Is an MBA from a CHE-Accredited School Worth It in South Africa?

South Africa’s business landscape increasingly demands advanced qualifications, particularly from professionals with an NQF Level 8 qualification who aspire to leadership roles. A Master of Business Administration or MBA that is recognised and career‑relevant remains in strong demand. Many working professionals seek promotion, salary credibility and opportunities in the government or private sector. CHE-accredited programmes in South Africa offer legitimate routes to this career elevation. 

In this article, we will cover the value of the CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa, employer recognition, curriculum quality and why the Regenesys MBA programme stands out.

What is CHE and Why it Matters?

The Council on Higher Education (CHE) is South Africa’s official quality assurance body for higher education. It plays a critical role in evaluating academic programmes to ensure they meet national standards for credibility, academic depth, and governance.

A CHE-accredited MBA programme, such as the Regenesys Master of Business Administration, undergoes rigorous review before receiving approval. This accreditation confirms that the qualification is formally recognised by both the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and it is aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) at Level 9.

Holding an MBA from a CHE‑accredited institution ensures:

• Legitimacy and recognition by public and private sector employers in South Africa
• SAQA recognition as a formal postgraduate qualification
• NQF Level 9 status, equal to a master’s degree
• Eligibility for government and senior management roles
• International credibility, allowing for global study and career mobility
• Employer trust, especially in regulated industries and state-owned enterprises

The Regenesys MBA programme is fully CHE-accredited and registered with SAQA at NQF Level 9, ensuring that your qualification carries weight in South Africa and beyond.

For long-term career credibility, professional mobility, and leadership readiness, enrolling in a CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa is not only beneficial—it is necessary.

Job Value of an Accredited MBA

A CHE accredited MBA programme provides more than a qualification—it delivers verified value in the job market. In South Africa, where employers prioritise recognised credentials, an accredited MBA leads to measurable career advantages, including salary growth, job promotions, and access to senior roles.

Accredited programmes add greater value to job roles because they:

• Are formally recognised by SAQA and the Department of Higher Education and Training
• Signal to employers that the candidate meets NQF Level 9 academic standards
• Undergo curriculum quality assurance, which leads to stronger graduate capabilities
• Qualify graduates for public sector and executive-level positions
• Are often required for promotion in large corporates and government agencies

Employers trust qualifications that meet national standards. That is why a CHE-accredited MBA, like the one offered by Regenesys Business School, often leads to faster career progression, higher salary offers, and increased responsibilities.

How Employers View NQF Level 9?

In South Africa’s competitive job market, employers place high value on formally accredited postgraduate qualifications, particularly those recognised at NQF Level 9, the level reserved for master’s degrees. A SAQA-registered MBA at this level, especially from a CHE-accredited institution, signals to employers that a candidate is equipped for leadership, policy-level decision-making, and advanced strategic roles.

Whether in the private sector, public administration, or state-owned entities, a NQF Level 9 MBA in South Africa demonstrates:

• Advanced knowledge of business theory and application
• Proven ability to conduct postgraduate research
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strategic planning and leadership competencies
• A qualification that meets national academic standards

Many employers, particularly those in government departments, public universities, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and large corporates or financial institutions, require NQF Level 9 qualifications for executive appointments or promotions into senior leadership roles. These sectors place strong emphasis on formal accreditation, as it assures them of a candidate’s advanced academic preparation, strategic thinking capabilities, and professional readiness. 

Completing a CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa, such as the one offered by Regenesys Business School, provides a competitive edge. It assures employers of both academic rigour and workplace readiness—making it easier for professionals to secure promotions, salary upgrades, and influential positions across sectors.

Ultimately, employer preference for MBA graduates with NQF Level 9 accreditation reflects the need for credible, competent, and strategically trained leaders in today’s evolving economy.

Read more on How to Choose the Right MBA Programme in South Africa? here

Regenesys vs Unaccredited Schools

When evaluating MBA options, it is important to distinguish between accredited and unaccredited programmes. While some institutions may offer shorter, cheaper, or more flexible courses, unaccredited MBA programmes do not carry CHE approval and are not SAQA recognised. 

As a result, these qualifications are often not accepted by employers, government departments, or professional bodies, particularly for senior roles.

In contrast, the Regeneys CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa is a nationally recognised qualification. It is:

• CHE accredited (Council on Higher Education)
• DHET registered (Department of Higher Education and Training)
• SAQA registered MBA (SAQA ID 97886)
• Rated at NQF Level 9
• Designed with 230 credits, including advanced coursework and a dissertation

This means that the CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa is a credible academic qualification that meets national standards and carries weight in the job market.

The table below compares the core differences between CHE-accredited MBA programmes in South Africa and unaccredited programmes:

Global Mobility with a Recognised Degree

One of the key advantages of completing a CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa is its international credibility. A qualification that is recognised by national quality bodies meets global academic benchmarks. For professionals considering opportunities abroad, this recognition matters significantly.

