10 Best Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa to Upskill

Renowned institutes like IIDE – The Digital School, Hubspot, and Udemy offer a range of digital marketing courses in South Africa. Elements like SEO, Analytics, and Social Media are taught in a digital marketing training course. When choosing a programme, consider the course fee, curriculum, live training and placements.

Kartik Mittal

SEO Manager & Corporate Trainer

Updated on: Nov 14, 2024

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The digital marketing industry is thriving globally, and South Africa is no exception! In this blog, we explore the top digital marketing courses in South Africa to set you on a path to success in this dynamic field.

But first, let’s delve into what digital marketing truly means and its significance today. Digital marketing encompasses a broad range of strategies to reach consumers online, where over 76% of adults spend most of their time.

With the rapid growth of digital platforms, understanding the importance of digital marketing has never been more crucial. This surge in online activity drives demand for skilled professionals, making it a lucrative career choice.

If you’re wondering where can I study digital marketing in South Africa, numerous reputable digital marketing schools in South Africa are ready to help you kickstart your journey. 

With the ever-increasing scope of digital marketing in South Africa, the demand for digital marketing professionals is also skyrocketing. The growth rate is exponentially higher than in other industries. Let’s have a look at what the job market looks like for digital marketing professionals in South Africa:

digital marketing courses in south africa - Digital Marketing Jobs in South Africa

Source: Indeed.com

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Digital Marketing Course in South Africa

Contrary to popular belief, picking the best digital marketing course in South Africa is easy… Provided you have the answer to the following questions:

  • Are mandatory internships part of the programme for practical learning?
  • Does the institute provide placement assistance?
  • What is the duration of the course?

Still a little confused? The list mentioned below is guaranteed to help!

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List of Top 10 Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa

Stepping into the world of digital marketing can feel daunting. But with the right training, you can make a promising career in this industry. Mentioned below is the list of the top institutes that offer digital marketing courses in South Africa, each featuring a diverse range of options to match your career aspirations.

InstitutionsDurationPlacement Assistance
IIDE4-6 monthsYes
HubspotN/AYes
UdemyN/AYes
Digital School of Marketing2-3 monthsYes
Vega School of Brand Leadership1 yearYes
University Of Cape Town (UCT)10 weeksYes
University of South Africa (UNISA)N/AYes
R & Y Creative School of BusinessN/AYes
IIM Skills180 hoursYes

1. IIDE – The Digital School


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IIDE is a leading digital marketing institute that offers various Online Digital Marketing Courses. Since its inception in 2016, IIDE has trained more than 2,35,000 learners in digital marketing, allowing them to make a high-paying digital marketing career in this competitive industry.

Not just college students & fresh graduates IIDE courses are also highly preferred by working professionals and small business owners who are either looking to upskill or switch their careers to digital marketing.

So, why do we rank IIDE #1 on the list?

Of all the reasons why IIDE stands out, one of the major reasons is the recognition they have earned from the World Education Congress as well as the World Education Summit for the “Best Digital Marketing Institute” award.

They also provide an Offline campus immersion option in Mumbai for their online learners via which the learners can visit the IIDE Campus and have some amount of training and assessment done offline and experience the IIDE culture first-hand.

Digital Marketing Courses - IIDE Getting Awarded

Courses Offered

IIDE offers the following online certifications in digital marketing:

Preferred by: College Students, Freshers, Small Business Owners, Influencers

Preferred by: Working Professionals, Agency Owners, Freelancers

Here’s a brief comparison of both the online courses:

Criteria Online Digital Marketing Courses Post Graduation in Digital Marketing
Duration 4 Months 6 Months
Live Projects & Assignments 4 7
Certifications Offered
Placement Assistance
Interpersonal & Corporate Skills
Agency & Leadership Skills
Project Management
Case Studies from WARC
Simulation from WARC

Some of the brands where IIDE alumni have worked are:

Digital Marketing Courses - IIDE Placement Partners  

Course Syllabus

The curriculum spans from basics like SEO and SEM to advanced topics, including real-world case studies from WARC. The syllabus also includes resume and LinkedIn building sessions, AI mock interviews, and soft skills training. IIDE's online learners also benefit from live training sessions, doubt-solving support, and a state-of-the-art LMS.

