FET College

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List Of Distance Learning Colleges In South Africa

There are many reputable distance learning colleges in South Africa, such as:

  • Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
  • Matric College
  • Skills Academy
  • Ember Academy
  • Learning Group

Each of these colleges offers a wide range of courses you can choose to study. There are a range of entry requirement levels, so you can further your studies no matter what your education level. 

What Courses Can I Study?

The courses available are: 

  • NATED courses
  • Matric programmes
  • ICB courses
  • CIMA courses
  • Short courses

NATED Courses

National Accredited Technical Education Diplomas (NATED) courses are designed and accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training to help bridge the youth unemployment gap. 

NATED courses have been accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), which means that they are recognised as formal qualifications in South Africa. 

There are seven NATED streams of study:

NATED Business Management

National N4 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66871

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended) 

Subjects 

  • Management Communication N4
  • Introductory Accounting N4
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4
  • Computer Practice N4

Career Options

  • Assistant Manager
  • Sales Assistant 
  • Office Assistant

National N5 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66929

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Business Management National N4 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5
  • Sales Management N5
  • Public Relations N5
  • Computer Practice N5

Career Options

  • Sales Person
  • Public Relations Assistant
  • Management Assistant

National N6 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66995

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Business Management National N5 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management N6
  • Sales Management N6
  • Cost and Management Accounting N5
  • Public Relations N6

Career Options

  • Team Leader
  • Workshop Manager
  • Marketing Coordinator

National N6 Diploma

Qualification

Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

67036

Credits

360

Entry Requirements

Business Management National N6 Certificate

Subjects 

This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience

Career Options

  • Business Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Sales Consultant

NATED Educare

National N4 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66883

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)

Subjects 

  • Educare Didactics N4
  • Child Health N4
  • Education N4
  • Day Care Personnel Development N4

Career Options

  • Educare Practitioner
  • Playgroup Practitioner
  • Au Pair

National N5 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66971

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Educare National N4 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Educare Didactics N5
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4
  • Educational Psychology N5
  • Daycare Communication N5

Career Options

  • Child Health and Nutrition Caretaker
  • Day Care Administrator
  • Day Care Manager

National N6 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

67007

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Educare National N5 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Educare Didactics N6
  • Daycare Management N6
  • Educational Psychology N6
  • Daycare Communication N6

Career Options

  • Day Care Manager
  • Early Childhood Development Teacher
  • Educare Teacher

National N6 Diploma

Qualification

Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

67050

Credits

360

Entry Requirements

Educare National N6 Certificate

Subjects 

This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience

Career Options

  • Educare Facilitator
  • Nursery School Assistant Teacher
  • Nursery Teacher

NATED Financial Management

National N4 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66874

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)

Subjects 

  • Financial Accounting N4
  • Computerised Financial Systems N4
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4
  • Management Communication N4

Career Options

  • Accounts Clerk
  • Audit Assistant
  • Bookkeeper

National N5 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66954

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Financial Management National N4 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Financial Accounting N5
  • Computerised Financial Systems N5
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5
  • Cost & Management Accounting N5

Career Options

  • Administrative Clerk
  • Loan Consultant
  • Sales Team Leader

National N6 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66998

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Financial Management National N5 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Financial Accounting N6
  • Computerised Financial Systems N6
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management N6
  • Cost & Management Accounting N6

Career Options

  • Financial Manager
  • Finance Controller
  • Audit Clerk

National N6 Diploma

Qualification

Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

67040

Credits

360

Entry Requirements

Financial Management National N6 Certificate

Subjects 

This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience

Career Options

  • Assets Management Supervisor
  • Bank Teller
  • Finance Administrator

NATED Human Resource Management

National N4 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66873

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)

Subjects 

  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4
  • Personnel Management N4
  • Management Communication N4
  • Computer Practice N4

Career Options

  • Administrative Clerk
  • Human Resource Management Assistant
  • Skills Development Facilitator

National N5 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66953

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Human Resource Management National N4 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Personnel Management N5
  • Personnel Training N5
  • Labour Relations N5
  • Computer Practice N5

Career Options

  • Billing Coordinator
  • Clients Relations Coordinator
  • Risk Administrator

National N6 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66997

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Human Resource Management National N5 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Personnel Management N6
  • Personnel Training N6
  • Labour Relations N6
  • Computer Practice N6

