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
141Every 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.
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IMM Graduate School of Marketing
Fully RegisteredBoston City Campus
Fully RegisteredEduvos Featured
Fully Registered2 Oceans Graduate Institute
ProvisionalAAA School of Advertising
Fully RegisteredAcademic Institute of Excellence
ProvisionalAcademy For Environmental Leadership SA
ProvisionalAcademy for Facilit y Management
Fully RegisteredAcademy for Organisational Change
ProvisionalAcademy of Sound Engineering
Fully RegisteredACT Cape Town
Fully RegisteredAFM Theological College
ProvisionalAfrican Academy of Cinematic Arts
ProvisionalAfrikaanse Protestantse Akademie (Die)
Fully RegisteredAkademia
Fully RegisteredAkademiese Reformatoriese Opleiding en Studies (AROS)
Fully RegisteredAlpvest Institute for Futuretech
ProvisionalAnimation School
Fully RegisteredArwyp Training Institute (Pty Ltd
ProvisionalAuckland Park Theological Seminary
ProvisionalBalderstone Sports Institute
ProvisionalBaptist Theological College of Southern Africa
Fully RegisteredBelgium Campus I ITVERSITY
Fully RegisteredBerea College of Technology
Fully RegisteredBHC School of Design
Fully RegisteredBible Institute of South Africa
ProvisionalBoston Media House
Fully RegisteredBronberg Nurse Education and Training Academy
ProvisionalBusiness Management Training College
Fully RegisteredCamelot International
ProvisionalCampus of Performing Arts
ProvisionalCape Audio College
Fully RegisteredCape Town Baptist Seminary
Fully RegisteredCape Town College of Fashion Design
Fully RegisteredCape Town Creative Academy
Fully RegisteredCareer Excel Academy
ProvisionalCedar International Academy
ProvisionalCentr e for Creative Education/Iziko La Bantu Be Afrika
Fully RegisteredChartall Business College
ProvisionalChatsmed Candle Light Nursing School
ProvisionalCheeba Cannibis Academy
ProvisionalChrist Baptist Church Seminary
Fully RegisteredChristian Reformed Theological Seminary/Christelike Gereformeerde Teologie Seminarium
Fully RegisteredCollege of Transfiguration
Fully RegisteredCornerstone Institute (
Fully RegisteredCornerstone Performance Solutions
ProvisionalCranefield College
Fully RegisteredCTU Training Solutions
ProvisionalDa Vinci Institute for Technology Management
Fully RegisteredDesign Academy of Fashion
Fully RegisteredDesign Time
ProvisionalDuke Corporate Education RSA
ProvisionalEco Training
ProvisionalEdutel Higher Education
Fully RegisteredElizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design
Fully RegisteredEmmanuel Verpleegskool
ProvisionalEmpilweni Education
Fully RegisteredEngineering College of Science and Technology
ProvisionalEquine – Librium College
ProvisionalEsda Nursing Education Institute
ProvisionalESRI South Africa
Fully RegisteredEvangelical Seminary of Southern Africa (
ProvisionalExercise Teachers Academy
Fully RegisteredFEDISA
Fully RegisteredFelix Higher E ducation and Training
ProvisionalFoundation for Professional Development
Fully RegisteredFriends of Design – Academy of Digital Arts
Fully RegisteredFuture Nurses Nursing School
ProvisionalGeorge Whitefield College
Fully RegisteredHealth and Fitness Professionals Academy
Fully RegisteredHelderberg College of Higher Education
Fully RegisteredHenley Business School Limited (
Fully RegisteredHugenote Kollege
ProvisionalInscape Education Group
Fully RegisteredInstill Education
ProvisionalInstitute for Architecture Design
ProvisionalInstitute of Accounting Science
ProvisionalInternational Hotel School Ltd
Fully RegisteredInternational Peace College South Africa
ProvisionalInternational Trade Institute of Southern Africa
Fully RegisteredIQ Academy
Fully RegisteredIsa Carstens Academy
Fully RegisteredKeobakile Nursing Academy
ProvisionalKhanyisa Nursing School
ProvisionalLenmed Nursing College
ProvisionalLife Healthcare Group
Fully RegisteredLillian Spengani Memorial Nursing School
ProvisionalLutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane
ProvisionalLutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane
ProvisionalLyceum College
Fully RegisteredMadina Institute
ProvisionalMANCOSA
Fully RegisteredMarematlou Training Institute
ProvisionalMEDICLINIC
Fully RegisteredMilpark Education
Fully RegisteredMoonstone Business School of Excellence
ProvisionalMukhanyo Theological College