Course Trainers

IIDE follows a minimum of 1 teacher, 1 module policy. That means you learn Google ads from someone who has 10+ years of experience in working on Google ads making them the subject matter expert. Some of the teachers at IIDE are:

Digital Marketing Courses - IIDE Trainers  

Course Duration and Fees

Here’s a table showing the duration and digital marketing course fees:

Online Digital Marketing Course - Scholarship Application

Course Reviews

IIDE boasts a remarkable rating of 4.8 on Google, backed by an impressive collection of over 1000+ reviews. The high rating is largely attributed to numerous reviews by the students that praise the mentors, placement assistance, and the course curriculum.

Kunal Kerkar's journey at IIDE is a testament to the institute's impactful teaching methods. In his testimonial, Kunal shares how the diverse modules and practical assignments honed his digital marketing skills, boosting his confidence and industry readiness. The personalised guidance from experienced mentors played a crucial role in his transformation, enabling him to secure a coveted role in the digital marketing field. Kunal’s story is a shining example of how IIDE equips its students with the tools to excel in their careers.


Contact Details

Phone No: +91 91361 59148

Email ID: [email protected]

Mumbai Address: Girls Education Society, IIDE Campus, AGES, SV Road, near Andheri Station, Andheri West, Andheri, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058

Delhi Address: E-30, 2nd & 3rd Floor, South Extension – II, Above Regal Shoes, New Delhi – 110049 (Next to McDonald’s)

#2: Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa – Hubspot

Digital marketing courses in South Africa - Hubspot logo

Looking for a digital marketing certification course? HubSpot is a software company offering CRM, marketing, and sales training that was founded in 2006 by Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah. They aim to help companies all over the world level up their marketing strategy and grow their businesses.

Hubspot’s digital marketing course in South Africa helps students get an understanding of inbound marketing, strategies to grow traffic, convert leads, optimise websites, and create ads to reach the target audience.

Additionally, a PGDM in Digital Marketing offers a comprehensive curriculum that delves deeper into advanced marketing strategies, analytics, and emerging trends, providing graduates with the expertise needed to excel in the dynamic field of digital marketing.

Course Syllabus

ModuleWhat You’ll Learn
Digital Marketing FundamentalsUnderstand the core concepts of digital marketing and inbound strategies
Building a Content Creation FrameworkLearn how to develop a structured approach to content creation
Finding the Right SEO StrategyDiscover SEO techniques that align with your business goals

To learn more about the syllabus for this digital marketing course in South Afrcia, check out the institute’s website.

HubSpot offers this digital marketing course in South Africa for free, making it accessible to anyone interested in learning. The course features personalised training and provides globally-recognised certifications upon completion, which can enhance career opportunities in the digital marketing field.

Contact Details

Enquire Now

Want to become a digital marketing specialist but don’t know which field to specialise in? Trust our free top-paying skills course to help.

#3: Top Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa – Udemy

Digital marketing courses in South Africa - Udemy logo

Udemy is a widely popular online learning platform known for offering organised modules and multimedia lessons. Their digital marketing courses in South Africa are structured to include videos, text notes, and assessments.

The platform allows users to take notes and use features like closed captioning for a comprehensive learning experience. While offline downloads aren’t available, Udemy’s mobile app enables students to access lessons offline and listen to lectures in podcast mode. Courses can also be streamed via Apple TV and Google Chromecast.

Furthermore, our digital marketing course in India is crafted to deliver comprehensive knowledge and hands-on skills that address the diverse demands of today’s digital landscape.

Course Syllabus

ModuleWhat You’ll Learn
Market ResearchLearn the fundamentals of conducting market research
WordPressGain skills in building and managing websites using WordPress
Email MarketingUnderstand the strategies behind creating effective email campaigns

To learn more about this digital marketing institute in South Africa, check out its website.

