At any of the online colleges in South Africa, you can earn an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, a Master’s, and even a doctorate just from the comfort of your residence.
Yes, with online learning, workers, businessmen with tight schedules, persons with walking disabilities, and any individual as well students can earn a degree of their choice without having to set a foot on any school’s campus.
Today, most students prefer taking online programs due to their flexibility and convenience, but to get the best out of your learning experience, you need to equip yourself with some online learning tools as well as look out for some top online learning platforms like Edx, and Coursera as they are widely recognized for the vast and quality online programs they offer.
Online colleges in South Africa are known for the outstanding programs they offer and their degrees are recognized internationally in most countries of the world. So earning a degree here can be an opportunity for you to get a high-paying government job.
And just in case you may find it difficult to pay tuition fees, you can enroll in some of the free online courses in South Africa or apply for admission at cheap online colleges, or even at online colleges that pay you to attend.
Talking about online courses, there are countless of them available either for free, just like the free online courses in education, or you have to pay for them, and no matter what field of study you choose, you will still find free courses that can even certify you.
This is to show you how far online education has gone that almost every college has several courses they offer online.
Asides from the online colleges in South Africa, there are lots of other online colleges like the accredited online colleges in Virginia, the online colleges in Massachusetts, as well as the online colleges in Ohio. In fact, I doubt if there is any state or country that has no online colleges.
without saying much further, Let’s quickly get a look at what it will cost you to enroll in online colleges in South Africa.
Average Cost of Online Colleges in South Africa
The cost of online colleges in South Africa is not rigid as some aspects like the location of students, type of degree school, and degree program will determine the cost. These factors make it impossible to give an exact cost of online colleges in South Africa.
Therefore, I will be giving you an average cost, that is, what you should expect to pay for an online program in any of the colleges, but before I go on with that, I would like to let you know that if you are non-resident (out-of-state) of South Africa, aspiring to study in any of the online colleges, then you should expect to pay a higher amount than that of resident (in-state) students would.
The average cost of a four-year postgraduate program at public online Colleges in South Africa is $3,300 for in-state students and $6,500 for out-of-state students. Undergraduates programs cost an average of $2,200
Now that you have seen what it will cost you to enroll in an online college in South Africa, the next thing to know is what it will require you to become a student.
Requirements for Online Colleges in South Africa
There are some entry requirements you will be asked to provide before you can be admitted to study any program at online colleges in South Africa. The requirements differ from one program to another, so if you want to enroll in a Master’s or doctorate program, you will have to provide a few extra documents.
The admission requirements include:
- A high school diploma, a General Educational Development certificate, or its equal. (if applying for a bachelor’s degree program)
- Meet the required CGPA for your chosen program.
- Letter of recommendation.
- A completed and signed application form.
- Official Transcripts of Records from previous schools.
- Application fee payment proof.
- A Bachelor’s degree (If applying for a Master’s program).
- A master’s degree (If applying for a Doctorate program).
- Passport-sized photograph and Identification Card.
- And lastly, A curriculum vitae and motivation letter (if applicable).
Online Colleges in South Africa
Here, I have provided you with the top accredited online schools in South Africa, pointing out the types of programs they offer, information about the cost of their online programs, and all other necessary information about the schools.
So, all you need to do is to carefully go through these schools and choose which is more suitable for you. But, if you are an international student, then there are many things you need to know before studying abroad.
The first of the top online colleges in South Africa I have here is the Johannesburg University Online School.
1. Johannesburg University Online School
The Johannesburg University Online School is an accredited online college in South Africa that offers fully-online programs that are exceptionally developed to help you earn a university qualification, and help you to reach your personal education goals or promote your professional career.
University of Johannesburg Online undergraduate programs include Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy, Bachelor of Human Resource Management, Advanced Diploma in Financial Market, Advanced Diploma in Transportation Management, Advanced Diploma in Logistics, and Advanced Diploma in People Performance Management.
Their graduate programs include Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education Honors in Education Leadership and Management, Master of Education in Educational Management, Master of Education in Information and Communication Technology, Master of Public Health, and Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management.
UJ online undergraduate programs fee ranges from R30,000 to R194,000 and they have a flexible payment method that allows you to pay per module, giving you, as a student or working professional, a convenient and accelerated opportunity to acquire valuable leadership skills across a variety of industries and public services.
