Small Retail Business Owner
- NQF Level 4
- NSFAS bursary
Learn to start and run your own small shop: stock, pricing, money, customers and the basics of a retail business.
Applications open until 12 November 2026 at 23:59 · to start in January 2027
Applications close on
12 November 2026 at 23:59
Apply now to start studying in January 2027.
Time left to apply
- –days
- –hours
- –min
- –sec
At a glance
- Level
- NQF Level 4
- You receive
- National Occupational Certificate
- On completion
- Duration
- 1 year
- Full-time
- Tuition
- R 9 320.00
- per year (2027)
What is Small Retail Business Owner?
This programme is for people who want to start or grow their own small retail business, such as a spaza shop, tuck shop or small store. You learn the practical side of running a shop profitably.
What you'll learn
- Starting a small retail business and writing a business plan
- Buying, stock control and pricing
- Cash handling, bookkeeping and basic finances
- Customer service and selling
- Displaying and marketing your products
This is an occupational qualification registered with the QCTO. It is made up of knowledge (theory) modules, practical skills modules and workplace experience, and ends with an external integrated summative assessment. When you pass, you receive an Occupational Certificate.
Where can this take me?
- Owner of your own small retail business
- Shop manager
- Retail sales assistant
- Stock controller
- Market or informal trader
What qualification do I receive?
National Occupational Certificate
When you complete Small Retail Business Owner, you receive a National Occupational Certificate at NQF Level 4.
- NQF Level 4
- Certificate
- SAQA ID 121164
Accredited by
What do I need to apply?
You can apply from Grade 10 or NQF Level 2, or any of the other options below.
Minimum requirement: any ONE of the following, or a higher qualification.
- 1Option 1: Grade 10 with Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics
- 2Option 2: NC(V) Level 3
- 3Option 3: N4
- 4Option 4: Any other qualification at NQF Level 3
Where can I study this?
How long does it take?
Full-time
1 year
When you study full-time.
Part-time
Not available
This programme is not offered part-time.
How much does it cost?
Tuition fee
R 9 320.00
Per year, for 2027.
Can I get financial aid?
Yes, financial aid is available
This programme is covered by the NSFAS bursary. If you qualify, it pays your tuition, and it can include allowances for accommodation, transport and personal care. A bursary is not guaranteed, so apply early.
You don't have to wait for the college to accept you: you can already apply for NSFAS, separately, on the NSFAS website.
Your next steps
- 1
Check the entry requirements
Make sure you have one of the qualifications listed above.
- 2
Apply before the closing date
Applications to start studying in January 2027 are open until 12 November 2026 at 23:59. Use the Apply now button.
- 3
Apply for an NSFAS bursary now
You don't have to wait for the college to accept you: you can already apply for NSFAS, separately, on the NSFAS website ↗.
