Best Office Administration Courses for South Africans

A list of all 15 Office Administration Courses for South Africans

A list of all office administration courses in South Africa. Courses that can help you land a job as an administrator.

Whether you're interested in a full-time program at a university or college, or you're looking for short courses and online learning options, this article will guide you through what you need to know.

What is Office Administration?

Before we dive into the courses, it's important to understand what office administration is. Office administrators play a key role in the day-to-day operations of any business.

They handle a variety of tasks, including managing office supplies, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, and maintaining records. Essentially, office administrators keep businesses running smoothly.

Why Study Office Administration?

A career in office administration is ideal for those who are organized, detail-oriented, and good with people. It also offers flexibility, as office administrators are needed in every industry—from healthcare to finance.

Studying office administration can open doors to positions such as office manager, administrative assistant, receptionist, or even executive assistant.

Now that you understand a bit about office administration, let us look at online courses you can apply for.

Office Admin Online Courses You can Enroll in Today

Here is the full list of all online courses for office administration that also offer certificates of completion.

Oxford Home Study - Office Administration Course (Free course)

The Oxford Home Study course is a fantastic free option if you’re just starting in office administration. This course covers the fundamentals of office management, including communication, document handling, and basic IT skills. Since it’s free, it’s a great starting point for beginners or for anyone who wants to refresh their skills. You can study online at your own pace, making it convenient for those who are working or have busy schedules.

Key Topics Covered:

• The role of an office administrator
• Managing office supplies and resources
• Business communication
• Organizing meetings and appointments

>> Apply Here: Oxford Administration Course

Alison – Legal Office Administration (Free course)

If you are interested in specializing in legal office administration, Alison offers this free course to introduce you to the essentials of working in a law office environment. You’ll learn how to handle legal documents, manage legal files, and support legal professionals in an administrative role. This course is ideal for anyone considering a job in the legal sector but with a focus on office administration.

Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction to legal office administration
• Handling legal documentation and correspondence
• Managing legal files and records
• Communicating with clients and legal professionals

>> Apply here: Alison Legal Office Administration Course 

Educourse – Office Administration Course (Free)

Educourse offers a introduction to office administration course that covers all the necessary skills you need to succeed in this field. The course is designed to provide a strong foundation in administrative tasks like communication, computer skills, and office management techniques. It’s a great option for those who are looking for a structured learning experience with practical skills that can be applied directly to an office environment.

Key Topics Covered:

• Office communication techniques
• Using office software and managing data
• Time management and organizational skills
• Office resources and supply management

>>Apply here: Educourse Office Administration Course

Colleges in South Africa offering Office Administration Courses

Damelin College – Certificate in Office Administration

Damelin’s Higher Certificate in Office Administration is all about getting you ready for roles like Secretary, General Office Manager, or Human Resources Administrator. This course runs for a minimum of 1 year and helps you build office management skills, with a focus on human resources, labor relations, and economics. It’s got six learning areas covering stuff like communication, public relations, and financial management, all designed to make sure you know how to keep an office running smoothly.

Career Outcomes:

• Secretary
• Office Manager
• Human Resources Administrator

Entry Requirements: To enroll, you need to have completed the relevant learning areas, like office communication and management accounting. This course gives you a solid base in the practical skills and knowledge that will help you in different office admin roles.

Apply here: Damelin Certificate in Administration

Boston City Campus – Office Assistant Short Learning Programme

This Office Assistant Short Learning Programme is for people looking to get into office work or those who need to sharpen their basic admin skills. It takes 6 to 12 months to complete, and it’s open to anyone with a Grade 11 qualification or equivalent.

The course prepares you for real office tasks like handling correspondence, managing office files, and getting comfortable with basic office software (think word processing and spreadsheets).

You’ll also learn about dealing with customers and using the phone professionally—key skills for any office job.

Key Modules:

• Introduction to PCs
• Word Processing
• Filing
• Office Practice
• Understanding the Internet

The course focuses on giving you practical skills, and you'll finish ready for entry-level office jobs, like secretary or receptionist.

Entry Requirements: You need at least Grade 11 or a National Certificate (Vocational), and there’s also the option for recognition of prior learning (RPL) if you've got relevant experience.

Apply Here: Boston Office Assistant Course

Office administration courses provide valuable skills that are essential across multiple industries. Whether you're interested in a free online course, a paid diploma, or a certificate program, there's something for everyone.

By choosing the right course, you can build a rewarding career with a strong foundation in administration, communication, and organizational skills.