Johannesburg stands tall as South Africa’s business capital. A city where ambition meets opportunity. Known for its energy and innovation, it has become a hub for world-class education that prepares future leaders for global success.
The city’s vibrant industries in entrepreneurship, finance, and management continue to drive a growing demand for skilled professionals and reputable business schools in Johannesburg.
From young graduates to experienced executives, more people are seeking quality Johannesburg business school courses and flexible MBA programs in Johannesburg that match their career goals. These institutions don’t just teach theory, they shape problem-solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs ready for the modern world.
This article explores the top business schools in Johannesburg, highlighting their programs, fees, and unique strengths. Whether you’re searching for advanced training or affordable business schools in Johannesburg, this guide will help you make an informed choice and find the perfect path for your academic and professional growth.
Why Study Business in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg stands as the heartbeat of South Africa’s economy, a city where innovation, opportunity, and ambition meet. Known for its thriving industries and global connections, it has also become one of the continent’s most sought-after education hubs.
Studying at business schools in Johannesburg gives students the advantage of learning in a city deeply rooted in commerce and entrepreneurship.
Being close to major corporations and financial institutions allows learners to engage directly with the business world. Students gain access to valuable internships, mentorship programs, and networking events that shape real-world experience beyond the classroom.
The city’s entrepreneurial spirit and modern infrastructure provide fertile ground for ideas to grow and businesses to thrive.
Through Johannesburg business school courses and MBA programs in Johannesburg, students receive globally recognized qualifications that open doors to international careers. Each institution focuses on practical learning and leadership development.
It’s no surprise that the top business schools in Johannesburg continue to produce forward-thinking graduates. For anyone pursuing business excellence, Johannesburg remains the ultimate destination where knowledge meets opportunity, and education transforms ambition into achievement.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Business School in Johannesburg
Choosing the right business school can change the direction of your career. It’s one of the most important decisions for any student or professional who wants to grow in today’s competitive world.
Johannesburg, home to some of the best institutions in Africa, offers many options, but knowing what to look for makes all the difference when comparing business schools in Johannesburg.
Accreditation is the first thing to check. Schools approved by bodies like CHE, SABSA, AMBA, or AACSB maintain international education standards. The curriculum should also matter. Strong programs in entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and leadership help prepare students for real-world challenges.
Experienced faculty members bring valuable insight from their careers, while an active alumni network opens doors to mentorship and job opportunities.
Other key factors include fees and value for money, the learning environment, and the school’s location for accessibility. Many top business schools in Johannesburg now offer MBA programs in Johannesburg with flexible study options like full-time, part-time, or online.
Each of these factors helps create the perfect fit. By weighing them carefully, you’ll find the Johannesburg business school courses that match your goals, lifestyle, and future aspirations.
Business Schools In Johannesburg Courses
Business schools in Johannesburg offer many courses that help students build real-world business skills. These schools teach both beginner and advanced learners who want to grow in the world of business, finance, or management.
Students can study degrees like the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), which teaches basic business principles, leadership, and communication. Another popular course is the Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship, where students learn how to start and grow their own businesses. For those who love numbers, the Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy builds strong financial and analytical skills.
Learners who want to advance further can take programs like the Master of Business Administration (MBA), which focuses on leadership and strategy. The Advanced Diploma in Management and Advanced Certificate in Management Studies help professionals sharpen their management and decision-making skills. Beginners can start with a Higher Certificate in Business Management, which lays the foundation for future studies.
Johannesburg business schools also offer courses in Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Purchasing and Supply Chain, and Entrepreneurship. Some schools, such as Regent Business School, even provide modern options like the Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Diploma in Financial Services Operations.
These courses combine theory with practice, using flexible learning options like online, part-time, or full-time options to fit every student’s lifestyle.
List of Top 10 Business Schools in Johannesburg and Their Fees
1. Johannesburg Business School (JBS)
The Johannesburg Business School (JBS), a faculty of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), stands at the forefront of modern business education in Africa. Established to equip leaders for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), JBS focuses on developing future-fit professionals who can navigate today’s fast-changing digital economy.
