Distance Learning in South Africa

In this day and age, there are so many options for students to choose from as a form of study besides the general face-to-face classrooms. More and more people in South Africa are choosing to further their education at distance learning institutions instead.

What Is Distance Learning?

Distance learning is a form of education where students study remotely from home, with little to no interaction between them and other students and lecturers. There are different types of distance learning styles to accommodate different students’ needs, each with a long list of advantages.

To know more about what distance learning is and how it works, you can read our article, How does Distance Learning work.

Distance Learning in South Africa

Distance learning has become extremely popular amongst South African students wanting to further their education. Not only is it easily accessible to all people from different backgrounds but it is also affordable!

Most universities cost a lot to run and have overhead costs such as maintaining classrooms and having a lecturer in each one of those classes, therefore it is included in the student fees. Due to the fact that distance learning institutions don’t have large campuses, student fees are generally lower as a result.

Probably the biggest reason for distance learning becoming so popular is the fact that you can study anywhere and at any time. This means that you can even work and study at the same time, as well as save big on driving back and forth between campus and home. Once again showing how distance learning saves students money, plus you have the opportunity to gain some work experience early!

What Are The Advantages Of Distance Learning?

The list of advantages for choosing a distance learning institute is endless. You might not have even realized most of them, but we have compiled a list to tell you about some of them:

You can study at your own pace. Whether you feel you need to spend a week or a month on a chapter, you decide!
No classrooms! Some students dislike the classroom environment and often get distracted by other students. With distance learning, your classroom is anywhere you want it to be.
Due to no campuses, students save money on traveling and accommodation fees. All you have to do is switch on your computer or open your books and you’re ready to go.
You determine the hours you study! Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, distance learning makes it easy for you to use the times you focus best as your study periods.
By choosing your own hours you are also able to attend to other commitments, perhaps you want to work part-time or maybe have social plans during the day. Distance learning gives you the freedom to do so.

Choosing A Distance Learning Institute

There are distance learning institutions all over South Africa and you need to choose one right for you. They need to be trustworthy, reliable, and supportive to help you on your journey of furthering your education.

Are They Trustworthy?

Due to the institutes all over South Africa, some might not always be trustworthy. Before making your decision on an institute you need to make sure of a few things, especially if you are not familiar with them.

Are they registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)?
Are they accredited? Usually you will find certificates on the institution’s site.
Are the courses they offer accredited and recognised?

You may also want to do some research on the study fees, try finding the answers to the following questions:

Do I pay upfront, or can I pay monthly?
Can I cancel my studies? If so, are there any cancellation costs or will I receive a full refund?
Does this college’s courses cost more than others?

Are They Reliable?

Unlike classrooms, you do not have a lecturer standing in front of you teaching you the work, all of your work is self-study. However, you will receive all your study materials from your chosen college.

Most colleges design the material specifically for their students. Therefore you need to make sure that they are making it easier for you.

Find out if they supply you with a study guide along with your textbooks and assignments. Your study guide will literally guide you through your studies. It will help you to figure out when to get started and might even provide you with a study plan to make sure that you do not fall behind.

Because it is all self-study, you may feel lost and confused, so you need to choose a college that will help you through it all.

Are They Supportive?

There is nothing worse than spending money on something and feeling lost with no response from your college when needed. Find a college that will assist and support you when you are in need of help.

Does the college offer online study groups?

Do they provide you with contact details to reach them?

A college’s main aim should be to help their students do well in their studies and to earn their qualification. Although you have chosen to do your studies by yourself remotely, no one wants to feel alone and stressed without any guidance when desperate for it.

Distance Learning Colleges in South Africa

There are distance learning institutions all over South Africa. We have researched and listed a few possible distance learning colleges in South Africa for you to consider for your studies.

All of the below colleges have been registered with the DHET.

Study Anywhere, Anytime with Bellview!

Bellview Institute is a distance learning institute that offers a variety of accredited career development courses to choose from. Our course selection includes carefully selected NATED courses, as well as the full range of ICB courses to help you boost your careers. Here, at Bellview we aim to give our students the best support and assistance when needed.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us with one of the following ways:

Give us a call on our toll-free number 0800 39 00 27
Fill out our contact form at the bottom of the page
Chat to us on Whatsapp 082 318 8892

Author: Kayla Preston
Date Published: 06 October 2020