The Matric exams in South Africa produce varied results for students, which help determine higher education qualifications. Students should not feel disappointed if they achieve a Diploma or Higher Certificate pass.
For those interested in management, a Higher Certificate in Business Management (HCBM) can help them begin their studies. The programme develops skills for the job market and for further education. Students still have time to begin their HCBM programme in this academic year with the special March intake.
In this article, we will cover the details regarding the HCBM March intake, including entry criteria, study modes, and skills developed.
Table of Contents
What Is a Higher Certificate in Business Management?
Higher Certificate programmes help to provide an alternative path to higher education for students who do not meet the criteria for Bachelor’s degrees. When students receive a Higher Certificate pass in the Matric exams, it does not mean an end to university.
The programme helps to introduce students to the core principles of business operations. The HCM include areas such as marketing, finance, and human resources.
Students should view these programmes as a way to build on their academic foundation. This will help prepare them for the demands of a full degree programme.
At Regenesys, the HCBM March intake is offered by our Business School. It is an NQF Level 5 degree that now includes AI modules within the existing curriculum. This helps give students a competitive edge in entry-level job roles.
Why Choose the March Intake?
The academic year in South Africa begins in February at most universities. This timing is ideal as it provides students and institutions time to finalise admissions after the release of the Matric results.
Often, students wait for the Matric results to be released before applying for undergraduate programmes. At other times, students may wish to take a short break before beginning their studies.
The March intake, offered by a select few institutions, allows students to begin their studies in the same year as their classmates.
Read more on Higher Certificate in Business Management 2026 Applications here
Who Should Apply for the March Intake?
The March intake is designed for students who require an additional opportunity to begin their studies. It offers flexibility and access to those who may have missed deadlines or received their results late.
This intake allows students to move forward with their academic plans without being forced to take a break. Individuals who can apply for the March intake are:
- Students who missed the February deadline
- Matric Rewrite students who have improved their grade
- Students with a Diploma Pass
- Students with a Higher Certificare Pass
- Career changers looking for foundational management skills
Eligibility Criteria for March Intake
Students who receive a Higher Certificate or Diploma pass in their Matric exams should not feel discouraged. The South African education system has been designed to provide students with multiple pathways to higher education.
An HCBM March intake prepares students with a base in busines education. This helps to strengthen their concepts and make it easier for them to transition to a full-degree programme.
For admission to the Regenesys HCBM March intake, students must meet the following criteria:
- Matric with a certificate or diploma pass
- Competent in Mathematics, English, written and oral communication skills at NQF Level 4
- Basic computer skills, internet connection and relevant IT resources
Read more on Higher Certificate in Business Management (HCBM) vs. Other Business Qualifications here
Duration and Study Modes
The Higher Certificate in Business Management is typically completed within 1 year with full-time study. Students who enrol for online or distance learning programmes might take longer to complete.
At Regenesys Business School, our CHE-accredited HCBM March intake is offered in contact and online study modes. The contact programme takes place at our centrally located Sandton campus. Students who opt for the online programme can access classes from anywhere in the world. Both formats follow the same structure and curriculum to receive a valuable education.
Core Subjects Covered
Business Management programmes teach students how to plan and lead an organisation into achieving its long-term goals. The HCBM introduces these concepts at a foundational level through the core modules.
This helps students understand how different business functions operate together. Some core modules included in the Regenesys programme are:
- Fundamentals of Business Management: Provides an overview of how businesses operate across different economic structures. It teaches students how management-level decisions can affect everyone in the business.
- Fundamentals of Human Resource Management: This module explores how organisations manage their workforce effectively. Students learn about the importance of people management in achieving organisational goals.
- Fundamentals of Financial Management: Financial literacy is an important component of business education. This subject introduces students to basic financial concepts that support informed decision-making.
- Principles of Marketing: Marketing introduces students to the process of identifying customer needs and delivering value. This module helps them understand branding and introduces them to digital marketing concepts.
Skills Developed During the Programme
The Higher Certificate in Business Management develops practical competencies that prepare students for entry-level roles. The programme focuses on theory and application of business principles in real-world contexts.
Some skills that students gain from this programme are:
- Business communication to draft professional emails, reports, and presentations.
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking to interpret information and propose logical solutions.
- Financial literacy to understand budgeting, cost control, and financial statements.
- Teamwork that will prepare students for working in diverse group settings.
Career Opportunities After the HCBM
The 1-year HCBM programme prepares students for a range of entry-level roles. They help to provide support in administrative, operational, and customer relations roles.
Since the programme helps develop cross-functional knowledge, students can explore roles across various sectors. This gives them the opportunity to experience different workplace settings.
Some roles that graduates can explore include:
- Accounts Clerk
- Administrative Assistant
- Customer Relations Officer
- Front Office Manager
- Office Secretary
- Office Manager
- Personal Assistant
Fees and Funding for HCBM
Understanding the fee structure and different avenues for funding helps in decision-making. Fees for HCBM programmes in South Africa generally vary depending on the institution and mode of study.
Some institutions ask for a single payment, while others, such as Regenesys Education, allow students to pay their fees in instalments. Students can also apply for student loans. These can help cover the cost of fees and other expenses throughout the year.
Admission Process for March Intake
The March intake is suitable for those who may have missed earlier application deadlines. Students should follow the correct application steps if they wish to begin their studies soon.
Regenesys Education is one of the few institutions offering the March intake. Students should view this as a second chance to begin their studies this academic year.
- Visit the Higher Certificate in Business Management programme page
- Check the programme requirements
- Complete the application process
- Submit the application fee
- Finish the documentation process
- Pay fees and start enrolment
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Conclusion
Students with a Diploma or Higher Certificate Pass should not be saddened by their results. Rather than viewing these results as limitations, students can use them as a starting point. The Regenesys programme offers an AI-integrated curriculum, flexible study modes, and workplace-focused modules.
The HCBM March intake is ideal for students seeking to gain more knowledge and skills in business management. This focused programme prepares students for entry-level roles and bachelor’s degrees.
Submit your Higher Certificate in Business Management application today on the Regenesys Education website.
FAQs
Can I apply with a Higher Certificate pass in Matric?
Yes, the HCBM March intake is for students who achieve a Diploma or Higher Certificate Pass in their Matric exams.
Is the March intake available every year?
Yes, the March intake is available at a few select institutions in South Africa each year.
What career roles can I pursue after completing the HCBM?
Graduates can explore entry-level positions across sectors. Some roles include Administrative Assistant, Accounts Clerk, Customer Relations Officer, and Personal Assistant.
Can I enrol in a Bachelor’s degree after completing the HCBM?
Yes, the NQF Level 5 HCBM programme offers an alternative pathway to enrolling for a bachelor’s programme.
Are the March intake programmes accredited?
Yes, the March intake programmes offered by Regenesys Education are CHE-accredited and registered by SAQA.