Its mission is to empower African entrepreneurs and managers through education that is practical, innovative, and globally relevant.
As one of the top business schools in Johannesburg, JBS holds full accreditation from the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and membership in both the South African Business Schools Association (SABSA) and the Association of African Business Schools (AABS). Its reputation continues to grow across the continent for combining academic excellence with real-world impact.
JBS offers diverse programmes from MBA programs in Johannesburg and postgraduate diplomas to executive and short courses.
Each of these Johannesburg business school courses integrates digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Collaborations with global institutions such as MIT, UC Berkeley, and CEIBS Shanghai ensure a truly international learning experience.
Students benefit from world-class facilities, advanced digital hubs, and a supportive community. The school provides competitive and flexible payment options, making it one of the affordable business schools in Johannesburg.
| Johannesburg Business School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 011 559 7600 |
| marketing@jbs.ac.za | |
| Address | JBS Park, Kingsway Avenue, Auckland Park, Johannesburg. |
| Website | jbs.ac.za |
2. Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), the business school of the University of Pretoria, stands as one of the most respected business schools in Johannesburg and across Africa.
Founded in 2000 through a generous endowment by Sir Donald Gordon, GIBS was created as a “business school for business” a place where innovation, integrity, and leadership meet real-world practice. Located in Illovo, Johannesburg, the school continues to shape forward-thinking leaders who drive African and global business growth.
GIBS holds the Triple Crown of international accreditation. AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS; a distinction earned by less than 1% of business schools worldwide. It is also accredited by South Africa’s Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the Association of African Business Schools (AABS), cementing its global credibility.
Its programmes include MBA programs in Johannesburg (full-time, part-time, and modular), a Postgraduate Diploma in General Management, and doctoral and executive courses. The school’s Executive Education division consistently ranks among the top 50 globally in the Financial Times Executive Education Rankings.
At GIBS, learning goes beyond textbooks. Through case-based teaching, leadership simulations, and global partnerships including with Harvard Business School students gain real-world insight and a global mindset.
| Gordon Institute of Business Science School | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 (0) 11 771 4000 |
| School Fees | R 4 650 – R 26 200 |
| info@gibs.co.za | |
| Address | Illovo, Johannesburg |
| Website | gibs.co.za |
3. Wits Business School (WBS)
The Wits Business School (WBS), part of the University of the Witwatersrand, is one of the oldest and most prestigious business schools in Johannesburg. Established in 1968 and located in Parktown, WBS has built a strong reputation for shaping ethical, innovative, and globally minded leaders. As a hub for advanced business education and policy research, the school focuses on developing professionals who can adapt to Africa’s evolving economic landscape while competing internationally.
WBS is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and holds membership in major global associations, including the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the Association of African Business Schools (AABS), and the South African Business Schools Association (SABSA). It is consistently recognized among the top business schools in Johannesburg and features in the CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings and Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings.
Its wide range of Johannesburg business school courses includes the MBA, Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PDM), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Master of Management (MM) programmes in areas such as Finance, Innovation, and Digital Business. The Executive Education division offers short, flexible, and industry-driven programmes designed to help executives navigate today’s fast-changing business environment.
With modern facilities, a strong faculty of pracademics, and close ties to industry leaders, WBS delivers an academic experience rooted in relevance and real-world application. Its fees range from R160,000 to R370,000, depending on the programme.
| Wits Business School | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 11 717 3544 |
| School Fees | R152 420 – R180 830 |
| info@wbs.ac.za | |
| Address | Parktown, Johannesburg |
| Website | wbs.ac.za |
4. Henley Business School Africa
Henley Business School Africa, part of the University of Reading (UK), stands among the most prestigious business schools in Johannesburg. With a presence across Africa, Europe, and Asia, Henley delivers globally recognised business education shaped for Africa’s evolving markets.
Guided by its mission to “build the people who build the businesses that build Africa,” Henley focuses on developing purposeful, ethical, and entrepreneurial leaders ready to drive sustainable change.
