Private colleges in South Africa offer flexible learning options, industry-aligned courses, and smaller class sizes—making them a popular choice for students seeking career-focused education. While many private institutions are associated with high fees, several offer affordable and accredited programmes without compromising quality.
5 Affordable Private Colleges in South Africa
Below is a list of five affordable private colleges that provide value-for-money education for South African students.
1. ICB-Accredited Colleges (Various Campuses)
Overview:
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) partners with multiple private colleges across South Africa to offer cost-effective business, accounting, and finance courses. These colleges include Skills Academy, Matric College, and Learning Group. The ICB’s modular structure allows students to pay per subject, making it highly flexible and budget-friendly.
Popular Courses:
- Financial Accounting
- Business Management
- Office Administration
Why It’s Affordable:
Students pay only for the subjects they are taking in a specific term, and many of the ICB-accredited colleges offer payment plans. Some courses start from as little as R900 per month.
Accreditation:
ICB qualifications are accredited by QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations).
2. Damelin Correspondence College
Overview:
Damelin Correspondence College, part of the Educor group, is known for offering affordable distance learning options for a wide range of subjects. The flexibility of distance learning allows students to study while working, which is ideal for adult learners or those with limited financial resources.
Popular Courses:
- Human Resources Management
- Legal Studies
- Marketing Management
Why It’s Affordable:
Course fees are lower than those of full-time campus-based programmes, and the college provides payment plans to make tuition more manageable. Some short courses cost under R6,000 in total.
Accreditation:
Damelin Correspondence College is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and many of its programmes are accredited by relevant Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
3. INTEC College
Overview:
Also part of the Educor group, INTEC College is a long-established institution offering distance learning qualifications and short courses in business, creative arts, and technical fields.
Popular Courses:
- Graphic Design
- IT and Web Development
- Supply Chain Management
Why It’s Affordable:
With flexible payment options and the ability to study from home, INTEC allows students to save on transport and accommodation. Monthly payment plans start from approximately R700 depending on the course.
Accreditation:
INTEC is provisionally registered with DHET and offers both accredited and non-accredited short learning programmes.
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4. Boston City Campus
Overview:
Boston City Campus offers a mix of Higher Education qualifications and short learning programmes across over 45 support centres countrywide. While some degrees may be pricier, many of their short courses and diplomas are competitively priced for budget-conscious students.
Popular Courses:
- Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management
- IT Support and Networking
- Business Administration
Why It’s Affordable:
Boston frequently runs promotions on selected courses and offers interest-free monthly payment plans. Some Higher Certificates cost under R30,000 for the full year.
Accreditation:
Boston is fully accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered with DHET.
5. Oxbridge Academy
Overview:
Oxbridge Academy specialises in distance learning and caters to students who prefer flexible, part-time study. They offer both accredited and non-accredited courses across a wide range of fields.
Popular Courses:
- Project Management
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Hospitality Management
Why It’s Affordable:
Oxbridge Academy’s monthly tuition fees are as low as R650, depending on the programme. Many courses can be completed in less than a year, reducing overall costs.
Accreditation:
Oxbridge Academy is registered with DHET and offers several programmes accredited by the QCTO and various SETAs.
Also check: Bursaries Closing in May 2025 – South Africa
Affordability doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality when it comes to private education in South Africa. Colleges like ICB-accredited institutions, Damelin Correspondence, INTEC, Boston City Campus, and Oxbridge Academy offer accessible, accredited programmes that prepare students for careers in business, IT, design, and more. Before enrolling, always verify the institution’s registration with the Department of Higher Education and ensure the course is accredited for your career path.