Career Options

  • Human Resource Manager
  • Recruitment Manager
  • Benefits Manager 

National N6 Diploma

Qualification

Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

67039

Credits

360

Entry Requirements

Human Resource Management National N6 Certificate

Subjects 

This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience

Career Options

  • Human Resources Consultant
  • Labour Relations Consultant
  • Employee Relations Consultant 

NATED Legal Secretary

National N4 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66883

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)

Subjects 

  • Office Practice N4
  • Communication N4
  • Information Processing N4
  • Mercantile Law N4

Career Options

  • Filing Clerk
  • Junior Conveyancing Secretary
  • Receptionist

National N5 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66959

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Legal Secretary National N4 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Office Practice N5
  • Communication N5
  • Information Processing N5
  • Legal Practice N5

Career Options

  • Administrative Assistant
  • Junior Conveyancing Assistant 
  • Personal Assistant

National N6 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66880

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Legal Secretary National N5 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Office Practice N6
  • Legal Practice N6
  • Information Processing N6
  • Mercantile Law N5

Career Options

  • Conveyancing Assistant 
  • Legal Clerk
  • Office Assistant

National N6 Diploma

Qualification

Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

67035

Credits

360

Entry Requirements

Legal Secretary National N6 Certificate

Subjects 

This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience

Career Options

  • Junior Legal Secretary
  • Junior Litigation Secretary
  • Legal: Committee Secretary

NATED Management Assistant

National N4 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66876

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)

Subjects 

  • Communication N4
  • Office Practice N4
  • Information Processing N4
  • Computer Practice N4

Career Options

  • Administrative Clerk
  • Office Manager 
  • Receptionist 

National N5 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66956

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Management Assistant National N4 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Communication N5
  • Office Practice N5
  • Information Processing N5
  • Computer Practice N5

Career Options

  • Personal Assistant
  • Private Secretary 
  • Typist

National N6 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

67001

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Management Assistant National N5 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Office Practice N6
  • Information Processing N6
  • Public Relations N5
  • Computer Practice N6

Career Options

  • Clerk
  • Management Assistant
  • Office Administrator

National N6 Diploma

Qualification

Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

67033

Credits

360

Entry Requirements

Management Assistant National N6 Certificate

Subjects 

This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience

Career Options

  • Assistant Manager 
  • Data Capturer 
  • Executive Assistant 
NATED Marketing Management

National N4 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66872

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)

Subjects 

  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4
  • Marketing Management N4
  • Management Communication N4
  • Computer Practice N4

Career Options

  • Junior Marketing Writer
  • Marketing Sales Administrator
  • Sales Assistant

National N5 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66952

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Marketing Management National N4 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5
  • Marketing Management N5
  • Sales Management N5
  • Computer Practice N5

Career Options

  • Content Writer 
  • Marketing Assistant 
  • Sales Manager 

National N6 Certificate

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

66996

Credits

60

Entry Requirements

Marketing Management National N5 Certificate

Subjects 

  • Marketing Management N6
  • Sales Management N6
  • Marketing Communication N6
  • Marketing Research N6

Career Options

  • Advertiser
  • Marketing Manager
  • Marketing Researcher

National N6 Diploma

Qualification

Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

QCTO & DHET

SAQA ID Number

67037

Credits

360

Entry Requirements

Marketing Management National N6 Certificate

Subjects 

This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience

Career Options

  • Brand Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Public Relations Consultant

Where Can I Study NATED Courses?

Matric Programmes

Matric programmes are options available for those who do not have their Matric. Whether you failed Matric and would like to pass, passed but would like to improve your results, or did not write your Matric, there is an option available. These are the Matric programmes:

  • Matric Rewrite
  • Matric Upgrade
  • Adult Matric 

Matric Rewrite

This option is for those under the age of 21 who have written Matric and would like to improve their results. You may rewrite up to four subjects. You cannot change any of your subjects, you must rewrite subjects you wrote for your Matric final exams. 

There is no limit to how many times you can rewrite your Matric. You can rewrite your Matric up to five years after your Matric year, as long as you are still under the age of 21. 

