Career guide

Portfolio Manager

Enterprising

Manages investment portfolios against a mandate - deciding what to hold, why and for how long. Usually entered after years as an analyst.

This career needs Core Mathematics.
Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for it at South African universities. This choice is made in Grade 9, for Grade 10 — and it is very difficult to reverse later. If this career is on your list, take Core Mathematics.

School subjects

Mathematics (NOT Mathematical Literacy) is strongly preferred; Accounting helps.

How you qualify

A BCom or diploma in Financial Planning, Investment or Accounting (NQF 6-7). Critically, to give financial advice you must be authorised under the FAIS Act as a Financial Services Provider or work as a representative of one, which requires an FSCA-recognised qualification, Regulatory Examinations (RE) and meeting fit-and-proper requirements. The regulation matters as much as the degree. Entry requirements differ by institution - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

Public universities; FSCA authorisation applies; CFA is the common professional route

Before you decide. Entry requirements change every year and differ between institutions. We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another. Confirm the requirements directly with the institution before your subject selection form is signed. In KwaZulu-Natal, applications go through the Central Applications Office (cao.ac.za).

Last verified: 2026-08

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