Fully RegisteredNetcare Education
Fully RegisteredNewbridge Graduate Institute
Fully RegisteredNovia One Group
ProvisionalOakfields College
Fully RegisteredOpen Learning Group
Fully RegisteredPeritum Agri Institute
ProvisionalPotchefstroom Akademie (Edms) Bpk/Potchefstroom Academy
Fully RegisteredProduction Management Institute of Southern Africa
Fully RegisteredRed and Yellow Creative School of Business
Fully RegisteredRegenesys Education
Fully RegisteredRegent Business School
Fully RegisteredRichfield Graduate Institute of Technology
Fully RegisteredRuth Prowse School of Art
Fully RegisteredSACOB South African College of Business
ProvisionalSAE Institute of South Africa
Fully RegisteredSANTS Private Higher Education Institution
Fully RegisteredSchool of Explorative Architecture (
ProvisionalSeth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary
Fully RegisteredSizanesu Nursing Training Institute
ProvisionalSkillsPro
ProvisionalSouth African College of Applied Psychology
Fully RegisteredSouth African School of Motion Picture Medium & Live Performance
Fully RegisteredSouth African Theological Seminary
Fully RegisteredSouthern Africa Bible College
Fully RegisteredSouthern African Wildlife College
Fully RegisteredSt John Vianney Seminary
Fully RegisteredSt Joseph’s Theological Institute
Fully RegisteredSt. Augustine College of South Africa
Fully RegisteredStadio
Fully RegisteredStellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography
Fully RegisteredStenden South Africa BV (
Fully RegisteredStriving Mind Nursing Academy
ProvisionalThe Independent Institute of Education
Fully RegisteredThe Open Window
Fully RegisteredThe Swiss Hotel School SA
Fully RegisteredTheological Education by Extension College
Fully RegisteredThulaganyo Nursing School
ProvisionalThutobopelo Nursing Academy
ProvisionalTrifocus Fitness Academy
ProvisionalTSIBA Education
Fully RegisteredUkwazi School of Nursing
ProvisionalUnion Bible Institute
Fully RegisteredVillioti Fashion Institute
Fully RegisteredClosing Soon — Teach-Out Phase
24These 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.
Camelot International Pty (Ltd)
Cancelled — Teach-OutCity Varsity
Cancelled — Teach-OutCommerce and Computer College of South Africa
Cancelled — Teach-OutConcept Interactive (Cape) Pty Ltd
Cancelled — Teach-OutDamelin
Cancelled — Teach-OutDermatech
Cancelled — Teach-OutEast London Management Institute
Cancelled — Teach-OutEmendy
Cancelled — Teach-OutGreenside Design Center College of Design
Cancelled — Teach-OutICESA City Campus
Cancelled — Teach-OutIHT Hotel School
Cancelled — Teach-OutIkusasa Lethu Nursing School
Cancelled — Teach-OutInternational College of Bible and Missions
Cancelled — Teach-OutLISOF
Cancelled — Teach-OutMonash South Africa Limited (
Cancelled — Teach-OutMSC Education Holdings
Cancelled — Teach-OutNazarene Theological College
Cancelled — Teach-OutOptimum Learning Technologies
Cancelled — Teach-OutPM Academy
Cancelled — Teach-OutPrestige Academy
Cancelled — Teach-OutPrivate Hotel School
Cancelled — Teach-OutSouthern Business School
Cancelled — Teach-OutThe South African Institute for Heritage Science
Cancelled — Teach-OutTowerstone
Cancelled — Teach-OutAbidan Bybel “Collage” (Sic) College and University
Never registeredAboriginal College of South Africa
Never registeredAcademy of Advanced Technology
De-registeredAcademy of Financial Markets
De-registeredAcademy of Sexology
Never registeredAfrica Centre for Work-Based Learning
Never registeredAfrican Advanced Academy
Never registeredAl Kawther Centre
Never registeredAlpha Bible College
Never registeredAnoited (Sic) University
Never registeredBantori Business College (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredBarkley University
Never registeredBeautiko Academy of Beauty (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredBeautiko Academy of Beauty (Pty) Ltd
Never registeredBelathyme Investments (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredBethel College
De-registeredBeyond Adventure Internship
Never registeredBible Institute Eastern Cape
De-registeredBig Fish School of Digital Filmmaking NPC
De-registeredBlackford Centre for Herbal Medicine
Never registeredBond South Africa
De-registeredBopaditshaba Training Services (Pty) Ltd
Never registeredBrand School
Never registeredCalvary Life Tutors
Never registeredCalvary University
Never registeredCanterbury University
