Distance Learning Universities in South Africa: The 2026 Guide

Key Takeaways: The Classroom in Your Pocket

• The Landscape: In 2026, you generally have three choices: The “Giant” (UNISA), the “Hybrids” (Traditional universities like NWU/UP offering online degrees), and the “Privates” (MANCOSA, STADIO, Regent).
• The “NSFAS Rule”: NSFAS only funds public universities (UNISA, NWU, UJ). They generally do not fund private colleges like MANCOSA or Damelin.
• Online vs. Distance: “Distance Learning” means you study alone but might write exams at a venue. “100% Online” means you never step foot on a campus, not even for exams.
• Accreditation: Always check if the course is registered with the CHE and has an SAQA ID. If it doesn’t, the degree is worthless.
• The Shift: Post-2025, many universities have moved to Continuous Assessment, meaning fewer big exams and more online assignments.

Gone are the days when “Distance Learning” meant receiving a heavy box of textbooks in the mail and mailing back handwritten assignments.

In 2026, distance learning is a digital-first ecosystem. It is Zoom lectures, Blackboard forums, and PDF study guides. It is the only way for the estimated 40% of South African students who are working while they study to get a degree.

But with so many options—from the affordable UNISA to the slick private colleges—how do you choose? And more importantly, who pays for it?

Here is your definitive guide to the distance learning landscape in South Africa.

1. The “Big Three” Categories

Understanding these categories is the first step. The application process, cost, and prestige vary wildly between them.

Category A: The Dedicated Public Giant (UNISA)

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the granddaddy of distance education.

• Pros: It is the cheapest option. It offers the widest range of degrees (from Music to Law). It is fully funded by NSFAS.
• Cons: Administration is notoriously slow. You are truly “on your own”—support is limited.
• Best For: Self-disciplined students on a budget.

Category B: The “Hybrids” (Traditional Universities)

These are prestigious campus universities that have launched specific “Online” or “Distance” units. Examples include North-West University (NWU), University of Pretoria (UP Online), and University of Johannesburg (UJ Online).

• Pros: You get a degree from a top-tier university (e.g., a “UP” degree) without living in Pretoria. The curriculum is often more rigorous.
• Cons: Limited course selection (usually Business, Education, or Nursing). Often more expensive than UNISA.
• Best For: Professionals who want a specific, prestigious credential.

Category C: The Private Specialists

These are private higher education institutions (PHEIs) like MANCOSA, Regent Business School, STADIO, and Richfield.

• Pros: Excellent service. You call, they answer. The technology is often better (free tablets/data).
• Cons: Expensive. No NSFAS funding.
• Best For: Working adults who can afford to pay for better service and speed.

2. Public University Options (NSFAS Funded)

If you rely on government funding, you must look here first.

1. University of South Africa (UNISA)

• Headquarters: Pretoria (but students are everywhere).
• The Vibe: Massive. You are one of 400,000 students.
• Exams: Mostly online since 2020. You use an app called “The Invigilator” to scan your face while you write at home.
• Popular Courses: B.Ed (Teaching), LLB (Law), BCompt (Accounting).
• 2026 Status: Applications usually open September – November of the previous year. Semester 2 applications often open in April.

2. North-West University (NWU) – Unit for Open Distance Learning

• Headquarters: Potchefstroom.
• The Vibe: The “Teacher’s Choice.” NWU runs one of the largest distance education units for teachers in SA.
• Unique Selling Point: They have “Learning Support Centres” across SA where you can go for Wi-Fi or admin help, even if you don’t attend classes.
• Popular Courses: B.Ed, ACT (Advanced Certificate in Teaching), Theology, Nursing.

3. University of Pretoria (UP Online)

• Headquarters: Pretoria.
• The Model: “One Module at a Time.” Unlike UNISA where you take 5 subjects at once, UP Online focuses on doing one module intensively for 8 weeks, then moving to the next.
• Popular Courses: Higher Certificate in Sports Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health.

3. Private University Options (Self-Funded)

If you want efficiency and have a budget (or an employer paying), look here.

