The Ways to Check a Registered Institution in South Africa
How do I choose a reputable private college?
Before you enroll in a private college, it is important to make sure that it meets the legal requirements for private institutions and to determine whether the college provides quality programmes that are valued in the marketplace.
- Check that the college is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on the DHET list of registered private colleges in the TVET sector: www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/DocRegisters.aspx. Private colleges must be registered with the DHET in terms of the Continuing Education and Training Act 16 of 2006 and the FET Colleges Amendment Act of 2013.
How do you check if the institution is registered?
Alternatively, you can email: RegistrarFET@doe.gov.za to find out about a college and their status. In South Africa, one such accreditation is awarded by SANAS – the South African National Accreditation System.
How Can I check if a college is registered in South Africa?
All public TVET colleges are registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training. However, there are also over 300 other, private, colleges that are registered and accredited to deliver education and award qualifications. These colleges serve an important role because they often deliver the type of education that public colleges don’t. Courses like sound engineering, fashion, sports and fitness, movie making and lots of other specialized courses. It is advisable, to ensure that the college you want to enroll at can show you proof of their government registration and their accreditation with the right bodies.
How do I know if my TVET college is registered?
Check that the college is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on the DHET list of registered private colleges in the TVET sector: www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/DocRegisters.aspx.
How do you check if my course is accredited?
Most of the time, the college might be accredited but offering non-accredited short courses. This is why you have to check that the course you want to study is accredited.
Here are some of the main ways you can check for accreditation:
- Ask the Institution.
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Umalusi.
- Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
- Council on Higher Education (CHE)
