Online Degree, Online Courses and Distance Learning in South Africa

In South Africa, online and distance learning covers two quite different kinds of study: full degree programmes taught at a distance by accredited higher education institutions, and shorter courses, such as language lessons, taught live online by private providers. For a student abroad, the main question is the same in both cases: who has accredited the provider, and what will the qualification be worth?

SpainExchange currently lists one active school in this category, the Bay Language Institute, an English language school from Port Elizabeth that now teaches online.

How distance education is regulated

South Africa has separate bodies for different parts of the education system:

• The Council on Higher Education (CHE), an independent statutory body set up in May 1998 under the Higher Education Act, accredits higher education programmes and audits the quality assurance of institutions
• The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) plans and funds the public universities and regulates private higher education
• The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), established in 2010, accredits skills development providers that offer occupational qualifications, part-qualifications and skills programmes
• The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) runs the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and evaluates foreign qualifications

Distance programmes leading to a degree or diploma follow the same accreditation rules as campus programmes. The CHE has published guidance on distance higher education and points to quality criteria for distance education drawn up by NADEOSA, the national association of distance education organisations. Among the public universities, the University of South Africa (Unisa) teaches by open distance learning (ODL) and hosts a UNESCO Chair on Open Distance Learning. It offers undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees, master's and doctoral degrees and short learning programmes, and has a separate admission route for international students.

Online language courses

The Bay Language Institute (bli) closed its school building in Port Elizabeth because of the travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It now teaches English online, with the same teachers. Lessons take place in a virtual classroom and are available as:

• Individual (one-to-one) lessons for all ages and levels
• Personalised small-group lessons, including two-to-one, for friends, colleagues, couples or families, with a minimum booking of ten 45-minute lessons
• Group lessons on request

Course content includes General, Business and Aviation English, IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation, conversation and pronunciation. The school also offers online German lessons on request. According to the school, it is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and accredited by the QCTO and by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (ATO 0373).

Admission and recognition

For a degree, foreign school leavers need a school-leaving qualification that South African universities accept. The Matriculation Board, an advisory body to Universities South Africa (USAf), keeps the list of foreign qualifications accepted for first-degree study and issues exemption certificates. The non-refundable exemption fee for 2026 is R1,070. Documents in a language other than English need a sworn translation. SAQA's evaluations of foreign qualifications are aimed at job placement, not at admission to a university degree.

Language schools do not usually set entry requirements. The Bay Language Institute places students according to their level and designs courses around their needs.

Costs and payment

Fees depend on the provider and the programme, so ask for a quotation. At the Bay Language Institute, course fees are paid in advance. A 30% deposit is due on registration, and the balance two weeks before the course starts. Course changes made seven days or less before the start that cause a loss of revenue cost €30.

How to choose an online or distance course

• Accreditation: for degrees, check that the programme is accredited by the CHE and registered on the NQF; for occupational training, check QCTO accreditation
• Qualification: a registered degree or diploma, an occupational certificate or a school's own course certificate
• Format: live classes in a virtual classroom, or self-paced distance study with assignments and exams
• Time zone and schedule: live lessons are arranged in South African time
• Admission: check whether you need a Matriculation Board exemption before applying for a degree
• Travel: if a programme requires exams or practical work in South Africa, check the visa rules with the South African embassy

Frequently asked questions

Can I study for a South African degree entirely at a distance?

Yes. The University of South Africa (Unisa) teaches by open distance learning and accepts international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Who accredits distance programmes in South Africa?

The Council on Higher Education accredits higher education programmes, whether taught on campus or at a distance. The QCTO accredits providers of occupational qualifications and skills programmes.

Do I need a Matriculation Board exemption?

Foreign school leavers who want to study for a first degree usually need one. The exemption fee for 2026 is R1,070, and the Board's online portal handles applications.

Can I learn English online with a South African school?

Yes. The Bay Language Institute offers live online English lessons, one-to-one or in small groups, including exam preparation for IELTS and Cambridge exams.