1. MANCOSA

• Focus: Business and Management.
• The Vibe: The MBA factory. They are incredibly popular for working managers who need to tick the “Masters” box.
• Pros: Their study guides are written for people who work. They are concise and practical.
• Cons: Fees can range from R25,000 to R100,000+ per year depending on the qualification.

2. STADIO

• Focus: Everything. (Created from the merger of Embury, Southern Business School, and LISOF).
• The Vibe: The new giant. They are aggressively expanding their distance offerings in Education and Law.
• Pros: Modern online portal. Very distinct “distance” culture.
• Popular Courses: B.Ed Foundation Phase, BCom Law.

3. Regent Business School

• Focus: Finance and Commerce.
• Unique Selling Point: They focus heavily on “Future Skills” and “Tech,” often integrating digital literacy into their business degrees.

4. The NSFAS “Fine Print” for Distance Learning

This is the most common question we receive: “Does NSFAS pay for MANCOSA?”

The Answer: No.

The Explanation: NSFAS is a public entity designed to fund students at Public Universities (26 of them) and TVET Colleges (50 of them). Private institutions are businesses; the government does not subsidize them.

However, NSFAS rules for Public Distance (UNISA) are also different:

• Allowances: Distance students generally do not get the same monthly living allowance or accommodation allowance as contact students.
• The “Learning Material” Allowance: Distance students usually get a set amount (e.g., R5,000 per year) specifically for laptops or data, but they don’t get the “food money” because they are assumed to be living at home.
• The “Pass” Rule: You must pass 50% of your modules to keep funding, just like everyone else.

5. Distance vs. Online: What’s the Difference?

In 2026, universities use these terms differently.

• Distance Learning (The Classic Model):
  • You study at home.
  • You submit assignments online.
  • But: You might have to travel to a physical venue to write a “Sit-down Exam” (e.g., at a showground or high school hall).
  • Example: Many Engineering certificates still require this.
• 100% Online (The Modern Model):
  • Everything is digital.
  • Exams are “Take-home” or timed online assessments.
  • You never travel.
  • Example: UJ Online or UP Online programmes.

Why it matters: If you live in a tiny village in the Eastern Cape, a “Distance” course that requires you to travel to Port Elizabeth for exams might be too expensive. A “100% Online” course would be better.

6. How to Check Accreditation (Don’t Get Scammed)

Fly-by-night colleges love the internet. Before you pay a deposit, perform the “Triple Check”:

1. DHET Registered: Is the institution registered with the Department of Higher Education? (Check the “Register of Private Higher Education Institutions” on the DHET website).
2. CHE Accredited: Has the Council on Higher Education vetted the course?
3. SAQA ID: Does the course have a South African Qualifications Authority ID number?

The Quick Test: Go to allqs.saqa.org.za and search for the qualification name. If it doesn’t appear, do not pay.

7. Pros and Cons Summary

Feature	Public (UNISA/NWU)	Private (MANCOSA/STADIO)
Cost	Low (R1,500 – R2,500 per module)	High (R3,000 – R5,000+ per module)
Funding	NSFAS Accepted	Cash / Bank Loan / Fundi
Support	Low (Email queues)	High (Call centres, dedicated agents)
Flexibility	High	Moderate (Some have strict schedules)
Prestige	High (Traditional)	Growing (Industry focused)

Summary: Which One is For You?

Choosing a distance university is not about “which is best”—it’s about “which is best for you.”

• If you are broke and unemployed: You have one choice: UNISA (or NWU Distance). You need NSFAS.
• If you are working and want a promotion: Look at MANCOSA or Regent. The extra cost is worth the time you save on admin, and the degrees are respected in the corporate world.
• If you are a Teacher: NWU or STADIO are the leaders in distance education degrees.
• If you want the “University Name”: Look at UP Online or UJ Online.

Action Plan:

1. Check your connectivity: Do you have a laptop and stable 4G/Fiber? You cannot do distance learning on a smartphone alone in 2026.
2. Secure Funding: If applying to a private college, check if your employer offers a bursary. If applying to UNISA, apply for NSFAS now.
3. Start Small: Don’t register for 5 modules in your first semester while working. Try 2 or 3.

Disclaimer: Tuition fees and funding rules are subject to change by the respective institutions and the Department of Higher Education. Always consult the 2026 Prospectus of your chosen university.