Top 20 distance learning colleges in South Africa in 2025

Enrolling in accredited distance learning colleges in South Africa is an excellent way to advance your education. Work, family, and other responsibilities should not hinder anyone from progressing academically. This article lists the top 20 distance learning colleges in South Africa.

Key takeaways

• Distance learning in South Africa is a convenient way to study, especially for adults.
• Many colleges and students find distance learning more cost-efficient.
• Accredited distance learning colleges in South Africa offer numerous diploma and certificate programmes.
• The top 20 distance learning colleges in South Africa are known for offering quality education for all.
• It is important to choose long-distance learning colleges registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and to ascertain whether they offer accredited courses.

Top 20 distance learning colleges in South Africa

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This compilation of the top 20 distance learning colleges in South Africa is based on factors such as academic reputation, accreditation status, programme diversity, faculty expertise, and the overall quality of distance learning offerings. This ranking can vary based on individual preferences and requirements. Note that the list is in no particular order.

20. Skills Academy

• Address: 5th Floor, Standard Plaza, 440 Hilda St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
• Contact number: 021 838 8250
• Email: support@skillsacademy.edu.za

Skills Academy has been offering online qualifications since 2009. The private institution is registered with DHET. Skills Academy offers numerous courses accredited by SAQA, including financial accounting, office administration, and bookkeeping.

19. Lyceum Correspondence College (LCC)

• Address: 130 Strand St, Central, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa, Cape Town
• Contact number: 0861 819 211
• Email: info@lyceum.co.za

Lyceum Correspondence College (LCC) offers degrees, diplomas, and higher learning certificates. Their student advisors will help you get a course that matches your career path. Courses at Lyceum Correspondence College include traffic and metropolitan policing, administration in licensing practice, arts in disaster and safety management, commerce in management, criminal justice, and Grade R teaching.

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18. Ember Academy

• Address: 5th Floor, Standard Plaza, 440 Hilda St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
• Contact number: +27 12 740 2350
• Email: admissions@embersacademy.org

Ember Academy offers online study groups, regular access to tutors, past exam papers, and study guides. The school understands distance students' challenges and tries to improve their learning experience. Ember Academy offers accounting, business management, office administration, entrepreneurship, beauty therapy, photography, and more courses.

17. TWP Academy

• Address: 53A Mega Park, Corner of Peter Barlow Rd and Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville South, Cape Town, 7534, South Africa
• Contact number: 0800 39 00 27
• Email: info@togetherwepass.co.za

The Together We Pass Academy (TWP) was established in 2015. The institution has numerous courses, including bookkeeping, entrepreneurship, and financial management. An ICB course at TWP Academy is accredited by FASSET and recognized with the NQF.

16. Damelin Correspondence College (DCC)

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• Address: House, 3rd Floor, Success, 2 Melle St, Braamfontein, South Africa
• Contact number: 0860 61 61 61
• Email: info@dcc.edu.za

Damelin Correspondence College (DCC) is among the top distance learning TVET colleges in South Africa and has a wide range of accredited courses. Popular ones are business management, mechanical engineering, childhood development, legal secretary, hotel management, and accounting. Damelin Correspondence College can help you elevate your career.

15. INTEC College

• Address: 325 Anton Lembede St, Durban
• Contact number: +27 86 181 9217
• Email: info@intec.edu.za

INTEC College is a leading distance learning institution that has been helping South Africans achieve their dreams for over a century.

14. The Learning Group

• Address: Unit MP53B Mega Park C/O Peter Barlow and Mill Rd, Bellville South, Cape Town, 7530
• Contact number: +27 21 838 8250

The Learning Group has been operational since 1984. The institute often revises its courses to meet modern trends in the job market and distance learning sector. The Learning Group is one of the best places to take management assistant courses.

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13. Oxbridge Academy

• Address: The Vineyard, Cnr Devon Valley & Adam Tas Road, Stellenbosch, 7600
• Contact numbers: 021 1100 200 (local), +2721 883 2454 (international)
• Email: info@oxbridgeacademy.edu.za

Courses at Oxbridge Academy are legit and relevant in the current job market. The institution is among reputable distance learning TVET colleges in South Africa. Oxbridge Academy has more than 25 years of experience and is a proud member of the ADvTECH Group. Some of its programmes include engineering, public relations, and tourism & hospitality.

12. Bellview Institute

• Address: 5th Floor, Standard Plaza, 440 Hilda St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa
• Contact number: 0800 39 00 27 (local), +27 21 828 8290 (international)
• Email: support@bellview.co.za

Bellview Institute is a private distance-learning college in South Africa. Its tutors offer support and guidance throughout your studies and will not delay study materials or feedback on assignments. Courses you could take at Bellview Institute include bookkeeping & accounting, business administration, and human resource management.

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11. International Business Training College (IBTC)

• Address: Block B, 144 Katherine Street, Grayston Ridge Office Park, Sandton, 2196, South Africa
• Contact number: 0861 111 411 (local), +27 861 111 411 (international)
• Email: info@ibtc.co.za

IBTC is among the distance learning colleges in South Africa specialising in business courses. It offers global qualifications such as CIMA, ACCA, and CFA. IBTC Institute offers national diplomas and certificates in human resource management, business management, and marketing. Short online courses are also available.

10. South African College of Business (SACOB)

• Address: 88 Belvedere Road, Claremont, Cape Town 7708
• Contact number: 021 701 5407
• Email: info@sacob.com

SACOB offers business courses like accounting, business administration, and business management. The programs ensure that the student acquires the theoretical knowledge, skills and practical know-how to succeed in contemporary business surroundings. SACOB is registered by the Department of Higher Education in South Africa.

