The Best Evening and Weekend University Programs in South Africa in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide
As of March 20, 2025, the demand for flexible education in South Africa is soaring, with over 40% of students seeking evening and weekend programs to balance work, family, and studies (DHET, 2024). Whether you’re a working professional, parent, or career-switcher, these programs offer a lifeline to earning a degree without disrupting your life.
Why Evening and Weekend Programs Matter
Traditional 9-to-5 schedules don’t suit everyone. Evening and weekend programs provide:
Flexibility: Study after hours or on Saturdays.
Accessibility: Ideal for full-time workers or those in remote areas.
Affordability: Often cheaper per module than daytime courses.
With South Africa’s unemployment rate at 32.1% (Stats SA, Q1 2025) and employers favoring upskilled candidates, these programs are a game-changer. Let’s explore the best options available.
Top Evening and Weekend University Programs in South Africa
1. University of South Africa (UNISA) – Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL)
Program Highlights: Offers Bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and postgraduate qualifications in fields like Business, Education, Law, and IT.
Why It’s Great: As Africa’s largest distance-learning institution, UNISA enrolls over 370,000 students annually (UNISA, 2024). Evening and weekend study is self-paced via online platforms, with optional Saturday tutorials at regional centers (e.g., Pretoria, Durban).
Schedule: Fully flexible—study anytime, with exams scheduled on weekends or evenings.
Cost: R15,000–R40,000 per year, depending on the course.
Best For: Self-motivated learners needing maximum flexibility.
UNISA’s ODeL model is the gold standard for evening and weekend education.
2. University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Extended Degree Programs
Program Highlights: Evening classes for BCom (Management), BA (Public Governance), and BEng (Engineering disciplines).
Why It’s Great: UJ’s Auckland Park campus hosts evening sessions (5:30 PM–9:00 PM) and Saturday workshops, designed for working students. Extended programs add a foundational year to ease transitions.
Schedule: Monday–Thursday evenings, some Saturdays.
Cost: R45,000–R70,000 annually, with payment plans.
Best For: Professionals in Johannesburg seeking structured support.
UJ blends in-person engagement with after-hours access—perfect for urban learners.
3. Stellenbosch University – Part-Time Postgraduate Diplomas
Program Highlights: Postgraduate Diplomas in Business Management, Sustainable Development, and Public Administration.
Why It’s Great: Stellenbosch offers hybrid evening classes (6:00 PM–8:30 PM) and weekend intensives at its Bellville Park campus, catering to Western Cape professionals. Renowned for research excellence (QS Rankings, 2025).
Schedule: Tuesday/Thursday evenings, monthly Saturday sessions.
Cost: R50,000–R80,000 per program.
Best For: Career advancers wanting prestigious credentials.
Stellenbosch’s elite part-time options elevate skills without daytime commitment.
4. University of Pretoria (UP) – Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Evening MBAs
Program Highlights: MBA and Postgraduate Diploma in General Management with evening and weekend streams.
Why It’s Great: GIBS, ranked Africa’s top business school (Financial Times, 2024), runs evening classes (6:00 PM–9:00 PM) and Saturday seminars in Sandton. Focuses on leadership and strategy.
Schedule: Weeknights plus one Saturday monthly.
Cost: R150,000–R250,000 total (installments available).
Best For: Ambitious executives needing world-class training.
GIBS delivers elite business education on a flexible schedule.
5. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – Part-Time Certificates and Diplomas
Program Highlights: National Diplomas in Engineering, IT, and Hospitality Management; short courses in Project Management.
Why It’s Great: CPUT’s Bellville and Cape Town campuses offer evening classes (5:00 PM–8:00 PM) and Saturday practicals, emphasizing hands-on skills. Affordable and career-focused.
Schedule: Monday–Friday evenings, some Saturdays.
Cost: R20,000–R40,000 per year.
Best For: Technical learners seeking practical qualifications.
CPUT’s hands-on approach suits after-hours skill-builders.
6. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Wits Plus Evening Degrees
Program Highlights: BA (General), BCom (General), and short courses in Data Analytics and HR.
Why It’s Great: Wits Plus caters to Johannesburg’s working adults with evening lectures (5:30 PM–8:30 PM) and occasional Saturday catch-ups. Known for academic rigor (Times Higher Education, 2025).
Schedule: Weeknights, optional weekends.
Cost: R40,000–R65,000 annually.
Best For: Urbanites wanting flexible, respected degrees.
Wits Plus offers top-tier education tailored to busy schedules.
7. Mancosa – Distance Learning with Weekend Workshops
Program Highlights: BBA, MBA, and Higher Certificates in fields like Supply Chain and Marketing.
Why It’s Great: This private institution combines online learning with weekend workshops in cities like Durban and Johannesburg. Affordable and accredited by CHE.
Schedule: Self-paced study, bi-monthly Saturday sessions.
Cost: R25,000–R50,000 per year.
Best For: Budget-conscious learners needing occasional face-to-face support.
Mancosa’s hybrid model balances cost and convenience.
How to Choose the Right Program
- Assess Your Schedule: Evening-only (e.g., Wits Plus) or weekend-heavy (e.g., Mancosa)? Pick what fits.
- Location Matters: Urban options (UJ, GIBS) vs. distance (UNISA, Mancosa).
- Career Goals: Technical skills (CPUT) or leadership (GIBS)? Align with your future.
- Budget: Compare costs—UNISA and Mancosa lead on affordability.
- Support Needs: Self-driven (UNISA) or structured (Stellenbosch)? Know your style.
Smart selection ensures success without burnout.
Tips for Thriving in Evening and Weekend Programs
- Time Management: Block 2–3 hours nightly for study; use weekends for bigger tasks.
- Tech Tools: Leverage apps like Notion or Zoom for organization and lectures.
- Employer Support: Negotiate flexi-hours—40% of SA firms offer study leave (HR Survey, 2024).
- Network: Join study groups via X or campus forums for peer support.
- Health First: Sleep 6–8 hours—burnout doubles dropout risk (EduStudy, 2024).
Proactive habits keep you on track.
Conclusion: Your Path to Flexible Success
The best evening and weekend university programs in South Africa—UNISA’s ODeL, UJ’s Extended Degrees, Stellenbosch’s Postgraduate Diplomas, GIBS’ MBAs, CPUT’s Diplomas, Wits Plus, and Mancosa—cater to diverse needs in 2025.
