Courses That Don’t Require Maths in South Africa

Top Courses You Can Study Without Maths in South Africa

Let’s be honest — not everyone clicks with Maths. Whether you scraped through Grade 9 with the help of a calculator or dropped it completely by Grade 10, the idea that “you can’t succeed without Maths” gets thrown around way too much in schools, communities, and even at home.

But here’s the truth: plenty of courses, careers, and industries don’t require Maths — and they’re legitimate, high-demand fields.

Here’s a breakdown of how and why you can still build a solid future, even if Maths wasn’t your strongest subject.

First, Let’s Clear This Up

When we say “no Maths,” we’re mostly referring to:

•     No Pure Maths (Mathematics) requirement

•     Sometimes Maths Literacy is accepted

•     Or no maths subject at all is needed to get into the programme

We’re also not talking about avoiding numbers entirely — most jobs will need some form of problem-solving or logic. But these courses and careers won’t ask you to prove the value of x or calculate trigonometric angles.

Real Courses in South Africa That Don’t Require Maths

Let’s get into real options from TVET Colleges, universities of technology, and private institutions.

1. Public Relations (PR)

Offered by Varsity College, Rosebank College, TUT

Public Relations is a solid choice for students who didn’t take Pure Maths or whose APS score doesn’t meet the threshold for technical degrees. Most PR diploma or higher certificate programmes require only English (50–60%) and Maths Literacy or no Maths at all. The focus is on communication theory, public campaigns, event coordination, and writing — all skills that rely more on creativity and organisation than equations.

• NQF Level: Usually starts from NQF Level 5 (Higher Certificate) or Level 6 (Diploma)

• Career Path: PR assistant, communications officer, digital PR manager, or social media coordinato

• Pro Tip: A strong writing portfolio or media internship can boost your application, even with a low APS.
  
  

2. Legal Secretary or Paralegal Studies

Available at Boston City Campus, Damelin, and private FET colleges

Many people associate law with strict academic entry — but legal support roles offer an easier entry point with no Maths requirements. Paralegal courses usually focus on legal writing, client case prep, and document handling, not legal theory or litigation. This makes it ideal for someone with good English marks and a decent APS (usually 20–24).

• NQF Level: Level 4–5 depending on the institution

• Entry Requirements: Often requires English (50–60%), no minimum Maths needed

• Career Path: Legal typist, law clerk, conveyancing assistant, compliance officer

• What You’ll Learn: Legal research, filing procedures, ethics, and client liaison
  
  

3. Office Administration

Offered by TVET colleges like Sedibeng, EWC, and South West Gauteng College

If you enjoy structured work, organisation, and people, office admin is a great route. It’s one of the most accessible learnership and college programmes, and it doesn’t require Pure Maths. In fact, many learners enter with Maths Literacy or even without a maths subject, as long as they meet the language and basic subject pass marks.

• NQF Level: Typically NQF 4 (NCV Certificate) or NQF 5–6 (Diploma)

• APS Score: Around 18–24 depending on the institution

• Career Path: Admin assistant, receptionist, data clerk, operations support
  

You may also look: Best Office Administration Courses for South Africans

4. Travel & Tourism

Available at False Bay TVET, ORBIT TVET, and MSC Business College

This is one of the few sectors where your people skills matter more than your marks. Travel and tourism courses focus on destination knowledge, booking systems, and guest interaction, not algebra. If your APS is average (16–22), you can still get into an NQF Level 4 programme and work your way up.

• NQF Level: Most start at Level 4 (NCV) or Level 5 (Higher Certificate)

• Entry: Often doesn’t require Maths, but English is essential

• Career Path: Travel consultant, tour coordinator, front desk agent, events assistant

• Why It’s Practical: You learn how to deal with customers, bookings, and hospitality software — not calculations
  
  

5. Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology

Offered by Face to Face, TVET colleges, and many private providers

This industry is skills-based, not maths-based. If you’ve got an eye for detail and good hand coordination, you don’t need an academic background to thrive here. Most beauty courses accept learners with low APS scores and no Maths requirement — instead, they’ll train you in hygiene, skincare theory, and business basics.

• NQF Level: Level 2–4 depending on the course (short courses and full qualifications

• Entry Requirements: Often just a pass in Grade 9 or 10

• Career Path: Salon therapist, makeup artist, spa manager, or even start your own business
  
  

6. Photography & Visual Media

Found at Vega School, College of Digital Photography, and TUT

This field is portfolio-driven — institutions care more about your eye for detail and storytelling than your maths mark. If you’re passionate about visual art, this course will give you the technical skills to make it a profession. Most programmes are NQF 5 or above, and Maths is not required — though basic computer literacy helps.

• APS Score: Often flexible if you can show a portfolio

• Career Path: Studio photographer, photo editor, visual content creator, wedding photographer

• Tools You’ll Learn: Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, lighting setups, and visual narrative

Calculate your APS Score now with our Free APS Score Calculator

7. Hospitality Management

Available at IHT Hotel School, Ekurhuleni West TVET, Northlink

Hospitality is a practical field that rewards interpersonal and operational skills. Most hospitality courses — especially NCV programmes — don’t require Pure Maths, and some don’t require Maths at all. You’ll study food safety, housekeeping, service management, and basic finance using real-world tools — not academic equations.

• NQF Level: Level 4–6 (Certificate or Diploma)

• APS Requirements: 20–24 typically, but Maths Literacy is usually accepted

• Career Path: Hotel supervisor, front desk, reservations, restaurant floor manager

Have a look at: 15 Hospitality Courses in South Africa You Can Apply for Today

8. Entrepreneurship (Business Studies / NCV)

Offered at many public TVET colleges under New Venture Creation

This course is all about starting and running your own business. It’s perfect for those who didn’t pass Maths but have hustle, vision, and people skills. You'll learn budgeting, customer service, marketing, and compliance — with more emphasis on decision-making than formulas.

• NQF Level: Level 2–4 (NCV) or 5–6 (Diploma)

• APS Score: Flexible, especially for NCV tracks

• No Maths? Not a problem — Maths Literacy or basic numeracy is usually enough

• Career Path: Startup founder, freelance creative, digital seller, project coordinator

Not everyone is wired the same. The myth that you need Maths to have a future is harmful and narrow. South Africa needs communicators, creatives, carers, coordinators, and craftsmen just as much as it needs accountants and engineers.

What to Look for When Choosing These Courses

Here’s how to avoid wasting time and money:

• Accreditation: Make sure the college is accredited by DHET or a relevant SETA.

• Exit Qualification: Aim for an NQF Level 4 or higher — it counts for something on your CV.

• Stipends/Internships: Some courses at TVET colleges come with workplace placement.

Career Path: Don’t just pick what looks easy — think about where it leads.