NQF 6
qualification level
The Diploma in Public Administration is a diploma offered by Lyceum for 2027 learners, taking 3 years full-time minimum; up to 6 years part-time to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Do you qualify
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Diploma in Public Administration at Lyceum
- A National Senior Certificate with a diploma pass, or an NCV Level 4 with diploma endorsement
- An Amended Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate with a diploma endorsement or university exemption is also accepted
- A higher certificate or diploma in a related field can be used for entry
- Applicants aged 45 or older may apply on mature age grounds, subject to conditions
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Senate discretionary admission are available
- Applicants whose first language is not English may need to prove English proficiency
What you study
About Diploma in Public Administration
This 360-credit NQF Level 6 diploma (SAQA ID 73496) prepares students to work in, or advance within, local, provincial and national government and public entities. It covers how the public sector is organised and governed, public policy, public finance and service delivery, and the administrative and supervisory skills needed to run government offices. It is studied by distance learning, with digital study material, assignments and exams managed through the Lyceum student portal.
The programme suits school leavers interested in a government career and public servants who want a formal qualification to support promotion. Assessment is continuous through assignments plus a final exam in each subject. Credits may be carried towards further study in public management or administration through CAT and RPL.
Because the programme is offered by distance learning, you can keep working while you study and set a pace that fits your budget and schedule. Lyceum branch offices in Johannesburg, Durban and Polokwane help with registration and advice, and the student portal is where you download study material, submit assignments, check results and contact academic support.
After you graduate
Careers After Diploma in Public Administration
Course intelligence for Diploma in Public Administration
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Diploma in Public Administration doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a Public Administration Officer. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like Lyceum. Ask Lyceum directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Lyceum’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with Lyceum and NSFAS.
Step by step
How to Apply for Diploma in Public Administration in 2027
Apply online through the Lyceum student portal, or visit or phone a Lyceum branch on 0861 819 211 for help. Have a certified copy of your ID or passport, your highest school certificate and any post-school results ready to upload. Lyceum enrols through the year, so check the next registration window with an advisor before you pay the upfront deposit.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Lyceum College’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Lyceum College.
Answers
Diploma in Public Administration: Frequently Asked Questions
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
Enter your own subject marks and we'll show you real courses you're likely to qualify for, right now, plus what those courses tend to lead to: how in-demand the work is, whether NSFAS is likely to fund it, and how competitive admission is.
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Source: Official website: https://lyceum.edu.za/programme/diploma-in-public-administration/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Lyceum College before applying.