The term FET colleges is still widely used by South Africans searching for practical, career-focused education. However, Further Education and Training colleges are now generally known as Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, or TVET colleges.
TVET education focuses on developing practical and occupational skills that can prepare students for employment, career advancement or further study. Alongside South Africa’s public TVET colleges, several private distance learning institutions offer vocational qualifications, occupational certificates and provider programmes that can be completed from home.
This guide introduces several distance learning colleges and explains what students should check before registering.
Distance Learning Colleges in South Africa
Distance learning allows students to complete their studies without attending daily classes at a physical campus. This can be particularly helpful for working adults, parents and students who live far from a suitable college.
The following institutions offer different forms of home-based or distance learning.
Skills Academy
Skills Academy is a South African distance learning college that offers courses across several career and skills-development fields.
Its course selection includes accredited qualifications, occupational certificates, NATED programmes, ICB programmes, Matric options and provider programmes. Available fields may include business management, financial management, bookkeeping, office administration, tourism, educare and other career-focused areas.
Students can study from home and receive academic and administrative support during their studies. The available payment options and admission requirements differ between courses, so prospective students should request the latest course information before registering.
Skills Academy Contact Details
- Enquiries and registrations: 0800 39 00 27
- Registered-student support: 021 838 8250
- Website: www.skillsacademy.co.za
- Contact page: Contact Skills Academy
The Learning Group
The Learning Group has offered home study programmes since 1984. The college specialises in creative and career-focused courses that help students develop new skills or improve their existing abilities.
Its course selection covers fields such as:
- Interior decorating and design
- Photography and creative studies
- Bookkeeping and accounting
- Business and office administration
- Beauty therapy
- Child care
- Events management
Students receive study material and access to academic support while completing their courses from home. This makes it possible to study without attending daily classes or giving up a full-time job.
The Learning Group Contact Details
Registrations and enquiries: 0800 39 00 27
Registered-student support: 021 838 8250
International enquiries: +27 21 838 8250
Website: learninggroup.co.za
Contact page: Contact The Learning Group
Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
Bellview Institute of Distance Learning offers flexible study options for students who want to gain practical knowledge and prepare for new career opportunities.
The college offers courses in business, finance, administration and other career-focused fields. Its course selection includes:
- Financial management
- Business management
- Human resource management
- Marketing management
- Educare
- Office administration
- Bookkeeping
- Matric programmes
Bellview offers accredited qualifications as well as provider programmes developed to teach specific skills. Students can study from home and work through their course material while receiving academic and administrative support.
Before registering, students should confirm the admission requirements, course duration, accreditation status and assessment process for their chosen programme.
Bellview Institute Contact Details
Registration enquiries: 012 493 1216
Student-support office: 021 838 8290
Website: bellview.edu.za
Contact page: Contact Bellview Institute
Ember Academy
Ember Academy is a distance learning college that focuses on helping students develop practical knowledge for the workplace.
The college aims to guide students throughout their studies by providing academic assistance, study resources and support structures. Students can study from home while continuing to work or manage family responsibilities.
Ember Academy offers courses in fields such as:
- Bookkeeping
- Financial management
- Business management
- Human resource management
- Office administration
- Child care
- Crèche management
- Receptionist studies
- Beauty therapy
- Tourism
Its selection includes accredited courses and provider programmes. Because entry requirements and accreditation differ between programmes, students should request the complete course information before enrolling.
Ember Academy Contact Details
Registrations and Enquiries: 0800 39 00 27
Pretoria Sales Office: 012 740 2350
Cape Town Student Support Office: 021 838 8250
Website: ember.edu.za
Application and Contact Form: Contact Ember Academy
Check a Course Before Registering
Not every course offered by a private college is an accredited qualification. Some are provider programmes designed to develop practical or personal skills.
Before registering, ask the college to confirm:
- Whether the course is accredited
- Which organisation accredits it
- Whether it has a SAQA identification number
- What certificate or qualification you will receive
- Whether external examinations are required
- What the complete course fees include
You can search for registered qualifications using the SAQA qualifications database
Last Updated: 5 August 2026