Private Colleges in South Africa

Wishlist

On this page, you will find a list of private colleges that are registered with the South African Department of Education. Before you submit any online application forms and pay the registrations and admission fees towards any private colege, it if important to check if the college is registered with the Department of Edication of South Africa. On this page, you will find a list of only registered private colleges that you can study at in South Africa. The colleges are organised by provinces: Gauteng, Western Cape, Limpopo, Free State, Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga, and North West provinces.

This list serves as the National Register of Private Colleges and is published in accordance with Regulation 15(3) of the Regulations for the Registration of Private Further Education and Training, 2007.

--- Advert ---

List of Private Colleges Registered with Department of Education

Registered Private Colleges in Gauteng

The list of registered private colleges in Gauteng that you can apply at: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Centurion and Vaal:

Registered Private Colleges in Western Cape

The list of registered private colleges in the Western Cape province: Cape Town, Paarl:

ACT Cape Town
BHC School of Design
Cape Audio College
Cape Town College of Fashion Design
City Varsity
Cornerstone Institute
Dermatech
eta College
Friends of Design – Academy of Digital Arts
George Whitefield College
Health Sciences College
International Hotel School
Isa Carstens Academy
STADIO Higher Education
Red and Yellow Creative School of Business
South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)
The Animation School
TSIBA Education

Registered Private Colleges in Eastern Cape

The list of registered private colleges in the Eastern Cape: Port Elizabeth, East London:

Ed-U City Campus
Stenden South Africa
Madiba Bay Accountancy Training
Primeserv Training
Ed-U Options Academy

Registered Private Colleges in Mpumalanga

The list of registered private colleges in Mpumalanga province: Nelspruit, Emalahleni, Secunda:

ABM College SA (Pty) Ltd
Abattoir Skills Training
Advisor Progressive College
Crane International Academy
Growth Path Projects

Registered Private Colleges in Limpopo

The list of registered private colleges in Limpopo to apply at: Polokwane, Thohoyandou, Tzaneen, Giyani:

Abakholwe Community Developers (Pty) Ltd
Southern African Wildlife College
Nated Studies South Africa
Northern Technical College
Opportunity Learning Centre

Registered Private Colleges in Free State

The list of registered private colleges in the Free State: Bethlehem, Bloenfontein, Qwaqwa:

Damelin
CRL Beauty School
Bolton Business College and Computer Studies
iCalc Training Academy
Matjhabeng Private College
Qualitas Career Academy
International Agricultural Academy for Africa

Registered Private Colleges in North West

Damelin
DC Dynamic College Of Commerce and Further Training
Nasor College

Registered Private College in Kwazulu Natal (KZN)

The list of registered private colleges in Kwazulu Natal (KZN): Durban, Pietermarisburg, and Richards Bay:

Berea College of Technology (BCT)
Commerce and Computer College of South Africa
Damelin
Lyceum College

FAQs

How do I check if a private college is registered?

To check if a private college is registered, follow these steps:

Visit the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET): South Africa’s DHET maintains a list of registered private higher education institutions. This information can be accessed on their official website.
Consult the Council on Higher Education (CHE): The CHE is responsible for accrediting programs and institutions. Their website provides details on accredited institutions and their programs.
Check with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA): SAQA can confirm if the qualifications offered by the college are recognized nationally.
Physical and Online Verification: Visit the college’s physical location and website. Reputable institutions will typically display their registration and accreditation credentials prominently.

How many private colleges are there in South Africa?

As of recent data, South Africa has over 300 registered private colleges. This number includes both private higher education institutions and private TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges. The exact number can fluctuate as new colleges are registered and others may lose their registration due to non-compliance with educational standards.

What is the most expensive private college in South Africa?

The title of the most expensive private college in South Africa often goes to institutions that offer specialized and prestigious programs. Hilton College, a private boarding high school in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, is frequently cited as one of the most expensive in terms of tuition fees. In the realm of higher education, colleges like AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) and private business schools like Henley Business School rank among the priciest, offering advanced diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate courses in their respective fields. These institutions are known for their high tuition fees, which are reflective of the specialized, career-oriented education they provide.

Is TVET a private college?

TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges are not exclusively private; they can be either public or private institutions in South Africa. Public TVET colleges are funded by the government and focus on vocational and occupational education with a strong emphasis on practical skills directly applicable to specific industries. Private TVET colleges, on the other hand, operate independently of government funding and are managed by private organizations or individuals.

Does NSFAS cover private colleges?

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) typically provides funding for students at public universities and TVET colleges. However, NSFAS generally does not cover tuition fees at private colleges or universities. Students planning to attend private institutions will need to seek alternative forms of financial aid such as scholarships, bursaries from the private sector, or student loans from commercial banks.

Are private colleges better than universities?

The question of whether private colleges are better than universities depends on various factors, including the field of study, the specific needs and goals of the student, and the quality and reputation of the individual institution. Universities often offer a broader range of academic programs and are research-oriented, making them suitable for students interested in academic careers or more theoretical fields. Private colleges might be preferable for students seeking more specialized, career-oriented education that can be completed in a shorter time frame. Private colleges often have smaller class sizes, which can result in more personalized attention and support.

Are public colleges better than private colleges?

Similarly, whether public colleges are better than private colleges depends on the student’s circumstances and career goals. Public colleges are often more affordable due to government funding and might have a wider range of programs and resources. They also typically have stronger ties to government bodies and industries, which can be beneficial for job placement. Private colleges may offer more specialized programs and potentially have quicker program completion times, as well as newer facilities and resources, depending on the investment made by the private entity managing them. However, they can be more expensive.