• Private Colleges offer degrees, diplomas and certificates.

• You often get more individual attention in a private college than in a university or TVET college because of their small size.

• Many private colleges help you to find a job at the end of your studies and have close links with different industries.

• Some of them offer bursaries, like Boston Media House, College Campus, The Maharishi Institute (Joburg CDB), St Augustine College (Linden), African Academy Technical Drawing and Design (Boksburg)

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Here is a list of affordable colleges offering good quality education:

                                                                                                   

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1. THE MAHARISHI INSTITUTE

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The Maharishi Institute is linked to The Maharishi University of Management in the United States and offering distance education (online courses). It offers an American MBA degree (Master of Business Administration degree) via distance education in four years (part-time studies).

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The institute also offers:

• A Foundation phase with basic skills certificates (call centre, IT);

• Training in IT (Microsoft Academy).

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The fee (only R 2400/year) also covers food, books and clothing (formal wear for interviews).

 

The Maharishi Institute is recognised by The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) which compares degrees for equivalency purposes. They offer work experience, bridging programmes and self-development programmes.

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Students at the Maharishi Institute practice meditation. From second year, you start doing learnerships while studying. Final year students can work at a call centre for clients such as Nando’s and Dominos.

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www.maharishiinstitute.org

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2. ST AUGUSTINE COLLEGE

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St Augustine College is situated in Victory Park (Johannesburg). This is an excellent Catholic college (small classes, personal teaching).

 

St Augustine College offers three degrees :

• Bachelor of Arts (Subjects include: Communication, Cultural Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Law, English Literature, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Religious Studies, Zulu, Academic Development and Research Skills);

• Bachelor of Commerce with major in Economics, and second major in Philosophy or Politics;

• Bachelor of Theology.

 

You can get a bursary.

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www.staugustine.ac.za

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3. THE BELGIUM CAMPUS (PRETORIA)

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The Belgium Campus offers bursaries in IT (learnerships, diploma and degree) at his campus in Kempton park and Pretoria

 

It has small classes. You can get a bursary for your fees from a company but there is not student rooms in Kempton park..

Jobs are nearly guaranteed if you have good results at the end of your studies. www.belgiumcampus.co.za

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4. NETCARE (AUCKLAND PARK)

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Netcare offers training and bursaries for basic and specialised nursing diplomas and emergency care.

 

http://www.netcare.co.za/Careers/Education-and-training

Contact Cindy.Menino@netcare.co.za - 011 628 76 00

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5. ANN LARSKY COLLEGE (AUCKLAND PARK)

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Ann Larsky College offers nursing diploma and degree (4 years).

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Students get a bursary and living allowance paid by the Gauteng government.

Register in April for the following year, as it fills quickly. About 400 students are admitted in 1st year. Courses are held in a big auditorium and group settings.

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You need an APS of 25 or more.

 

The school has a computer centre (97 computers), a library, simulation lab.

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6. AFRICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (ALA)

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Offers bursaries for top Grade 11 and 12 learners. You can enroll even after Matric as you might further your studies in United States (like Lucas Manhica).

www.africanleadershipacademy.org

7. iCOLLEGE 

 

Offers 12-month SETA Accredited Courses in: HR, IT, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Administration, End User Computing, Call Centre Support and Project Management.

 

Offers learnerships (part time studies and work), no fees required, 18 campuses in the South Africa including Johannesburg and Kempton park

 

Contact: admin@icollegeint.co.za - 0861 11 22 56

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8. BEWARE!

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Beware of unregistered colleges that offer qualifications which are not recognized and have little value on the job market.

Be careful when you register for a short course (less than a year) as most of them are not officially recognised.

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9. OUR ADVICE

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• Check for the Open Day of each college and see where you will study, what academic and social facilities are on offer, what the pass rate is, the technology used (for IT or technical training), the requirements relating to admissions, study fees, student loans and bursaries, cancellation rules, etc.

• Check if the diploma involves practical training and work-readiness skills.

• Ask if the course is recognised by SAQA or NQF (National Qualifications Framework) before you register! Call 0800 87 22 22 or 012 312 5320 or go on to the SAQA website (http://www.saqa.org.za/docs/misc/phei/lphei051311.pdf).

• Get the college’s brochure and check if the details correspond with the ones on the Department’s register.

• Check if the exams are internationally recognised (in IT, for instance).

• Check the level of education (NQF) – the higher the level is, the better it is!

• Contact former students to get their opinion (ask references from the college).

• Check the record of placement of students in employment and links with relevant companies in the private sector.

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