They also have a six-start date per year, giving you the opportunity to choose when you wish to start.
Link to University of Johannesburg online programs
2. University of South Africa
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest existing dedicated distance education university in the world.
UniSA offers an outstanding range of study choices, ranging from short courses and certificate programs to three- and four-year degrees and diplomas, to over 400,000 current students from different parts of the world.
The 100% distance learning courses offered at the University of South Africa include Accounting, Aged Care, Business, Construction Management, Criminal Justice, Digital Media, Engineering, Financial Planning, Health Science, Human Resource Management, IT & Data Analytics, Marketing & Communication, Nutrition & Exercise, Psychological & Social Services, and Community& Public Health.
International students studying for a degree through UniSA Online are required to pay upfront fees for their program. There is no fixed amount for UniSA online programs fee. So, to find out about fees, you will have to visit your program pages.
Link to UniSA Online Program.
3. College SA
College SA is one of the private online colleges in South Africa, registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training. Since its Establishment over 14 years, College SA has been helping students reach their education dreams.
They offer a range of nationally, or internationally accredited qualifications and courses. Employers, as well as other educational institutions, value these qualifications, and courses.
Their accredited qualifications are an excellent alternative for those who do not qualify for a degree but would still like to earn a recognized qualification.
4. IIE Varsity College
IIE Varsity College is among the online colleges in South Africa that are accredited by the Department of Higher education Providers. The school also has over 57 qualifications accredited by the higher education Committee.
The college has a structured learning environment that will take you through the learning process with the best instructional design thinking, enabling you to understand and apply your knowledge as you progress through your studies.
Some of the online programs offered at the IIE Varsity College include Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship, Human Resources Management, Project Management and Administration, Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Bachelor of Arts, Postgraduate Diploma in Data Analytics.
Their tuition fee payment method allows you to pay either by installments or in full settlement. To find more about fees, visit their payment page.
Link to IIE Varsity online programs
5. Regent Business School
Regent Business School is among the online colleges in South Africa and is designed to provide individuals and organizations with the management competencies and critical skills necessary to build and sustain competitive advantages in a rapidly changing and complex business environment.
Wits online learning experience provides the opportunity to advance your career with occupationally appropriate online programs that furnish you with skills and knowledge that can be applied at work immediately.
The school has six starting dates and offers 3 full online postgraduate programs: Online PDMPM Monitoring and Evaluation, Online Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management, and Online Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration.
The first two programs cost $3,569 while the last cost $6,109.57.
6. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University is widely known as one of the top online colleges in South Africa and it ranked as the 3rd best university in South Africa and 437th in the world.
The school offers online master’s degrees in public management and development: Public Administration (MPA) program that concentrates on the needs of people who have a leadership positions in the public sector.
They also offer fully online programs and short courses through lectures and interactive telematic education.
Tuition fee for their online programs carries with each program, so, if you need more information about their fees and others, you have to visit the school’s website.
7. Management College of South Africa (MANCOSA)
MANCOSA is among the private online colleges in South Africa and is also a member of the Honoris University.
Their programs promote high levels of independence through innovative learning and assessment interventions. Students can expect a carefully integrated mix of lectures, access to well-designed self-study materials, and online learning resources.
MANCOSA offers internationally recognized qualifications from an accredited institution. They support an online learning environment with a range of higher certificates, diplomas, and degree programs.
Conclusion
The above online colleges in South Africa that you just read about are all accredited and most of their courses are recognized internationally. If you want to get more knowledge and the necessary skills to advance your career profession, then you should go ahead and choose which college suits you best.
Online Colleges in South Africa – FAQs
Are there Online Colleges in South Africa?
What is the Best Online College in South Africa?
According to Webometrics, Stellenbosch University, the University of Witwatersrand, and the university of cape town are the top colleges in South Africa that provide distance learning programs.
Are there Free Online Colleges in South Africa?
There are no free online colleges in South Africa, but there are free online courses such as Understanding Clinical Research, Innovative Finance, ( both provided by the University of Cape Town University and offered at Coursera), Introduction to Cyber Security, provided by the Open University and supported by the National Cyber Security Program of the UK government.