WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIGHER EDUCATION

Which regulatory bodies are involved in Higher Education?

The Higher Education sector is governed by the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Council on Higher Education and the South African Qualifications Authority.

What information do I need to look out for before applying for admission?

It is important to confirm that the institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training. Furthermore, the qualification offered to the public must be registered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered on the NQF by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

How do I verify if an institution is registered and allowed to offer qualifications?

Institutions are required to place the required registration and accreditation information on their website. The public is, however, encouraged to visit the following websites to verify the registration status of an institution and the qualifications on offer:

Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET): https://www.dhet.gov.za/

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA): https://www.saqa.org.za/

What is the difference between a university and a Private Higher Education Institution?

The Higher Education sector consists of two types of Higher Education

Institutions, namely Public and Private. Public Higher Education Institutions are known as universities in South Africa. A Private Higher Education Institution is, for example, SANTS Private Higher Education Institution. Both types must comply with legislation and regulations as laid down by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Is there a difference between a qualification being offered at a university and a private higher education institution?

No, in essence, qualifications offered by universities and private higher education institutions are governed by the same regulatory bodies and adhere to the same minimum criteria.

What is the difference between contact and distance education?

The main difference between contact and distance education is that a student enrolled in a contact mode will be required to attend class at specified premises, and time slots, with a lecturer presenting content. Distance education allows a student to study remotely and independently, away from the institution. As a distance education student, you might be located not only in another province but also in a remote part of South Africa. For the most part, the student will be studying on their own and engaging in autonomous learning and making decisions about their pace of learning, which will determine how they proceed with their studies. This allows a student to work and study at the same time.