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9. The Assessment College

• Address: 128 Richards Drive, Halfway House, Midrand, 1684
• Contact number: 082 881 2690
• Email: info@assessmentcollege.com

The Assessment College offers high-quality online education in South Africa. It is also a global education training and skills development. While the institution strives to give you the best education, your responsibility is to ensure you gain the best skills and knowledge from your course.

8. Matric College

• Address: 440 Hilda Street Standard Plaza, 5th FloorHatfield, Pretoria
• Contact number: 012 762 7100
• Email: study@matric.co.za

Matric College sends students study materials via its courier system. The school offers Adult Matric – Senior Certificate (Amended), Matric Rewrite, ICB Courses, Matric Upgrade, and National Qualification Courses. ICB courses at Matric College include office administration, small business financial management, and financial accounting.

7. STADIO

• Address: Plot 10, R28 Service Road, Krugersdorp, 1739, South Africa
• Telephone number: 087 158 5000 (South Africa), +264 (0) 8333 10080 (Namibia)
• Email: hello@stadio.ac.za (South Africa), hellonam@stadio.ac.za (Namibia)

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If the learner wants to be a teacher, they can enrol at foundation phase teaching colleges for distance learning. Teaching courses at STADIO are some of the best programmes in SA. The school has campuses in Namibia, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Midrand, and Durban. STADIO also offers long-distance learning programmes for business and other professions.

6. Optimi College

• Address: Tygervalley Office Park 1 Corner of Old Oak and Durban Rd, Cape Town, 7538, South Africa
• Contact numbers: 0861 663 663 (local), +27 21 822 3400 (international)
• Email: info@optimicollege.co.za, support@optimicollege.co.za

Optimi College is among the top IT colleges in South Africa for distance learning. It is a private registered institution with over 16 years of experience and offers over 150 accredited qualifications and short courses. Some of the courses Optimi College offers include graphic design, events management, beauty therapy, project management, and supply chain management.

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5. Varsity College

• Address: Waterstone Drive, Benmore Rd, Sandton, 2196, South Africa
• Contact number: +27 11 784 6939
• Email: amoshou@varsitycollege.co.za

Varsity College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education, founded in 1991. The institution is a private education registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training. Varsity College is among the best distance-learning TVET colleges in South Africa, with eight campuses across the country.

4. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology (RGIT)

• Address: 292 Anton Lembede Street, Durban
• Contact number: 0861 321 321
• Email: info@richfield.ac.za

Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology (RGIT) is a private higher education institution that offers distance learning for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students at RGIT can specialise in various fields, including supply chain management, human resource management, marketing management, accounting, and economics.

3. Business Management Training College (BMT)

• Address: 147 Second Rd, Chartwell, 2191
• Contact number: +27 10 010 0936
• Email: info@bmtcollege.ac.za

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Business Management Training College was established in 1973 in association with the Institute of Business Management. The institution specialises in business management and human resources management qualifications. BMT College is accredited by the Council on Higher Education and the Department of Higher Education and Training.

2. UNISA ODeL College

• Address: Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria
• Contact number: 0800 00 1870
• Email: unisa@thehotline.co.za

UNISA is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa. The university's courses have full-time, part-time, and distance learning modes to accommodate different types of learners. Visit the university website for more information about the UNISA online courses.

1. Milpark Education

• Address: 3rd Floor, Deneb House, 368 Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
• Contact number: 086 999 0001
• Email: support@milpark.ac.za

Milpark Education is a private education established in 1997. The institution was accredited by the Council on Higher Education. Milpark Education offers education in three formats: distance learning, distance learning online, and online short courses. Online studies are ideal for people who are working.

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What are the advantages of distance learning in South Africa?

More people are embracing distance learning because it is beneficial in the following ways:

• You can study while working to gain experience.
• You can use your salary to pay tuition fees for distance learning programs.
• You can study from anywhere within or outside the country.
• You can create a study timetable that does not affect your job, family, and other responsibilities.
• You save money that could have been spent on campus hostels or travelling to school daily.

Which are the best online universities in the world?

Arizona State University (ASU), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, and Johns Hopkins University are among the highly regarded online universities offering a wide range of programmes.

Which university is the best for distance learning?

The top universities offering distance learning in South Africa include Boston City Campus & Business College, the University of South Africa (UNISA), Stellenbosch University, the University of Pretoria (UP), the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Wits University and Botho University.

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Which institute is best for distance learning in South Africa?

Some of the best distance learning institutes in SA include Matric College, Varsity College, Lyceum Correspondence College and Damelin Correspondence College.

Are online courses recognised in South Africa?

The majority of online courses are recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Most of these courses are those that are offered by reputable institutions.

Where can you study online teaching in South Africa?

Various universities, such as the University of Cape Town, the University of Stellenbosch, and the University of South Africa, offer various online teaching courses.

Which are the best UP distance learning programmes?

The University of Pretoria (UP) offers distance learning programmes, including BEdHons in Computer Integrated Education, BEdHons in Learning Support, and BEdHons in Education Management, Law, and Policy.

Which TVET colleges offer distance learning in South Africa?

College SA, False Bay TVET College, and Nkangala TVET College's Middelburg Campus are among the TVET colleges that offer distance learning in South Africa.

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Does DUT offer distance learning?

Durban University of Technology (DUT) offers distance learning through its Online Distance Learning Project office.

The top 20 distance learning colleges in South Africa make learning easy. Before enrolling, contact several schools and compare their fees and other aspects. You should also conduct a background check on institutions to ensure they are registered and their courses are accredited.

Briefly.co.za recently published a list of the best universities in Africa that offer quality education. Having an education is vital for anyone looking to achieve success in their life.

With so many universities, not all can be said to be offering quality and fulfilling education. This is why one should choose wisely to ensure their time and resources are well spent. It is wise to choose a great institution from among the best universities in Africa.

Source: Briefly News