Courses Offered at Helderberg College of Higher Education (HCHE) for 2027

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