Udemy’s digital marketing course in South Africa includes 22.5 hours of on-demand video, 35 articles, and 10 downloadable resources. Students can access the course on mobile and TV with lifetime access to updates. Additionally, Udemy provides fast and friendly support through the Q&A section, and students receive a certificate of completion that is ready for download.

Additionally, the social media marketing course with certificate focuses on effective strategies to manage and grow your brand’s presence across various social media platforms, providing a recognised credential upon completion.”

Contact Details

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Do you find this article insightful? Check out our digital marketing blogs now!

#4: Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa – Digital School of Marketing

Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa - Digital School of Marketing Logo

The Digital School of Marketing (DSM) is South Africa’s top provider of digital marketing education. Their educational institution is peculiar due to all the marketing courses being accredited by (MICT SETA) the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education, and Training Authority. In addition to this, they are a member of the IAB South Africa.

DSM is also an endorsed member of the UK CPD Certification Service. Thus, their digital marketing courses in South Africa are internationally transferable and endorsed. The college offers an extensive array of digital marketing courses at the most competitive prices. All courses have easy and flexible payment options, making learning highly sought-after digital marketing skills within everyone’s reach. All of the courses are comprehensively designed and perfectly suited to the demands of the digital marketing industry.

For those searching for the best digital marketing course online, this program offers a comprehensive 3-month curriculum. To get details about the fee structure, kindly connect with Scoop Skill for more information.

Course Syllabus

ModuleWhat You’ll Learn
WordPressLearn to create and manage websites using WordPress
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)Master techniques to improve website visibility on search engines
Pay-Per-Click (PPC)Understand how to create and manage effective PPC advertising campaigns

To learn more about this digital marketing institute in South Africa, check out its website.

The Digital School of Marketing offers a range of engaging learning materials to enhance the educational experience. Students can expect to receive interactive slides containing essential information for each module, along with infographics designed to reinforce key learning outcomes. The curriculum is complemented by custom videos tailored specifically for the learning programme, and downloadable e-books are provided for each lesson.

Additionally, students earn certificates upon successful completion of each module, and formative assessments, including multiple-choice questions and summative assessments, are integrated throughout the course to help track progress and understanding.

Contact Details

Enquire Now

Bonus Read: Digital Marketing Course Syllabus

#5: Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa – Vega School of Brand Leadership

Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa - Vega school

Vega School of Brand Leadership, part of the Independent Institute of Education, was established in 1999 with the aim of equipping young minds in South Africa to thrive in the evolving global landscape. The school focuses on brand leadership and management, ensuring students are prepared for careers in the competitive field of digital marketing in South Africa.

Additionally, explore our range of the best courses on digital marketing online that provide flexible schedules and comprehensive training, enabling you to excel in the digital marketing landscape from anywhere.

Course Syllabus

ModuleWhat You’ll Learn
Brand Leadership and ManagementLearn the essentials of leading and managing brands effectively
Analysing and Segmenting MarketsDevelop skills to analyse and identify target market segments
Brand Values and Competitive PositioningUnderstand how to establish brand values and position brands competitively in the market

To learn more about this digital marketing institute in South Africa, check out its website.

Vega offers an online learning system that guides students through digital marketing courses in South Africa content and activities, with weekly live sessions facilitated by an online navigator.

Students also receive support from a dedicated online success navigator throughout their learning journey. Additionally, there is access to an online information centre, providing students with valuable resources to aid their studies.

Contact Details

Enquire Now

If you’re based outside of South Africa, consider expanding your search to digital marketing courses in India. Cities like South Delhi and Bangalore offer a variety of excellent programmes, increasing the demand for digital marketing courses in south delhi as well as digital marketing courses in bangalore.

Alternatively, consider our short-term digital marketing courses that offer flexibility and comprehensive learning in a condensed timeframe.

#6: Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa – University Of Cape Town (UCT)

Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa - University of Cape Town Logo

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is South Africa’s oldest and one of the best teaching and research institutions, making it one of the best institutes that offer its digital marketing courses in South Africa. It was founded in 1829 as a school and was later converted into a university between 1880 and 1900. They believe in equal opportunity for all and are vocal about safeguarding human rights.