When applying for jobs, visas, or further studies internationally, credentials are often assessed by foreign qualification authorities. A SAQA-registered MBA at NQF Level 9, such as the Regenesys MBA programme, is typically aligned with international master’s degree standards, making it easier to transition into global roles or postgraduate research.

Holding a CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa can support:

• Applications for international senior management or leadership positions
• Membership in professional bodies or MBA networks abroad
• Further study opportunities, such as PhDs or specialised diplomas
• Visa or immigration processes where qualification evaluation is required
• Competitive advantage in multinational corporations

The table below outlines the global benefits of completing a CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa:

The Regenesys MBA programme, through its CHE accreditation and NQF Level 9 status, empowers professionals not only in South Africa but across global markets. Whether you aim to expand your career within Africa or explore roles internationally, a CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa ensures your qualification is accepted and respected beyond borders.

CHE accredited MBA programmes in South Africa are increasingly recognised as vital qualifications for leadership roles within the public sector. Senior positions in government departments, municipalities, and state-owned enterprises frequently require a SAQA recognised MBA at NQF Level 9 to ensure candidates possess the strategic insight and operational acumen needed for complex governance environments.

An MBA in government roles not only meets these formal requirements but also contributes to improved service delivery, policy implementation, and organisational performance. MBA graduates are trained in leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency—all of which are crucial for driving transformation and accountability in the public sector.

Professionals who graduate from a CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa bring:

• Enhanced decision-making and performance management capabilities
• Ability to align public programmes with strategic national objectives
• Improved budgeting, auditing, and financial oversight skills
• Knowledge of stakeholder engagement and ethical governance
• Tools to implement digital transformation and process optimisation

Employers in the public sector, including state-owned enterprises, prefer candidates who are qualified through CHE-accredited MBA programmes in South Africa due to their proven competence and readiness for leadership.

The Regenesys MBA programme, with its full CHE accreditation and NQF Level 9 status, is especially suitable for professionals aiming to make meaningful impact in public institutions. It equips them with the strategic tools to drive innovation, policy reform, and efficiency across government structures.

Read more on Who Should Study an MBA? Benefits and Career Paths Explained here

Proof of Quality – Curriculum and Modules

The Regenesys MBA follows a rigorous academic structure that aligns with the standards set by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). This CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa carries a total of 230 credits, comprising 11 compulsory modules, 2 electives, and a research dissertation worth 45 credits. The comprehensive curriculum balances theoretical insight with applied business competence, making it suitable for professionals aiming to lead across sectors.

Listed below are the modules of the Regenesys CHE-accredited MBA programme in South Africa:

Year 1: Compulsory Modules

• Advanced Personal Mastery – Self-leadership and emotional intelligence
• Business Research – Quantitative and qualitative research skills
• Economics – Macroeconomic and microeconomic business analysis
• Conscious Leadership – Ethical leadership in modern organisations
• Entrepreneurship – Innovation and business model development
• Innovation – Creative thinking and competitive advantage
• Operations and Supply Chain Management – Efficiency and logistics optimisation
• Strategic Human Resource Management – Talent management and organisational development
• Strategic Financial Management – Corporate finance and budgeting
• Strategic Management – Long-term planning and competitive positioning
• Strategic Marketing Management – Market analysis and customer engagement strategies

Year 2: Dissertation and Electives

• Dissertation: A supervised, in-depth academic research project addressing a real-world business issue

Electives (choose two):

• Ethics and Corporate Governance
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• International Management
• Mentoring and Coaching
• Organisational Change and Development
• Information Technology Strategy

This academic design ensures a balance of critical thinking, analytical skills and strategic management, supporting both immediate application and long-term leadership development. The inclusion of research and electives adds depth and flexibility, distinguishing it from non-accredited alternatives.

The scholarly structure of Regenesys’ MBA meets the quality assurance expectations of CHE-accredited MBA programmes in South Africa, providing recognised academic value and practical relevance across local and international business environments.

Read more on MBA Programme Subjects, Duration & Admission Criteria here

Conclusion

In South Africa, a CHE-accredited MBA programme at NQF level 9 offers clear value: stronger salary, promotion potential, recognition in government and private sector and international mobility. The Regenesys MBA programme delivers these benefits with a rigorous two‑year curriculum, credible accreditation and practical modules that equip working professionals for leadership. 

For those with NQF Level 8 qualifications aiming to advance, CHE-accredited MBA programmes in South Africa are worth the investment. To explore upcoming October intake and how to apply, visit the Regenesys Business School website. 

Enrol in the Regenesys MBA programme and start pursuing leadership roles with a recognised qualification.

CHE‑Accredited School Worth It in South Africa – FAQs