Never registeredCape Bible Training Centre
De-registeredCat Group (Pty) Ltd t/a CAT Academy
De-registeredCentre for Fine Art Animation and Design (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredCentre for Logistics Excellence (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredCentre for Urban Theological Studies
De-registeredCertified Institute for Management Accountants (CIMA)
Never registeredChristian Academy
Never registeredChristian Academy Port Elizabeth
Never registeredChristian Campus (The)
Never registeredChristian Life Training
Never registeredChristian Revival Church
Never registeredCIDA Campus NPC
De-registeredCollege of Marketing and Sales Management
De-registeredCollege of Production Technology (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredCollege of Vocational Studies
De-registeredColumbus Commercial College (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredContemporary Music College
De-registeredCornerstone School of the Spirit
Never registeredCorrespondence Training Academy
Never registeredCrane International Academy (Pty) Ltd
Never registeredCredo College
De-registeredCTI Education Group (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredDamelin Correspondence College
Never registeredDesign, Art Direction and Animation Academy (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredDigolo University
Never registeredDiploma Company
Never registeredDurban Christian Centre
De-registeredDurban Christian Centre Bible Institute
Never registeredDurban College of Management and Economics
De-registeredDurbanville College (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredEast London University
Never registeredEd-U City Campus (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredEdu-Campus/Hope University
Never registeredeLearning Systems (Pty) Ltd trading as eDegree
Never registeredEmmanuel Christian University
Never registeredEvangelical Seminary of Southern Africa
De-registeredEvangelies-Gereformeerde Bybelkollege
De-registeredFargo University
Never registeredFull Gospel Church of God College (The)
De-registeredGauteng School of Management Training Centre (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredGeneration Impact Bible College
Never registeredGiyani College of Technology and Management
De-registeredGo Ye Theological Seminary
Never registeredGood Shepherd College of Religion, Culture and Training
Never registeredGraduate Academy of South Africa
De-registeredHamburger University
Never registeredHampton College t/a Hampton Community College
De-registeredHaute Couture School of Fashion Design
De-registeredHeadstart Mercy Montessori Training Centre (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredHealthnicon South Africa (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredHebraic Teaching Roots Institute on behalf of Therapon University
Never registeredHebron Theological College NPC
De-registeredHenley Management College (The)
De-registeredHeritage of Faith Bible Institute South Africa
Never registeredImmanuel International Bible College
Never registeredImpact Christian Campus
Never registeredImperial Underwood Campus
De-registeredInstitute of Natural Health (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredInstitute of Strategy, Accounting and Finance
Never registeredInstrument Data Communications (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredInternational Academy of Health and Skincare (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredInternational Academy of Health and Skincare (Pty) Ltd
Never registeredInternational Open University (IOU)
Never registeredInternational Theological Academy
Never registeredInternational University
Never registeredIntuition College
Never registeredJill Farquharson College of Physical and Beauty Therapy
De-registeredJohannesburg City College
Never registeredJohannesburg Varsity College
Never registeredJordan Institute of Mission and Ministerial Acts (J.I.M.M.A)
Never registeredJoy Foundation (The) on behalf of Team Impact Christian University
Never registeredJoy Ministries
Never registeredKR Education Solutions/Emmanuel Verpleegskool (Pty) Ltd
Never registeredLifechange Training Centre NPC
De-registeredLinea Academy (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredLowveld Tertiary College
De-registeredM and M Performing Arts College
