About the college
Unisa’s College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS) is where Africa's business leaders are made. As the largest provider of business and management education on the continent, and one of the biggest globally, we empower students to thrive in the fast-changing world of work. With programmes that span from certificates to doctorates, our graduates are shaping the success of organisations in South Africa and beyond.
What makes us unique
- Africa's largest business school, trusted by over 100,000 learners each year
- High-impact qualifications: 1 in every 4 BCom graduates in South Africa is a proud CEMS graduate
- Employers prefer CEMS graduates: 86% hire from CEMS because we produce professionals who can "hit the ground running"
- Future-focused learning: we constantly engage with industry to ensure our programmes build relevant skills for tomorrow’s economy
Our programmes: Designed for career success
CEMS offers a wide range of programmes that prepare students to lead and innovate in every sector of the economy.
- Undergraduate & honours degrees: Build strong business foundations and earn qualifications that are among the most employable in the country.
- Postgraduate & doctoral studies: Become an expert researcher, policymaker or executive contributing solutions to global economic and management challenges.
- Short Learning Programmes: Upskill fast, boost your CV and stay competitive while you work.
Learning that goes beyond the classroom
At CEMS, flexibility meets impact. Students can learn from anywhere in the world, while still receiving the following ongoing support:
- Online engagement with lecturers and e-tutors
- Peer learning and teamwork through discussion forums
- Access to career and study counselling
- A powerful digital learning platform, myUnisa, for resources and collaboration
Impact and relevance: Research that matters
CEMS is leading Africa-centred innovation. We conduct strategic and solution-driven research that responds to
- economic growth.
- entrepreneurship.
- public sector excellence.
- sustainable development.
- financial inclusion and digital transformation.
With targeted niche research areas, funding opportunities and cross-disciplinary support, our scholars are driving progress in Africa.
Partnerships & collaboration
We believe in learning through connection. CEMS collaborates with:
- industry leaders in the public and private sectors.
- communities across South Africa.
- national and international research networks.
These partnerships help ensure that we educate career-ready graduates and deliver research that creates meaningful change.
Why study with us?
Choose CEMS and
- earn globally recognised business qualifications.
- study anywhere, anytime with world-class support.
- join Africa’s most influential business alumni network.
- unlock pathways from certificates to PhDs.
- become the talent employers are searching for.
- contribute to research and strategies that shape Africa's future.
Ready to transform your future?
Explore our programmes and join the next generation of African business innovators and decision-makers.