Ranked for eight consecutive years as South Africa’s #1 MBA business school by PMR.africa and among the top three in Africa for Executive Education (Financial Times 2023), Henley Africa continues to set benchmarks in business leadership. The school holds quadruple international accreditation; AMBA (UK), EQUIS (EU), AACSB (USA), and AABS (Africa) placing it in the top 1% of global business schools.
Henley offers a full learning pathway of Johannesburg business school courses, from the Higher Certificate in Management Practice (NQF 5) to the MBA (NQF 9) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Programmes are flexible, family-friendly, and built around real-world impact.
Its MBA programs in Johannesburg are known for blending global insight with African relevance, enabling professionals to study while they work.
Combining academic excellence, innovation, and social purpose, Henley Africa remains one of the top business schools in Johannesburg.
| Henley Business School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | (+27) 11 808 0860 |
| School Fees | R350 000 – R390 000 |
| info@henleysa.ac.za | |
| Address | Witkoppen Rd, Paulshof, Johannesburg |
| Website | henleysa.ac.za |
5. Milpark Business School
Milpark Business School (MBS), established in 1997, is one of South Africa’s leading private higher education institutions and a pioneer in online business education. Headquartered in Johannesburg, MBS operates under Milpark Education, providing flexible distance and contact learning to students across Africa.
The school’s mission is to develop ethical, future-ready leaders who can thrive in complex global markets while driving sustainable business growth in Africa.
Milpark is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Its MBA programme, accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA, UK), ranks among the top 2% of business schools globally and is the only fully online AMBA-accredited MBA in Africa.
The school is also a member of SABSA and the Association of African Business Schools (AABS), reinforcing its international credibility and quality standards.
Milpark offers a wide range of Johannesburg business school courses, including the MBA, Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), BCom, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and short executive programmes.
Its immersive online learning model combines guided sessions, real-world case studies, and mentorship to ensure students balance study, work, and personal life effectively.
Milpark provides affordable business education with flexible financing options. Recognized in the CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings, Milpark stands out among the top business schools in Johannesburg for its accessibility, innovation, and ethical leadership focus.
| Milpark Business School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 086 999 0001 |
| School Fees | R190 000 – R250 000 |
| Address | Main Road, Observatory, Johannesburg |
| Website | milpark.ac.za |
6. Regent Business School
REGENT Business School (RBS) is one of the top business schools in Johannesburg and Southern Africa. Founded in 1998, RBS set out to make quality management education affordable and accessible to everyone.
Starting in Durban, the school has since expanded to cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria. A proud member of Honoris United Universities, RBS connects learners across Africa and prepares them to make a lasting impact in business and leadership.
Accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), RBS meets global academic standards. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including the BCom, BBA, MBA, and professional short courses with flexible online and blended options for working professionals.
Learning at RBS is modern and practical. Through real-world projects, digital tools, and the innovative iLeadLAB, students gain future-ready skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology.
| Regent Business School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 31 304 4626 |
| School Fees | R 47 300 – R 90 700 |
| study@regent.ac.za | |
| Address | Samora Machel, Johannesburg |
| Website | regent.ac.za |
7. Regenesys Business School
Regenesys Business School is one of the leading business schools in Johannesburg, South Africa, known for its commitment to accessible, affordable, and high-quality education. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Marko Saravanja, Dr. Penny Law, and William Vivian, the school focuses on digital learning, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
Its unique philosophy combines intellectual, emotional, and spiritual intelligence, nurturing well-rounded leaders prepared to drive social and economic transformation.
Regenesys offers a wide range of accredited programmes, including undergraduate degrees such as the BBA and Bachelor of Public Management, and postgraduate programmes like the MBA, Doctor of Business Management, and Postgraduate Diplomas.
Through its Smart Digital Campus and online learning options, students can study flexibly from anywhere in the world.
The school stands out for its Entrepreneurship Hub, which supports startups and innovation-driven learning. Its programmes integrate real-world projects, case studies, and digital tools that prepare students for modern careers.
