Please note, bursaries are not available for the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA) and Advanced Accounting (Bridging Short Course to PGDA/CTA).

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