Accredited Private Universities & Higher Education Institutions in South Africa

Find your ideal higher education institution from our comprehensive, DHET-verified directory of accredited private universities and colleges in South Africa. Search by institution name, location, or field of study to discover programmes, study modes (online/contact/distance), entry requirements, and direct website links.

How to Use This Directory: Use the search box above the listings to instantly find institutions by name. Filter by Field of Study, Province, NQF Level, or Study Mode using the filter pills. The directory shows 141 accredited institutions currently accepting new students, plus 24 institutions in teach-out phase, and a separate verified list of 217 institutions to avoid.

Why Choose Accredited Private Institutions: Private universities and colleges offer flexible study options, specialized programmes, and year-round intake opportunities. Many institutions provide smaller class sizes, industry-relevant curricula, and personalised support. All qualifications from DHET-registered institutions are nationally recognised by employers and professional bodies. If public university applications have closed, private institutions offer excellent alternatives with multiple intake dates throughout the year.

Why trust this directory

Every institution listed here is cross-referenced against the official DHET register DHET — the South African Department of Higher Education and Training. It maintains the official register of accredited private higher education institutions. , updated quarterly. We separately list institutions whose registration has been cancelled, discontinued, or never granted, so you know which to avoid. Featured institutions are clearly marked — no paid placements distort the listing.

All Accredited Institutions

141

Every institution listed below is DHET-registered and currently accepting new students. Featured institutions are highlighted in goldFeatured institutions hold a paid subscription with Edu-Spaces. We only feature institutions that are DHET-accredited. Paid placements do not influence directory listings — all 141 accredited institutions appear here regardless of subscription status.. Click any institution to see programmes, entry requirements, and contact details.

Showing of institutions

Akademia

Fully Registered
  • Centurion, Paarl, Pretoria
  • NQF 5 – 9
  • 30 accredited programmes
Business & Management Creative Arts & Design Education & Teaching Finance & Accounting +4 more

Berea College of Technology

Fully Registered
  • Durban
  • NQF 5 – 7
  • 26 accredited programmes
Business & Management Education & Teaching Engineering & Technical Finance & Accounting +3 more

Boston Media House

Fully Registered
  • Durban, Pretoria, Sandton
  • NQF 6 – 7
  • 3 accredited programmes
Creative Arts & Design Marketing & Communications

Cornerstone Institute (

Fully Registered
  • Cape Town
  • NQF 5 – 8
  • 11 accredited programmes
Business & Management Creative Arts & Design Education & Teaching Social Sciences & Humanities +1 more

Cranefield College

Fully Registered
  • Midrand, Pretoria
  • NQF 7 – 10
  • 6 accredited programmes
Business & Management Social Sciences & Humanities
  • Bloemfontein, Boksburg +6 more
  • NQF 5 – 6
  • 5 accredited programmes
Business & Management Creative Arts & Design Information Technology Marketing & Communications

FEDISA

Fully Registered
  • Cape Town, Sandton
  • NQF 6 – 8
  • 4 accredited programmes
Creative Arts & Design Marketing & Communications

Inscape Education Group

Fully Registered
  • Cape Town, Midrand +3 more
  • NQF 5 – 8
  • 11 accredited programmes
Built Environment Creative Arts & Design Marketing & Communications

IQ Academy

Fully Registered
  • East London
  • NQF 5 – 6
  • 5 accredited programmes
Business & Management

Lyceum College

Fully Registered
  • Woodmead
  • NQF 5 – 8
  • 24 accredited programmes
Business & Management Creative Arts & Design Education & Teaching Law & Legal Studies +1 more

MANCOSA

Fully Registered
  • Durban
  • NQF 5 – 10
  • 73 accredited programmes
Business & Management Education & Teaching Finance & Accounting Hospitality & Tourism +4 more

MEDICLINIC

Fully Registered
  • Bellville, Bloemfontein +4 more
  • NQF 5 – 8
  • 7 accredited programmes
Business & Management Nursing & Healthcare