Matric Upgrade

This option is for those over the age of 21 who have written their Matric, but would still like to improve their results. You may upgrade up to four subjects. However, you may also choose to change up to four subjects instead. 

There is no limit to how many times you can upgrade your Matric. You are able to apply for a Matric Upgrade as early as 19, however, you must be 21 or older to write the exams. This is because you will write the Adult Matric exams. 

Adult Matric

This option is for those over the age of 21 who did not get to write Matric. This allows adults who have done school up to Grade 9 to get their Matric

Once you have successfully completed your Adult Matric, you will be awarded your Senior Certificate (Amended). This will then function the same way as a National Senior Certificate, known as school Matric. You can use this to apply for work or to further your studies. 

Where Can I Study Matric Programmes?

There are many reputable colleges that offer Matric programmes through distance learning, such as: 

ICB Courses

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) offers courses that have been accredited by ICB and QCTO. This means that they are recognised as formal qualifications in South Africa. They are also recognised internationally. 

ICB courses are offered through reputable distance learning colleges, and none of their courses require Matric to apply. There are three ICB streams of study. 

ICB Business Management

National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

4

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

48736

Credits

120

Entry Requirements

Grade 11 or Equivalent Certificate (Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate)

Subjects 

  • Business Management 1 (BMT1)
  • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)
  • Business Literacy (BUSL)

Career Options

  • Junior Researcher
  • Junior Analyst
  • Sales Assistant

Higher Certificate: Office Administration

Qualification

Higher Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

23619

Credits

240

Entry Requirements

ICB National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management

Subjects 

  • Office and Legal Practice (OLPR)
  • Business Management 2 (BMT2)
  • Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR)
  • Financial Statements (FNST)
  • Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)

Career Options

  • Senior Office Administrator
  • General Office Manager
  • Customer Service Manager

National Diploma: Financial Accounting

Qualification

National Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

20366

Credits

280

Entry Requirements

ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration

Subjects 

  • Business Management 3 (BMT3)
  • Financial Management and Control (FMCL)
  • Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF)
  • Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation, topic: Business Management) (RTAP)

Career Options

  • Accounting Officer
  • Business Manager
  • Business Advisor

ICB Financial Accounting

National Certificate: Bookkeeping

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

3

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

58375

Credits

120

Entry Requirements

Grade 10 or equivalent 

Subjects 

  • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)
  • Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns (PMSR)
  • Computerised Bookkeeping (CPBK)
  • Business Literacy (BUSL)

Career Options

  • Junior Bookkeeper
  • Accounts Clerk
  • Payroll Clerk

Further Education And Training Certificate: Bookkeeping

Qualification

FET Certificate

NQF Level

4

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

58376

Credits

130

Entry Requirements

ICB National Certificate: Bookkeeping

Subjects 

  • Financial Statements (FNST)
  • Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT)

Career Options

  • Senior Bookkeeper
  • Junior Accountant
  • Assistant Accountant

National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting

Qualification

National Diploma

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

36213

Credits

251

Entry Requirements

ICB Further Education And Training Certificate: Bookkeeping

Subjects 

  • Income Tax Returns (ITRT)
  • Business Law and Accounting Control (BLAC)

Career Options

  • Technical Financial Accountant
  • Accounting Technician
  • Tax Technician

National Diploma: Financial Accounting

Qualification

National Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

20366

Credits

280

Entry Requirements

ICB National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting

Subjects 

  • Corporate Strategy (CRPS)
  • Management Accounting Control Systems (MACS)
  • Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF)
  • Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation; topic: Financial Accounting) (RTAP)

Career Options

  • Financial Accountant
  • Tax Practitioner
  • Tax Consultant

ICB Office Administration

National Certificate: Office Administration

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

23618

Credits

120

Entry Requirements

Matric or Matric Equivalent Certificate (Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate or Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate)

Subjects 

  • Business and Office Administration 1 (BOA1)
  • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)
  • Business Literacy (BUSL)
  • Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR)
  • Business Law and Administrative Practice (BLAP)
  • Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT)

Career Options

  • Junior Office Administrator
  • Receptionist
  • Office Assistant

Higher Certificate: Office Administration

Qualification

Higher Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

23619

Credits

240

Entry Requirements

ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration

Subjects 

  • Business and Office Administration 2 (BOA2)
  • Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)
  • Economics (ECON)

Career Options

  • Senior Office Administrator
  • General Office Manager
  • Labour Relations Administrator

National Diploma: Office Administration

Qualification

National Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

35958

Credits

360

Entry Requirements

ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration

Subjects 

  • Business and Office Administration 3 (BOA3)
  • Financial Statements (FNST)
  • Management (MGMT)

Career Options

  • Office Manager
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Administrative Manager

Where Can I Study ICB Courses?

