Where to Learn Financial Planning Skills in South Africa 2025 – Online & In-Person Options

 Ever wonder where you can actually learn to manage your money properly?

Not just the basics of budgeting, but the real tools you need to save, invest, pay off debt, and build wealth? 

If you’re like most South Africans, you didn’t learn it in school.

You probably didn’t learn it at work either.

And let’s be honest—figuring it out on your own?

Frustrating, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming.

That’s why to learn financial planning education from the right places is so important.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly where to learn financial planning skills in South Africa—with both online and in-person options to match your lifestyle, budget, and goals.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to sharpen what you know, this list is for you.

Why Learn Financial Planning Education in 2025?

 Money is not becoming simpler to handle, really.

 Rising inflation is what I mean here.

 Families are being squeezed by their cost of living.

 And debt is the highest it has ever been.

 Still, around 53% of South African citizens lack financial literacy, according to FinScope, 2023.

 That’s more than just a statistic; it’s a reflection of the many people making major life decisions without completely considering the financial fallout.

 The fix is online and on-site, easily available, and pragmatic, with powerful financial literacy South Africa materials.

Online Resources: Study from Anywhere, Anytime

 Learning online affords you cost and freedom.

Whether you are work full-time, freelancing, or raising a family, you can learn at your own pace, go back over classes, and fit it into your calendar.

 These are the best internet tools available for financial planning in South Africa:

1. Intelligent Regarding Money (SASI)

 Cost: Free; Level: Novator

 Ideal for: Topics on daily financial literacy 

Launched by the South African Savings Institute (SASI), this free education portal is loaded with quick, easily absorbed courses on debt, savings, and budgeting.

 Why it catch my attention?

• localized materials

• Toolkits and quizzes

• Available in multiple South African languages

Read More: How to Stay Focused During Online Learning?

2. Udemy – Personal Finance & Budgeting Courses

Cost: R200–R500 (frequent discounts)

Level: Beginner

Best for: Global, step-by-step instruction

Although Udemy is international, their top-rated courses like “Personal Finance 101” or “Money Management Mastery” apply well to SA learners.

Why it stands out:

• Self-paced

• Video + downloadable resources

• Lifetime access

3. GetSmarter – UCT Financial Management Courses

Cost: R9,000+

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Best for: Professionals or business owners

In partnership with the University of Cape Town, GetSmarter offers in-depth programs like “Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers.”

Why it stands out:

• Local accreditation

• Certificate on completion

• Hands-on assignments

4. Easy Equities Learn Portal

Cost: Free

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Best for: Understanding investment basics

EasyEquities’ Learn Portal simplifies investing for new users. Whether you want to know what a share is or how to use a TFSA, this is your go-to.

Why it stands out:

• Clear, visual learning

• South African-focused

• Connects learning with real investing

In-Person Courses: Learn Together, Ask Questions, Build Confidence

If you prefer real interaction or want accountability, in-person workshops are a great option. These are also ideal for those without reliable internet access. 

Top in-person programs and initiatives in South Africa:

5. Old Mutual’s “On the Money” Program

Cost: Free (through employer or NGO)

Level: Beginner

Best for: Employed professionals or community members

 This well-known program teaches budgeting and saving using five animal characters to illustrate financial behaviour.

Why it stands out:

• Engaging and interactive

• Facilitated by experts

• Offered in workplaces and community centres

Read More- Beginner’s Guide to Financial Literacy in South Africa (Free Course Inside) 

6. National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Training

 Cost: Free

Level: Beginner

Best for: Youth (18–35)

NYDA provides financial education and entrepreneurship training across the country, often tied to grants or micro-funding.

Why it stands out?

• Empowering young people

• Rural and township accessibility

• Often comes with additional support service

7. Sanlam Financial Education Workshops

Cost: Free (through employers or partner schools)

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Best for: Employees, learners, and new earners

Sanlam offers training sessions focused on money management courses, goal setting, and debt reduction.

Why it stands out:

• Trusted financial provider

• Relevant real-world scenari

• Available in multiple provinces

8. Junior Achievement South Africa (JASA)

Cost: Free (through schools and NGOs)

Level: High School and Tertiary Learners

Best for: Teens and young adults

JASA has been teaching entrepreneurship and financial education for decades—making it one of the best platforms for early learners.

Why it stands out:

• Blends business and personal finance

• Group learning and project-based

• Life-changing for underserved youth

9. Community-Based Finance Clubs

Cost: Often Free or Low-Cost

Level: Beginner

Best for: Township and rural learners

Organizations like SaveAct and local NGOs facilitate informal finance clubs where community members learn from one another and apply group savings techniques (stokvels).

Why it stands out:

• Practical and peer-led

• Builds local trust and accountability

• Empowers women and low-income earners

What to Look for in a Quality Financial Planning Course?

There’s no shortage of programs out there—but not all are created equal.

Here’s how to choose the best one for your goals:

• Is it practical? Real-world skills over theory.

• Is it local? South African examples are more relatable and useful.

• Is it interactive? Can you ask questions or access support?

• Does it fit your lifestyle? Online for flexibility, in-person for accountability.

Are there trusted reviews or partners? Look for programs run by credible institutions or in partnership with banks and NGOs. 

Financial Literacy South Africa – It’s a Lifelong Journey

Learning about money isn’t a once-off task. It’s an ongoing process.

Whether you’re 18 or 58, there’s always more to learn—from basic budgeting to retirement planning, debt reduction to investing.

And in a world where financial decisions can make or break your peace of mind, investing in yourself through financial planning education is one of the smartest moves you can make.

How to Get Started Today on To Learn Financial Planning ?

Feeling ready? Here’s your action plan:

 Pick one platform or course from this list

Set a small goal—like completing one lesson this week

Share your journey with a friend, partner, or coworker

Apply one concept in your real life: open a savings account, track your expenses, start an emergency fund

Keep learning—even 15 minutes a week makes a difference

Remember, it’s not about being perfect.

It’s about being consistent.

Conclusion: Where You Learn Shapes How You Earn

You don’t need to be rich to learn about money.

But learning about money can help you stop living paycheck to paycheck—and start building the life you really want.

Whether you choose an online platform or a community workshop, South Africa is full of accessible, effective resources to help you grow. 

So don’t wait for the perfect moment.

Start your financial planning education journey today.

Because knowledge is freedom—and financial freedom is one of the most powerful kinds there is.

 FAQs About To Learn Financial Planning Education in South Africa

• Do I need to have a finance background to take a course?

Not at all. Most of the programs listed here are designed for complete beginners.

• Can I access online courses if I only have a smartphone?

Yes! Many platforms are fully mobile-friendly and offer easy access to online courses.

• Are there certified courses I can use for job applications or CVs?

Yes. Courses from GetSmarter (UCT), Old Mutual, and NYDA often come with certificates of completion.

• How long does it take to see real results from a course?

 Some changes (like budgeting) show results in weeks. Others (like investing) take longer—but every lesson helps.

• Can financial literacy help me get out of debt?

Absolutely. Many courses include debt management strategies, budgeting tools, and tips to build financial discipline.