When pursuing further education, choosing a registered and accredited institution is essential. In South Africa, private colleges provide diverse programs, offering diplomas, certificates, and short courses in fields like business, IT, health sciences, and creative arts.

    Top 20 Registered and Accredited Private Colleges in South Africa

    This guide highlights the top 20 registered and accredited private colleges, ensuring your education is recognized and meets quality standards.

    1. Varsity College

    • Registration: Registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
    • Accreditation: Council on Higher Education (CHE) and other relevant professional bodies.
    • Focus Areas: Business, IT, Law, Psychology, and Design.

    2. Damelin

    • Registration: DHET-registered.
    • Accreditation: CHE and Umalusi.
    • Focus Areas: Commerce, Media, Education, and Information Technology.

    3. Boston City Campus

    • Registration: Fully registered with DHET.
    • Accreditation: CHE and recognized SETAs.
    • Focus Areas: Management, Accounting, Marketing, and Health Sciences.

    4. Mancosa (Management College of Southern Africa)

    • Registration: DHET-compliant.
    • Accreditation: CHE-accredited.
    • Focus Areas: Business Administration, Public Administration, and Supply Chain Management.

    5. Embury Institute for Higher Education

    • Registration: DHET-registered.
    • Accreditation: CHE and Umalusi.
    • Focus Areas: Teacher Education and Training.

    6. Rosebank College (A Division of The IIE)

    • Registration: Registered with DHET.
    • Accreditation: CHE and Umalusi.
    • Focus Areas: Business, IT, and Creative Arts.

    7. Lyceum College

    • Registration: DHET-registered.
    • Accreditation: Recognized by CHE and Umalusi.
    • Focus Areas: Policing, Business Management, and Education.

    8. The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)

    • Registration: DHET-compliant.
    • Accreditation: CHE and professional bodies like HPCSA.
    • Focus Areas: Psychology, Counselling, and Social Work.

    9. Inscape Education Group

    • Registration: Registered with DHET.
    • Accreditation: CHE-accredited.
    • Focus Areas: Design, Communication, and Digital Marketing.

    10. Academy of Sound Engineering

    • Registration: DHET-registered.
    • Accreditation: CHE and MICT SETA.
    • Focus Areas: Sound Engineering, Broadcasting, and Music Production.

    11. Vega School (A Brand of The IIE)

    • Registration: DHET-registered.
    • Accreditation: CHE and Umalusi.
    • Focus Areas: Branding, Marketing, and Design.

    12. CTU Training Solutions

    • Registration: Registered with DHET.
    • Accreditation: MICT SETA and CHE.
    • Focus Areas: IT, Project Management, and Design.

    13. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology

    • Registration: DHET-compliant.
    • Accreditation: CHE-accredited.
    • Focus Areas: IT, Business, and Public Administration.

    14. CityVarsity

    • Registration: Registered with DHET.
    • Accreditation: CHE and Umalusi.
    • Focus Areas: Film, Media, and Creative Arts.

    15. Diversity Technology Training Institute

    • Registration: DHET-compliant.
    • Accreditation: SETA-accredited.
    • Focus Areas: Technical Skills, IT, and Engineering.

    16. Shaw Academy

    • Registration: DHET-registered.
    • Accreditation: Recognized by CHE and relevant professional bodies.
    • Focus Areas: Professional Development and Short Courses.

    17. Belgium Campus ITversity

    • Registration: DHET-compliant.
    • Accreditation: CHE and international IT certifications.
    • Focus Areas: IT, Software Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence.

    18. Cornerstone Institute

    • Registration: Registered with DHET.
    • Accreditation: CHE and professional bodies.
    • Focus Areas: Psychology, Theology, and Business.

    19. Central Technical College

    • Registration: DHET-registered.
    • Accreditation: SETA-accredited.
    • Focus Areas: Engineering, Business, and IT.

    20. ETA College (Exercise Teachers Academy)

    • Registration: DHET-registered.
    • Accreditation: CHE and SETAs.
    • Focus Areas: Fitness, Sport Management, and Coaching.

    Read more: Register of Private Colleges as of 16 January 2024

    Why Accreditation Matters

    Accreditation ensures that a college meets the quality standards set by South Africa’s education authorities. It also ensures that qualifications obtained are recognized both locally and internationally, enhancing your career prospects.

    How to Verify Accreditation

    To confirm if a private college is registered and accredited:

    1. Visit the DHET website (www.dhet.gov.za).
    2. Search for the institution’s registration number.
    3. Check accreditation through professional bodies or SETAs.

    Recommended for you: Top TVET Colleges Accepting Late Applications for 2025

    Selecting a registered and accredited private college is a vital step in securing a quality education and improving your career prospects. South Africa offers a wide range of reputable institutions, each catering to specific fields and industries. By verifying the registration status of the college through the DHET and confirming accreditation with the relevant bodies, you can confidently choose an institution that meets your needs. Prioritize quality education, and invest in your future with an institution that aligns with your academic and professional goals.

    Share.