Distance Learning Colleges in South Africa

There are many reputable distance learning colleges in South Africa, but there are also a few not so reputable ones. These colleges are known as bogus colleges.

Bogus colleges are learning institutions that are not registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). This means that, when you enrol for a course at a bogus college, your qualification will not be recognised. Some of these bogus colleges also tend to disappear into thin air, robbing students of their money and time.

So how can you tell if a college is reputable or not? You must check the college registration. To check whether a college is legitimate or not, follow the following steps:

You can visit the Department of Higher Education and Training’s website and check whether the college is listed there or not.

You can also send an email to RegisterFET@doe.gov.za and ask them if the college is registered with them.

Your final option would be to contact Umalusi on 012 349 1510 or email them on info@umalusi.org.za. They will also be able to confirm whether the college you’re interested in is, in fact, registered and reputable.

Remember, it is up to you to confirm college registration. Do your research before you sign any papers or pay any course fees. Make sure that you study through a trusted college that offers quality education.

Which distance learning colleges are popular in South Africa?

To find the best distance learning college in South Africa, you must find the college that speaks to all your needs. Do they offer the student support that you are looking for? Do they offer the course you want to study and are their courses affordable?

Here is a short list of distance learning colleges that have proven to be good at what they do and that offer quality courses:

• College SA
• Oxbridge Academy
• Lyceum
• Intec
• Damelin
• BMT College

For a comprehensive list of colleges in South Africa, click here.

How to choose a distance learning college

Choosing a college can be stressful. How do you know that the college is legitimate or that the course you want to study is recognised or sufficient for the career you want to pursue? Here are easy steps to follow when you are ready to take the next step in your education.

Choose what type of teaching you prefer (distance learning, face-to-face study or online study)

1. Do you want to study at a private or public college?
2. Check that the college you choose is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
3. Do you want to study an accredited or non-accredited course?
4. What level of reward do you want? (certificate, national certificate, diploma etc.)
5. Does the college you want to study at speak to all your needs?

To find out more about how to choose the right college, visit www.colleges.co.za.

How to choose a distance learning course?

It all depends on the career you would like to pursue or what you would like to achieve with your new skills.

According to an article in The North Coast Courier, the top five distance learning courses for 2018 are:

• Human Resource Management
• Business Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Early Childhood Development
• Technical/Engineering Courses

Source: The North Coast Courier

Carefully consider what you want to achieve and what you CAN achieve once you have completed your distance learning course. If you need a recognised qualification to apply for the job you are interested in, then search for the best possible qualification that will help you achieve this. If you want to build on your knowledge and skills and potentially get a job promotion or salary increase, then enrol for a course that will help you achieve this.

If you are fresh out of school or almost done with your Matric year, then look at the

National List of Occupations in High Demand.

Some occupations include:

• Small Business Manager
• General Manager Public Service
• Payroll Manager
• Office Manager
• Engineering Manager
• Electrician
• Lift Mechanic
• Wine Maker

How to apply at a distance learning college?

It is relatively easy to apply at a distance learning college. Once you have made up your mind on what you would like to study and where you would like to study, ensure that you meet the entrance requirements.

As soon as you complete this step, you can start your college application process. Most colleges require a copy of your ID and proof of highest education level passed, so ensure you have these documents on hand.

You should also ensure that you can pay the registration fee to complete the application process. To learn more about the college application process, visit www.collegeapplication.co.za.