Never registeredMaccauvlei Training and Conference Centre
De-registeredMaharishi Institute
Never registeredManchester Open University
Never registeredMasanga Business School
Never registeredMaster Retailing (Pty) Ltd
Never registeredMBA Training Company
Never registeredMcFord University
Never registeredMediatek Training Institute
De-registeredMhlabuhlangene School of African Medicine
Never registeredMonash Technology Institute
Never registeredMorolan IT Consults
Never registeredMount Zion University of South Africa
Never registeredMSC Private College
De-registeredNatural Health and Beauty College cc
De-registeredNew Africa Theatre Association
De-registeredNew Skills Academy
Never registeredNew World Mission Dunamis International University (NWMDIU)
Never registeredNorth West School of Design (Pty) Ltd
Never registeredNorthern Cape Careers College
De-registeredOval International Computer Education (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredPatrick Commercial College (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredPinnacle Business College
De-registeredPrimarius Privaat Kollege (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredPRISA Education and Training Centre
De-registeredProfessional Colleges of Southern Africa (PCSA)
De-registeredProfessional Counsellor Academy of South Africa
Never registeredProfessional Drafting Services
Never registeredPromat College of Education
De-registeredProspect N Tutorial College
Never registeredQualitas Career Academy
Never registeredQuest Computer Skills Centre
Never registeredReebok Education (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredReebok Education (Pty) Ltd
DiscontinuedRenee Institute of Beauty Therapy
Never registeredRissik Business School (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredRissik Business School (Pty) Ltd
DiscontinuedRiver Bible Institute
Never registeredRS23 Computer College South Africa (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredRuhama College of Higher Education
Never registeredSADC University of African Medicine
Never registeredSalem Bible College on behalf of Team Impact Christian University
Never registeredSchool of Complementary Health
De-registeredSchool of Effective Reflexology Methods (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredSchool of Effective Reflexology Methods (Pty) Ltd
DiscontinuedSchool of Hand and Foot Reflexology (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredSchool of Hand and Foot Reflexology (Pty) Ltd
DiscontinuedSchool of Lifestyle Medicine (The)
Never registeredSetanta Institute
Never registeredShaw Academy
Never registeredSkills Academy (Pty) Ltd
Never registeredSkyline College
Never registeredSonett International Academy (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredSouth African College of Complementary Therapies cc
De-registeredSouth African College of Herbal Medicine
Never registeredSouth African Faculty of Homeopathy (The)
De-registeredSouth African Faculty of Homeopathy (The)
DiscontinuedSouth African Film, Acting and Theatre Academy
Never registeredSouth African Institute for Management (SAIM)
Never registeredSouth African Institute of Cranial Studie (The)
Never registeredSouth African University of Excellence
Never registeredSpectrium Graduate School of Business
Never registeredStudium Philosophicum
De-registeredStudy for Career Success
Never registeredStyle Design College (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredStyle Design College of South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Never registeredTeam Impact Christian University
Never registeredTeamwork Bible College
Never registeredTECH South Africa Technological University
Never registeredThe Online Fashion Design Institute
Never registeredTherapon University
Never registeredTrain-A-Child
De-registeredTraining for Management Trust
De-registeredTremar Training College
De-registeredTrinity International Bible University
Never registeredUmdali Institute
Never registeredUniversal College Outcomes
Never registeredUniversity of Arabia
Never registeredUnlock Development Centre
Never registeredWatchman University (Pty) Ltd
Never registeredWorldsview Academy (Pty) Ltd
De-registeredWW.IT-IQ Training and Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Never registeredYaraka School of Holistic Therapies
De-registeredFrequently 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.