With flexible payment plans, bursaries, and scholarships, Regenesys remains one of the most affordable accredited business schools in Johannesburg.
| Regenesys Business School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 (11) 669 5000 |
| info@regenesys.net | |
| Address | West Street, Sandton, Johannesburg |
| Website | regenesys.net |
8. MANCOSA Business School
MANCOSA in Johannesburg ranks among South Africa’s top private business schools. The institution starts in 1995 to open doors for people who were once left out of higher education.
The Joburg site forms part of a wider network in Durban, Cape Town, and Pretoria. It also links students to Honoris United Universities, a pan-African higher-education family.
MANCOSA’s vision is clear: education that improves the world. The mission focuses on affordable, flexible, and innovative learning. Students choose undergraduate options like BCom, BBA, and BPA. Graduates progress to the MBA, MPA, or DBA. Working professionals also upskill through short courses such as Conflict Management, Innovation in Project Management, and Change Management.
The Johannesburg campus uses modern classrooms and strong digital tools to keep learning active. The iTEACHLAB and an advanced online portal support tech-driven study and real-world projects. These resources prepare learners for workplaces shaped by innovation.
Quality is assured. The school is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Its qualifications hold local and international recognition.
With scholarships, payment plans, and online study, MANCOSA remains one of the most affordable business schools in Johannesburg.
| MANCOSA Business School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +27 11 853 3000 |
| School Fees | R45 000 – R90 000 |
| jhb@mancosa.co.za | |
| Address | Cedar Avenue, Auckland Park, Johannesburg |
| Website | mancosa.co.za |
9. IMM Graduate School
IMM Graduate School stands out as a trusted private institution in South Africa. It focuses on marketing, supply chain, and business studies. Its main base sits in Johannesburg, and support centres operate across the country and Africa. Students learn real skills through flexible, industry-shaped teaching.
The school begins in 1948 as a marketing institute. It later grows into a fully accredited higher education provider. It now leads in distance, online, and blended learning. Its purpose is to develop ethical, strategic, and innovative graduates.
All programmes hold approval from the Council on Higher Education. The institution registers with the Department of Higher Education and Training. Qualifications appear on the National Qualifications Framework through SAQA. Partnerships with CIM (UK) and CILT International add global credibility.
Learners choose from BCom in Marketing Management, BCom in Supply Chain Management, a Diploma in Marketing, and postgraduate options like a Postgraduate Diploma or MPhil in Marketing. Working adults and full-time students study at a pace that suits them.
Classes mix theory with practice using digital tools, case studies, and internships. Close ties with employers keep content relevant. IMM remains one of the respected business schools in Johannesburg.
| IMM Graduate School Details | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0861 466 476 |
| School Fees | R 16 630 – R 71 960 |
| info@immgsm.ac.za | |
| Address | Parktown, Johannesburg |
| Website | imm.ac.za |
10. Emeris
Emeris is a new and lively private higher-education brand in South Africa. It starts in 2025 in Johannesburg under the ADvTECH Group. It brings well-known names together, like Varsity College, Vega School, and MSA. It aims to give future-ready learning in business, commerce, and digital fields so every student can grow.
Emeris moves business schools in Johannesburg forward. A R420-million Sandton-area campus includes a double-storey library, IT labs, sports spaces, and podcast studios. These places help students learn by doing and study in flexible ways. By joining the ADvTECH brands, Emeris keeps strong roots and widens access to quality study.
All programmes carry Council on Higher Education (CHE) approval and appear on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) through SAQA. These standards make the degrees trusted in South Africa and beyond.
Emeris runs three Johannesburg sites: Bordeaux (Randburg), Rosebank, and Ruimsig. Bordeaux supports creative and digital learning. Rosebank focuses on hospitality and service. Ruimsig offers a three-storey library, wellness support, and on-campus housing. Learners can study full-time, part-time, or online across business and digital programmes.
| Emeris Business Dchool Details | |
|---|---|
| School Fees | R 45 765 – R 122 106 |
| Address | Sandton Bordeaux | Ruimsig Rosebank, Johannesburg |
| Website | emeris.ac.za |