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Course Syllabus

ModuleWhat You’ll Learn
Holistic Digital Marketing StrategyUnderstand the various elements and channels that contribute to an effective digital marketing strategy
Web DesignGain practical skills in designing and developing user-friendly websites
AnalyticsLearn how to analyse data to improve marketing performance

To learn more about this digital marketing institute in South Africa, check out its website.

This digital marketing course in South Africa runs for 10 weeks and requires a commitment of 7–10 hours per week for self-paced online learning. Upon completion, students earn an official certificate from the University of Cape Town, adding valuable credentials to their professional qualifications.

Contact Details

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Many aspirants find it difficult to select an institute to pursue their marketing programme; we encourage them to read this blog on ‘choose the best mba in marketing programme’.

#7: Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa – University of South Africa (UNISA)

Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa - University of Cape Town Logo

The University of South Africa (UNISA) offers a comprehensive e-marketing course (MNM3714) designed for students who want to develop their skills in the digital marketing domain. With a focus on practical applications, this digital marketing course in South Africa prepares students for the rapidly evolving landscape of online marketing.

Given its stellar reputation, it’s no surprise that this institute is the top choice for those seeking digital marketing courses in Dubai. Additionally, it stands out as a leading provider of digital marketing courses in UAE , and is highly regarded for its comprehensive digital marketing courses in Canada.

Course Syllabus

ModuleWhat You’ll Learn
Introduction to Digital MarketingUnderstand the core concepts and importance of digital marketing in the modern business environment
Content MarketingLearn strategies for creating and distributing valuable content to attract and engage audiences
Social Media MarketingGain skills in using social media platforms for brand promotion and customer engagement

To learn more about this digital marketing institute in South Africa, check out its website.

The digital marketing course in South Africa is designed to fit individual schedules, with a suggested commitment of around 8 hours per week. It includes self-learning and instructor-led training, providing flexibility while ensuring structured guidance from certified trainers.

This balance allows students to engage with the material at their own pace while receiving support when needed.

Contact Details

Enquire Now

Owing to a boom in demand for digital marketing across the world, particularly in the Indian regions of Navi Mumbai and Pune, we are looking for digital marketing courses. This growing demand has led them to search the terms ‘digital marketing courses in navi mumbai’ and ‘digital marketing courses in pune’ on the SERP page (Search Engine Results Page Listings).

#8: Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa – R & Y Creative School of Business

digital marketing courses in South Africa - R&Y Logo

Red & Yellow offers a comprehensive digital marketing course in South Africa, which is designed to kick-start your career in digital marketing. Endorsed by IAB South Africa, this course provides practical skills and knowledge necessary to implement effective digital marketing strategies for brands and businesses. The programme is structured over a span of 10 weeks, accommodating busy schedules.

Additionally, explore our analysis of Cadbury’s marketing strategy to understand effective branding and customer engagement techniques.

Course Syllabus

ModuleWhat You’ll Learn
Digital Marketing StrategyUnderstand how to craft effective strategies tailored to customer needs
Planning Digital AssetsLearn about research methods and UX design for digital assets
Using Digital AssetsGain insights into web development, mobile apps, and eCommerce platforms

To learn more about this digital marketing institute in South Africa, check out its website.

The digital marketing course in South Africa emphasises practical assignments to ensure students can apply what they learn in real-world scenarios. Students benefit from an interactive online learning experience that includes videos, live chat sessions, and forum discussions.

Additionally, each student receives a hard copy of the 7th Edition eMarketing textbook and an industry-recognised Certificate of Completion upon finishing the course. Red & Yellow is committed to providing personalised feedback and support throughout the learning journey.

Advance your career with our comprehensive range of specialized courses, each designed to equip you with the skills and certifications needed in today’s digital landscape. Our content writing course with certification teaches you how to craft compelling and effective content that engages your audience and drives results. Enroll in our ecommerce course with certificate to master the strategies and tools necessary to build, manage, and scale successful online businesses. Additionally, our Web Development Course provides you with the essential skills to design, develop, and maintain professional websites, ensuring a strong online presence for any venture. Whether you’re looking to enhance your writing, dive into ecommerce, or develop technical expertise, our accredited programs offer the flexibility and knowledge you need to excel in your career.

