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Helderberg College of Higher Education (HCHE): Courses, Prospectus and Applications for 2027
9
courses listed
2
qualification types
1
campus
18+
lowest APS listed
Helderberg College of Higher Education (HCHE) is a private, non-profit college owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its roots go back to 1893, when Adventist education in South Africa started at Claremont Union College in Cape Town. The college moved a few times over the years, including a stay at Spioenkop College in KwaZulu-Natal, before settling on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain outside Somerset West. In November 2017 it took its current name, Helderberg College of Higher Education.
The campus covers about 150 hectares at the foot of the mountain, roughly 40 minutes from central Cape Town and close to the airport. It has a quiet, rural feel, with hiking trails, a gym, swimming pool and tennis courts. Students have access to the Pieter Wessels Library, computer laboratories and one of the Ellen G. White Research and Heritage Centres. The cafeteria serves vegetarian meals.
Accreditation and status:
- Registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution (certificate no. 2001/HE08/001)
- Qualifications accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered on the NQF
- Accredited by the Adventist Accrediting Association
- Registered as a non-profit and public benefit organisation
The college is organised into three faculties:
- Faculty of Business: BCom in Accounting, BBA in Management, BCom in Human Resource Management and the Higher Certificate in Office Management
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Education: BA in Communication, BA in Psychology and the BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching
- Faculty of Theology: BA in Theology and the Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry
Most programmes are taught through contact classes on campus, and the Social Sciences and Education faculty also offers some dual-mode teaching. The Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry is a part-time distance programme. Students who do not meet direct entry rules for a degree can register for a foundation year that leads into the degree. The BCom in Accounting carries ACCA Fundamentals Level exemption accreditation.
Campus life is residential and faith-based. First-time students generally live in residence (Salisbury House for men and Anne Visser House for women), apart from married students and approved day students. There are regular assemblies, worship services and student clubs run through the SRC and faculties. Support services include academic learner support for writing and study skills, mentoring, chaplaincy and access to a contracted psychologist. Class attendance is compulsory, with a minimum of 85% needed to write exams.
Fees and funding: tuition is charged per credit. In 2026 degree modules cost R527 per credit, which works out to roughly R64 000 to R70 000 for a year of degree study, plus a R1 500 registration fee each semester. Residence is extra, from about R40 100 a year for a shared room. A 5% discount applies if the semester's tuition is paid in the first week, and monthly debit order plans are available. Students can earn part of their fees through the college work bursary programme, and the alumni association offers some scholarships.
How to apply: complete the online application form on the HCHE website and send a certified copy of your school certificate, a copy of your ID, and character references (for example from a school principal, teacher or minister). The Admissions Committee reviews each application and sends a formal letter of acceptance, which you must have before arriving. The academic year has two semesters, starting in February and July. International students need a study visa and must pay fees in advance.
Useful documents (official PDFs):
- HCHE Prospectus 2026 ebook: https://hche.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/HCHE-Prospectus-2026-ebook.pdf
- Financial information 2026 1st sem F: https://hche.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Financial-information-2026-1st-sem-F.pdf
Download
HCHE Prospectus 2027
The prospectus is the institution's own booklet of qualifications, entry requirements and faculty information for 2027. Open it below, then use the course list further down to check any programme in detail.
Published by Helderberg College of Higher Education. Institutions sometimes release an updated copy mid season, so check their official site if a date or fee looks out of step.
Step by step
How to Apply to HCHE for 2027
We do not have confirmed 2027 application dates on file for Helderberg College of Higher Education. Check the official site for the current window before you start.
- Pick your course. Use the list below and open the course page to read its exact entry requirements and subject rules.
- Check that you qualify. Compare your APS and subject marks against the requirement shown on the course page.
- Get your documents ready. Certified ID or passport, your latest results, and proof of payment if an application fee applies.
- Apply on the official portal. The button below opens Helderberg College of Higher Education’s own application page.
- Track your application and reply quickly to any request for outstanding documents.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Helderberg College of Higher Education’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Helderberg College of Higher Education.
9 listed
Courses Offered at HCHE for 2027
What's your APS score?
See which courses at HCHE you already qualify for (the lowest APS listed here is 18).
All 9 courses at HCHE, grouped by qualification.
HCHE Bachelor's Degree Courses 7
HCHE Higher Certificate Courses 2
Course information last checked 22 September 2026. Always confirm with Helderberg College of Higher Education before you apply.
Easier entry
HCHE Courses With a Low APS Requirement
2 of the 9 courses listed here ask for an APS of 24 or lower, starting at 18. A low APS still does not override subject requirements, so open the course page and check which subjects it asks for at what level.
Entry
Admission Requirements at HCHE
Two things decide an offer: your APS, and the specific subjects a programme requires at a minimum level. A high APS does not help if a compulsory subject is missing, so check both on the course page before you apply.
Across the 9 courses listed here, APS requirements run from 18 up to 27. Use the APS tool above to filter the list to what you qualify for right now.
APS requirements at HCHE, by band
Of the 9 courses listed here, 9 publish a minimum APS. This is how they spread:
| APS needed | Courses | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| 15 to 19 | 2 | Entry level: higher certificates and bridging programmes. |
| 25 to 29 | 7 | Standard degree entry for many faculties. |
NQF levels offered
Qualifications here sit at 2 different NQF levels. The level tells you what a qualification is worth and what it lets you study next.
- NQF 5 2
- NQF 7 7
Structure
HCHE Faculties and What They Offer
The 9 courses listed here are split across 3 faculties. Open one to see only its courses.
Money
Fees and Funding at HCHE
As a private institution, Helderberg College of Higher Education sets its own fees and is not funded by NSFAS. Ask the finance office about bursaries, payment plans and what the registration fee covers before you commit.
Fees differ by programme and year, so take the current figures from the institution itself: official HCHE site.
Where to study
HCHE Campuses
Somerset West Campus
Main campusSomerset West, Western Cape
27 Annandale Drive, Helena Heights, Somerset West, 7130
Tel: 021 850 7500
After you graduate
Careers You Can Study For at HCHE
These are the occupations the qualifications listed here lead to, most common first. The number is how many HCHE courses prepare you for that career.
