Distance Learning Colleges 

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

Distance learning is studying online instead of at a campus. This is a way for students to be in charge of their own study times. It allows students to do other things, such as work to earn an income, while they are studying. 

Studying through distance learning means that you do not attend classes or lectures in person. Your course work is posted on an online platform of the institution’s choosing, where you as a student can access it at any time.

What Is A Distance Learning Institution?

Distance learning institutions are educational institutions that offer courses only through distance learning. Some universities and colleges do offer distance learning, but also offer face-to-face classes, and so are not called distance learning institutions.

Is A Distance Education Degree Valid?

Yes, a course studied through distance learning is valid as long as you complete the requirements for the course. 

Does NSFAS Fund Distance Learning Courses?

Yes, NSFAS does fund distance learning courses, but only at South African universities and TVET colleges. 

Do TVET Colleges Offer Distance Learning?

Yes, some TVET colleges do offer courses through distance learning. Check with the TVET college you are applying to if they offer distance learning. If they do, check whether it is available for all courses, or only some. 

Where Can I Study Through Distance Learning 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

Bellview Institute Of Distance Learning

Bellview Institute of Distance Learning is an accredited distance learning college that offers a wide range of courses through distance learning. The courses offered are: 

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

Matric Programmes

The Matric programmes available at Bellview Institute are:

NATED Courses

ICB Courses

ICB courses offered at Bellview Institute of Distance Learning are: 

CIMA Courses

Matric College

Matric College is another accredited distance learning institution. Matric College offers a variety of courses, which are: 

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

Matric Programmes

The Matric programmes offered at Matric College are: 

NATED Courses

ICB Courses

ICB courses offered at Matric College:

Short Courses

Skills Academy

Skills Academy is also an accredited distance learning college. The courses offered at Skills Academy are: 

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

Matric Programmes

The Matric programmes on offer at Skills Academy are as follows:

NATED Courses

ICB Courses

ICB courses offered at Skills Academy:

CIMA Courses

Short Courses

Ember Academy

Ember Academy is a distance learning college that provides a range of courses, which are: 

  • ICB courses
  • CIMA courses
  • Short courses

ICB Courses

CIMA Courses

Short Courses

Learning Group

The Learning Group is another distance learning college that has a variety of courses, such as: 

  • ICB courses
  • Short courses

ICB Courses

ICB courses offered at Learning Group: 

Short Courses

About Matric Programmes

Matric Rewrite

Matric Rewrite is available to anyone under the age of 21 who either failed Matric and can pass by improving the marks in four subjects or fewer, or who passed Matric but are unsatisfied with their results and would like to improve the marks in four subjects or fewer. 

You may rewrite your Matric up to five years after writing your Matric final exams. You may rewrite a maximum of four subjects. These must be subjects that you wrote for your Matric final exams. You may not change subjects for a Matric Rewrite. 

Note that if you failed Matric and will not pass by improving the marks in four subjects or fewer, you will not be allowed to rewrite. However, you can wait until you are 21 and then apply for a Matric Upgrade instead. 

To apply for a Matric Rewrite, you will need: 

  • A copy of your Statement of Results
  • A certified copy of your ID

Matric Upgrade

Matric Upgrade is available to anyone over the age of 21 who would like to improve their marks. You may upgrade a maximum of four subjects. You may also choose to change any four subjects. 

Note that you may apply for a Matric Upgrade as early as 19, but you must be over the age of 21 to write the exams. This is because you will write the Adult Matric exams. 

To apply for a Matric Upgrade, you will need: 

  • A copy of your Statement of Results
  • A certified copy of your ID

Adult Matric

Adult Matric is an option available to adults over the age of 21 who did not get to complete their high school education. No matter the reason for not completing Matric, you can apply for Adult Matric. 

Once you have successfully completed your Adult Matric, you will receive your Senior Certificate (Amended). This functions exactly the same way as a National Senior Certificate, which you would have received at the end of your Matric year in high school. 

To apply for your Adult Matric, you will need: 

  • A copy of your Grade 9 certificate/report or equivalent
  • A certified copy of your ID

About NATED Courses

NATED stands for National Accredited Technical Education Diploma. These courses are accredited by QCTO (the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations). This means that potential employers recognise NATED qualifications as formal qualifications. 

NATED Courses are also recognised both locally and internationally.

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 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 N5 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

About ICB Courses

ICB courses are accredited by both ICB (the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) and QCTO (the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations). This means they are recognised as formal qualifications by potential employers. These qualifications are also recognised both locally and internationally.

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 (Bookeeping: 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
  

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

About CIMA Courses

CIMA courses are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. This is a globally recognised accounting body, which means that qualifications from CIMA are recognised worldwide. 

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

What Have We Learned?

  • Distance learning is a great way to be able to do things like work to earn an income while you are studying
  • A distance learning institution is an institution that offers courses only through distance learning, and no face-to-face classes
  • There are many distance learning colleges that offer both accredited and non-accredited courses
  • You can study for your Matric through distance learning
  • You can study for a Diploma through distance learning
  • You can study short courses without Matric
  • You can study an ICB course without Matric. ICB courses go up to the Diploma level
  • You can study CIMA courses without Matric. CIMA courses go up to the Degree level

Author: Chloe Bydawell
Published by: Sive Ncanywa
Published date : June 28 ,2022

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