Educational institutions and study programmes

Below, we explain what types of educational institutions and degree programmes there are in South Africa. We also explain how we check whether these are recognised and/or accreditation. We check the recognition and accreditation to make sure that the quality is sufficient. We give the necessary information per educational sector.

• General secondary education (for a National Senior Certificate, NSC) is offered at public and private secondary schools. If students are in a public school, they usually take their exams via their school. If they are in a private school, they usually take exams via the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) mainly conducts exams for private secondary schools in South Africa. In either case, they get a National Senior Certificate (NSC) if they pass their exams.
• Vocational secondary education is offered by community colleges, private colleges and technical colleges. Among other things, students can obtain a National Certificate at these educational institutions.

In case of secondary education, it is important to check that the National Senior Certificate (NSC) is issued by Umalusi. At Secondary education study results, we explain what else you can check to determine the level of the diploma.

Higher education institutions in South Africa can offer both vocational and research-oriented study programmes. There are 2 types of higher education institutions:

• public universities; and
• private higher education institutions

Public universities

There are 3 types of public universities:

• universities;
• universities of technology;
• comprehensive universities.

Universities

Universities are the traditional academic universities. They offer mainly research-oriented higher education.

Universities of technology

Universities of technology are non-university institutions (technikons) that turned into universities. These institutions offer vocational study programmes. When students do research, it is practice-oriented.

Comprehensive universities

Comprehensive universities are a combination of the traditional academic universities and universities of technology. They are the result of mergers of technikons and traditional universities. Comprehensive universities offer both vocational and research-oriented study programmes.

Private higher education institutions

Higher education is also offered by private higher education institutions. These institutions mainly offer vocational study programmes.

Study programmes in higher education need to be accredited in South Africa. You need to check the accreditation of study programmes from private educational institutions. In case of study programmes of public universities, this is not needed. These study programmes are automatically accredited if the university is recognised.

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) offers a register of recognised diplomas of public and private higher education institutions. You can search for diplomas in this registers in the following way:

• After 'Qualification Title', type in (part of the) diploma name or field of study. You can add other search criteria as well.
• Click on 'Go'.
• If the diploma of the educational institution is displayed in the search results, you can click on the diploma name (after 'Title').
• You can now check out more information about the diploma, such as the goal of the study programme, the study load and the transfer entitlement .