Richfield College Courses and Requirements 2026: The Complete Guide

Key Takeaways: The Tech-First College

Type: Private Higher Education Institution (Registered with DHET & CHE).

Focus: Information Technology (IT), Business, and Public Management.

Campuses: 8 Premium Campuses (Bryanston, Umhlanga, Centurion, etc.) + Massive Distance Learning network.

The Perk: Famous for including a Laptop or Tablet and data in the course fees to ensure digital access.

Admissions: OPEN for 2026.

Fees: Approx. R30,000 – R45,000 per year (No NSFAS).

Best For: Students who want a job-ready IT degree without the theory-heavy approach of traditional universities.

In the crowded market of private colleges, Richfield (formerly known as PC Training and Business College) has carved out a massive niche. While Varsity College focuses on the “social experience” and Rosebank focuses on “affordability,” Richfield focuses on one thing: Technology.

For over 20 years, they have been the go-to institution for students who want to break into the IT sector but couldn’t get into a public university’s Computer Science program. Their curriculum is aggressively practical, often integrating certifications from IBM, AWS, and Cisco directly into the degree.

For the 2026 academic year, Richfield has launched new “Premium Campuses” and updated its fee structure. If you are considering this institution as your Plan B (or Plan A), here is the honest breakdown of what they offer, what it costs, and whether you qualify.

1. The 8 “Premium” Campuses

Richfield has moved away from small “shopping centre” classrooms to large, modern campuses.

Gauteng:

Bryanston (Sandton): The flagship IT campus.
Centurion: Near the Gautrain station.
Newtown Junction (JHB CBD): Creative and accessible.
Pretoria CBD: Opposite Sammy Marks Square.

KwaZulu-Natal:

Umhlanga (Park Square): Modern, corporate vibe.
Musgrave (Durban): Central and busy.

Limpopo:

Polokwane: New campus at Library Gardens.

Western Cape:

Cape Town: Long Street (City Centre).

Note: If you are not near these campuses, Richfield has one of the largest Distance Learning (Online) platforms in SA, which is often cheaper than contact study.

2. The “Free Laptop” Deal Explained

Richfield is famous for its marketing: “Register and get a Laptop!”

How it actually works in 2026:

It is not “free” like a gift; it is included in your tuition.

The Model: Richfield believes you cannot study IT without a computer. So, instead of asking you to buy one separately, they build the cost into your fees.
The Device: Usually a mid-range Laptop or high-end Tablet (Proline or similar brand) sufficient for coding and assignments.
The Data: They often include SIM cards with monthly data bundles (Vodacom/MTN) to ensure you can access Moodle (their online portal) from home.
The Catch: If you drop out in the first few months, you usually have to pay for the device or return it.

3. Faculties and Course List 2026

Richfield specializes in two main streams: IT and Business. They do not offer Engineering, Teaching, or Health.

Faculty of Information Technology (The Flagship)

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in IT:
- Specializations: Software Development, Network Engineering, Emerging Technologies (AI/Robotics).
- Duration: 3 Years.
- NQF: Level 7.
Bachelor of Science Honours in IT: (1 Year Postgraduate).
Diploma in Information Technology (DIT):
- Focus: Network Engineering, Programming, or Business Analysis.
- Duration: 3 Years.
Higher Certificate in IT (HCIT):
- Focus: Technical Support and Basic Coding.
- Duration: 1 Year.
Higher Certificate in Computer Forensics:
- Unique Course: Focuses on cybercrime investigation. Very rare in SA.

Faculty of Business & Management Sciences

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom):
- Streams: Marketing, HR, Supply Chain.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA):
- Focuses on general management and operations.
Bachelor of Public Management:
- Designed for people who want to work in Government or Municipalities.
Diploma in Local Government Management:
- Specific training for municipal workers.
MBA (Master of Business Administration):
- A fully accredited MBA for professionals.

4. Admission Requirements 2026

Richfield follows the standard Higher Education laws.

For Degree Programmes (BSc, BCom, BBA)

Requirement: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s Pass (Endorsement).
BSc IT Specifics:
- You typically need a pass in Mathematics or Math Literacy (Technical Maths is also accepted).
- If you have Math Lit, you may need to do an extra bridging module in “Numeracy for IT.”
APS Score: generally looking for APS 22+, but they are flexible if you pass the entrance assessment.

For Diploma Programmes

Requirement: NSC with a Diploma Pass.
Language: 40% in English.

For Higher Certificates

Requirement: NSC with a Higher Certificate Pass.
Grade 12 Fail? If you failed Matric, you cannot enter directly. You might need to redo Matric or look at their vocational short courses (if available).

5. 2026 Fees and Funding (The Money Talk)

Important: Richfield is a Private institution.

NSFAS: NO. You cannot use NSFAS here.
Funza/government Bursaries: Generally NO.

Estimated 2026 Fees (Cash Price vs Terms):

Qualification	Annual Fee (Cash)	Monthly Installment (x10)
BSc in IT	R 39,900	R 4,500
BCom / BBA	R 31,900	R 3,600
Diploma in IT	R 33,900	R 3,800
Higher Certificate	R 29,900	R 3,300
MBA	R 58,900	R 6,600

Registration Deposit: Approx. R2,700 (Non-refundable, deducted from total).
Application Fee: R800 (Often waived if you apply early or during “Open Days”).
Payment Plans: Richfield offers internal payment plans where you pay a deposit + 10 monthly installments. You do not necessarily need a bank loan, but you need a parent/guardian with a payslip to sign as surety.

6. Distance Learning vs. Contact

Richfield is one of the few colleges where the Distance Learning qualification is identical to the Contact one.

Contact (Campus): You go to classes daily (Mon-Fri). You get the full student experience (Wi-Fi, Cafeteria, Friends). More expensive.
Distance (Online): You study from home using the Tablet/Laptop they give you. You submit assignments on Moodle. You only go to campus for exams (or write online). Cheaper.
Recommendation: If you are disciplined, choose Distance to save R10,000+. If you struggle to study alone, pay extra for Contact.

7. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)

Richfield’s application process is fast (usually 15 minutes).

Visit the Portal: Go to www.richfield.ac.za.
Click “Apply Now”: Fill in your personal details.
Upload Documents:
- Certified ID.
- Matric Results (or Grade 11 if currently in school).
- Proof of Residence.
Pay Application Fee: Pay the R800 (if applicable) and upload proof.
Get Offer: You will usually get a “Provisional Acceptance” letter within 48 hours.
Register: To finalize, you must pay the Deposit (R2,700).¹⁸ Once the deposit clears, you are a registered student.

8. Is Richfield “Recognized”?

Yes.

DHET Registration: No. 2000/HE07/008.
Council on Higher Education (CHE): All degrees are accredited.
SAQA: All qualifications are listed on the NQF.
International: Their BSc IT is well-regarded because of the embedded certifications (IBM/AWS), which are global standards.

Conclusion: A Solid Plan B

Richfield is not UCT or Wits. It doesn’t have a rugby team or a 100-year history. But it doesn’t try to be.

It is a vocational, career-focused college. If you want to finish your degree in 3 years with a laptop in your bag, a driver’s license (they sometimes offer K53 training deals), and industry certifications on your CV, Richfield is a fantastic choice.

Action: If you are interested, visit a campus this Saturday. They usually host “Open Mornings” in January/February where they waive the application fee.

Disclaimer: Fees and laptop inclusions are subject to the specific 2026 contract terms. Always read the fine print regarding the device warranty and ownership.