Many distance learning colleges offer ICB courses. Some reputable ones are: 

CIMA Courses

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) offers their accredited Business Accounting courses through reputable distance learning colleges. These courses go all the way up to the Degree level, and are fully recognised in South Africa as well as internationally.

There are four levels of CIMA courses: 

  • Business Accounting: CIMA Certificate Level
  • Business Accounting: CIMA Operational Level
  • Business Accounting: CIMA Managerial Level
  • Business Accounting: CIMA Strategic Level

Business Accounting: CIMA Certificate Level

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

SAQA ID Number

24418

Credits

120

Entry Requirements

  • Be 16 years or older
  • Have had pure maths as a school subject
  • Be able to read and write in English

Subjects 

  • Fundamentals of Business Economics
  • Fundamentals of Management Accounting
  • Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
  • Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance, and Business Law

Career Options

  • Business Manager
  • Management Accountant
  • Business Analyst

Business Accounting: CIMA Operational Level

Qualification

National Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

SAQA ID Number

24406

Credits

240

Entry Requirements

Business Accounting: CIMA Certificate Level

Subjects 

  • Managing Finance in a Digital World
  • Financial Reporting
  • Management Accounting
  • Operational Case Study
  • Operational Gateway

Career Options

  • Accountant
  • Bookkeeper
  • Financial Manager

Business Accounting: CIMA Managerial Level

Qualification

Advanced Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

SAQA ID Number

24406

Credits

240

Entry Requirements

Business Accounting: CIMA Operational Level

Subjects 

  • Managing Performance
  • Advanced Financial Reporting
  • Advanced Management Accounting
  • Management Case Study
  • Managerial Gateway

Career Options

  • Business Analyst
  • Management Accountant
  • Accounts Assistant

Business Accounting: CIMA Strategic Level

Qualification

Professional Qualification: Chartered Management Accountant

NQF Level

7

Accredited by

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

SAQA ID Number

20400

Credits

390

Entry Requirements

Business Accounting: CIMA Managerial Level

Subjects 

  • Strategic Management
  • Financial Strategy
  • Risk Management
  • Strategic Case Study
  • Strategic Gateway

Career Options

  • Debtors Clerk
  • Business Manager
  • Chief Financial Officer

Where Can I Study CIMA Courses?

Many distance learning colleges offer CIMA courses, such as: 

Short Courses

The short courses offered at the colleges below are designed to upskill you so that you can begin your career journey as efficiently as possible with the workplace skills you need. These short courses are open-access, which means there are only two entry requirements: 

  1. You must be over the age of 16
  2. You must be able to understand, read and write in English

You must also be comfortable studying online, as all of our classes are online. Each college offers a different set of short courses. 

Short Courses At Matric College

Short Courses At Skills Academy

Short Courses At Ember Academy

Short Courses At Learning Group

Is A Distance Education Degree Valid?

Yes, as long as the course you are studying is accredited, and the college you are studying at is approved to offer that course. As long as you have checked these two things, you can be sure the course you are studying is recognised formally. 

Does TVET College Offer Distance?

Yes, many TVET colleges do offer distance learning. However, many will still require you to come in for certain classes. Check with the TVET college you are applying to about which courses they offer fully online. 

Does NSFAS Fund Distance Learning?

Yes, as long as you are studying at a NSFAS approved institute, you can qualify for funding from NSFAS. Note that NSFAS does not fund postgraduate studies, and does not fund studies at private institutions. 

What Have We Learned?

  • There are many reputable distance learning colleges in South Africa
  • These colleges offer a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses
  • Distance learning qualifications are recognised as long as they are accredited
  • TVET colleges do offer distance learning
  • NSFAS does fund distance education as long as it is at a NSFAS approved institution

Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: July 18, 2022

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