The Procedures to Open a College in South Africa
How do I start my own college?
- Determining the Purpose of the College
Reflect on your reasons for starting the college. What is missing from the current educational institutions in your area (or even worldwide) that you feel you can add or improve upon? What do you have to offer in your educational philosophy, curricular focus and teaching methodologies?
- Set out solid reasons for your college.
Your mission statement should include your reasons for starting the college, the educational approach and curriculum and your goals.
- Getting Advice and Funding
Seek out funding options to determine if you will be able to proceed with the process. If you will be setting up a non-profit college, look for foundations or individuals that would be interested in donating to support a college. Make presentations to encourage community support.
Do I need to do some Registration to Open a College in South Africa?
The following are the Requirement to Register a College in South Africa:
- Complete the prescribed application form.
- Submit the application form to the Registrar of Private Higher Education institutions.
- Submit the following documents with the application form:
- audited annual financial statements or audited financial forecasts
- business plan
- surety agreement
- company registration documents
- occupational health and safety compliance audit reports
- business registration certificate
- declaration on application for accreditation
- undertaking on institutional capacity
- declaration on monitoring and evaluation
- inter-institutional agreements, if any
- student prospectus, calendar or brochure
- enrolment forms, student contracts and rules and regulations.
- Foreign applicants must submit the following:
- declaration on equality of qualifications
- proof of recognition in the country of origin
- proof of accreditation in the country of origin
- an accreditation certificate from the HEQC and registration from Saqa
- signed declaration that the institution will not discriminate in any way
- in the case of changes, the details that must be changed
- declaration on monitoring and evaluation, as well as an undertaking on the official letterhead, dated and signed.
- Pay the prescribed fee.
Note: Please contact the Registrar about any changes you wish to make during the application process.
How much does the Registration for Opening a College cost in South Africa?
In South Africa, the cost of registering a college is around R500.
How long does it take to Register a College In South Africa?
- First-time registration: 18 months before the institution opens for registration.
- For amendment: 12 months before the amendment comes into effect.
- For conversion: as determined by the Registrar.
