National School of Government List of Online Courses
If you are a South African public servant, job seeker, or professional aiming to sharpen your skills, the National School of Government (NSG) offers a range of online courses designed to help you grow in your career. In today’s competitive workplace, continuous learning is not just a bonus—it’s essential. The NSG’s training is affordable, accessible anywhere in the country, and aligned with the needs of the South African public service.
This guide will walk you through the full list of online courses offered by the NSG, how they work, and how you can enrol to boost your career prospects.
What is the National School of Government?
The National School of Government is a public institution that provides training and capacity development for employees in all spheres of government, as well as for individuals interested in public sector careers. It operates under the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and plays a key role in professionalising the public service in South Africa.
Why Choose NSG Online Courses?
Enrolling in an NSG course offers several benefits:
- Accessibility – Learn from anywhere in South Africa.
- Relevance – Courses are tailored to public service needs.
- Affordability – Many are free or offered at low cost.
- Recognition – Certificates are recognised within the public sector.
Categories of NSG Online Courses
The NSG offers programmes in various categories:
1. Public Service Induction and Orientation
Ideal for new public servants to understand roles, responsibilities, and ethics.
2. Leadership and Management Development
Designed for supervisors, managers, and senior leaders in government.
3. Ethics and Integrity Management
Focuses on promoting ethical behaviour and combating corruption.
4. Human Resource and Labour Relations
Covers recruitment, labour law, and employee relations in the public sector.
5. Financial Management
Strengthens knowledge in budgeting, financial oversight, and PFMA compliance.
Complete List of Popular NSG Online Courses
Below is a selection of online courses currently offered (subject to updates from the NSG):
| Course Name | Target Group | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Ethics in the Public Service | All employees | Online Self-paced |
| Compulsory Induction Programme (CIP) | New appointees | Blended (online + workshops) |
| Project Management in the Public Sector | Managers, supervisors | Online Self-paced |
| Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers | All employees | Online Self-paced |
| Supply Chain Management | SCM officials | Online Self-paced |
| Senior Management Service (SMS) Pre-entry Programme | Applicants for senior posts | Online |
| Resolving Conflict and Disputes | HR, managers | Online Self-paced |
| Batho Pele Principles in Practice | All employees | Online Self-paced |
| Labour Relations Management | HR, managers | Online Self-paced |
How to Enrol for an NSG Online Course
Follow these steps to register:
- Visit the NSG eLearning Portal – www.thensg.gov.za
- Create an Account – Sign up using your ID number and email.
- Select Your Course – Browse available online programmes.
- Confirm Your Details – Ensure accuracy for certificate purposes.
- Start Learning – Access materials immediately after confirmation.
Costs and Payment Information
Many NSG courses are free of charge, especially those aimed at entry-level public servants. Paid courses have reasonable fees, often covered by government departments for their employees. Always check the latest fee structure on the NSG website before applying.
Who Should Take These Courses?
- Current public servants who need professional development.
- Job seekers aiming to enter the public service.
- Students and graduates looking to boost employability.
- Community leaders who want governance and leadership skills.
Read more: Top-Paying Degrees in South Africa: Salary Insights by Qualification
Tips for Succeeding in NSG Online Learning
- Set a study schedule to stay on track.
- Take notes during video lectures for better retention.
- Complete all assignments to qualify for certification.
- Network with other learners for support and knowledge sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are NSG certificates recognised outside government?
While primarily recognised within the public service, many private sector employers value NSG certificates for their focus on ethics, governance, and leadership.
Do I need prior qualifications?
Most online courses are open to all, but advanced programmes may require relevant work experience or qualifications.
How long do the courses take?
Duration varies from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the programme.
Also check: Low APS? Here Are Study Options That Still Accept You
The National School of Government’s online courses are a smart investment in your professional future—especially if you want to thrive in South Africa’s public service sector. Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership, sharpen your ethical decision-making, or gain practical project management skills, there’s a course for you.
Take the next step today—visit the NSG website and enrol in a course that will open new career doors.