Contact Details

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Many aspirants want to pursue a career in digital marketing but find themselves confused when selecting an area of specialisation. We encourage these people to read this blog, ‘How to choose a career?’, to choose an area of interest.

#9: Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa – IIM SKILLS

Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa - IIM Skills Logo

IIM SKILLS offers a highly comprehensive digital marketing course in South Africa, tailored for beginners, professionals, and entrepreneurs looking to develop advanced skills in the field of digital marketing. The course covers essential tools and strategies, making it one of the top digital marketing institutes in South Africa.

IIM SKILLS focuses on delivering practical learning experiences that align with the current trends and needs of the digital industry. Their curriculum is designed to provide in-depth insights, making them one of the best digital marketing institutes in South Africa.

Course Syllabus

ModuleWhat You’ll Learn
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)Master the techniques of on-page and off-page SEO to enhance website visibility
Social Media Marketing (SMM)Leverage platforms like Facebook(Meta), Instagram, and LinkedIn for successful brand-building and customer engagement
Google Ads and PPCLearn to create high-converting campaigns on Google Ads and drive targeted traffic through Pay-Per-Click advertising

IIM SKILLS offers a unique learning experience by combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on projects. The course provides students with practical exposure, making it one of the best digital marketing courses in South Africa. Additionally, the course offers certification and 24×7 support to enhance learning outcomes. Learners can also explore further topics, such as digital marketing case studies and blogs, giving them a complete digital marketing education.

The course duration is 180 hours of training with live online classes and self-paced learning options. To get information on the fees for digital marketing courses in South Africa, you can directly contact IIM SKILLS using the contact details provided below.

Contact Details

Enquire Now

Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa: Who Are They For?

1) Freshers

Struggling to find your first job? A digital marketing course in South Africa will offer you a dynamic career path with plenty of opportunities from which you can choose. As the industry grows, so does the demand for creative minds who can manage social media, SEO, and online advertising in general. Starting early will help you build a strong foundation and dominate this ever-evolving field.

P.S.: Our MBA in digital marketing will teach you all of the above and more. Check it out now!

2) Undergraduates

Believe it or not, undergraduates like yourself can significantly benefit by pursuing digital marketing in South Africa. This is primarily because it’ll give you practical skills that will complement your academic studies. Learning about SEO, content creation, and analytics will give you a competitive edge and make your resume stand out even before you graduate.

Of course, if enrolling in an offline digital marketing course in South Africa is too much for you, you can always consider going for an online digital marketing course

3) Working Professionals

Want to take your career to the next level? A digital marketing course in South Africa is sure to get you there! Apart from updating you on the latest trends and tools, the right programme will also enhance your ability to contribute to your current role and help you explore new opportunities within the digital landscape.

Still unsure if this is the right path for you? Check out our free digital marketing certification class now!

4) Business Owners

With the help of a digital marketing course in South Africa, business owners like yourself can expand their reach and grow their businesses. Here, by understanding digital marketing strategies, you can effectively promote their products or services online, engage with customers, and drive sales while measuring your return on investment.

Having said the above, if you don’t have enough time to enrol in a full-time programme, try going through our digital marketing case studies. Not only are they packed full of information, but they’re also sure to act as a source of inspiration.

Additional Points to Consider When Choosing the Best Digital Marketing Courses in South Africa

While the above-mentioned courses have their pros, choosing the right digital marketing course in South Africa is a personal call at the end of the day. And while our extensive list may have left you a little confused, the tips mentioned below are sure to help you pick the right course for you.

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Kartik Mittal

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SEO Manager & Corporate Trainer

Kartik is a certified digital marketer with a passion for imparting knowledge as a digital marketing trainer. Being a Ex-Performics he specializes in SEO (Search Engine Optimization), ASO (App Store Optimization), and Website Development.