Milpark Education

Fully Registered
  • Cape Town
  • NQF 5 – 10
  • 25 accredited programmes
Business & Management Finance & Accounting Law & Legal Studies

Newbridge Graduate Institute

Fully Registered
  • Bellville, Centurion +5 more
  • NQF 5 – 7
  • 22 accredited programmes
Business & Management Creative Arts & Design Engineering & Technical Finance & Accounting +4 more

Oakfields College

Fully Registered
  • Johannesburg, Pretoria
  • NQF 5 – 6
  • 10 accredited programmes
Business & Management Creative Arts & Design Engineering & Technical Marketing & Communications

Regenesys Education

Fully Registered
  • Sandton
  • NQF 5 – 10
  • 32 accredited programmes
Business & Management Creative Arts & Design Education & Teaching Finance & Accounting +4 more

Regent Business School

Fully Registered
  • Durban
  • NQF 5 – 10
  • 40 accredited programmes
Business & Management Finance & Accounting Law & Legal Studies Marketing & Communications +2 more

Stadio

Fully Registered
  • Belleville, Centurion +6 more
  • NQF 5 – 10
  • 60 accredited programmes
Built Environment Business & Management Creative Arts & Design Education & Teaching +6 more

The Open Window

Fully Registered
  • Irene, Stellenbosch
  • NQF 5 – 8
  • 10 accredited programmes
Creative Arts & Design Marketing & Communications

Closing Soon — Teach-Out Phase

24

These institutions have had their DHET registration cancelled but are completing existing student qualifications during a teach-out period. They are not accepting new students. If you've already enrolled with one of these institutions, contact them directly to confirm your programme's status.

Institutions to avoid

Our directory also tracks 217 institutions that are de-registered, discontinued, or have never been DHET-accredited. Showing these helps protect prospective students from enrolling in illegitimate programmes. We list these institutions as a public service so visitors searching for them can see their official DHET status before enrolling or paying fees. Source: DHET register of warning lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are private university qualifications recognized? A: Yes! Employers, professional bodies, and universities recognize qualifications from accredited private institutions throughout South Africa. However, you must ensure the institution is registered with DHET and holds accreditation from CHE, Umalusi, or QCTO. Always verify an institution’s credentials before enrolling to protect your investment in education.

Q: Are applications still open for 2026? A: Absolutely! Unlike public universities that operate on fixed deadlines, many private institutions accept applications year-round. Most institutions offer multiple intake dates throughout the year, typically in January, April, July, and October. You can start your studies when it suits your schedule. We recommend contacting institutions directly to confirm their current intake dates and available spaces.

Q: What are entry requirements? A: Entry requirements vary depending on the qualification level and institution. Most programmes require a National Senior Certificate (matric) with specific subject passes and minimum APS scores. Some institutions accept work experience or offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for mature students without formal qualifications. Click any institution’s “View university” button in the directory above to see programme-specific entry requirements.

Q: How do I know if an institution is legitimate? A: All institutions in our main directory are verified against the official DHET register. Be wary of institutions not listed here. We also maintain a verified list of 217 illegal, de-registered, and discontinued institutions — click “Show 217 warnings” in the directory above to see them, or visit the DHET register directly at https://www.dhet.gov.za/.

Q: How much do private institutions cost? A: Fees vary significantly between institutions and programmes. Contact institutions directly for current fee structures. Many offer payment plans and bursaries (note: private institutions do not accept NSFAS funding). Some employers sponsor employee education at private institutions.

Q: Can I transfer credits from a private institution to a public university? A: Yes, as long as both institutions are DHET-registered and offer accredited programmes. Credit transfer policies vary by institution, so check with your intended destination institution about their recognition of prior learning.

Q: Do private institutions offer student accommodation? A: Some private institutions provide on-campus residences or partner with accommodation providers. Contact institutions directly about housing options. Many students studying online or at city campuses arrange private accommodation.

Q: Are international qualifications accepted for entry? A: Yes, most private institutions accept international qualifications equivalent to the South African NSC. You’ll need to have your qualifications evaluated by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) for official recognition.

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