Key Takeaways: The “Job-Ready” College
- The Status: Damelin is a Private Higher Education Institution. It is not a public university, so NSFAS will NOT pay for your fees.
- The Strength: Damelin is famous for its Creative Arts (Sound Engineering, Journalism) and Business Diplomas (HR, Management). It focuses on practical skills rather than pure theory.
- The Modes: You can study Full-Time (on campus), Part-Time (classes on Saturdays/evenings), or via Damelin Online (distance learning).
- Accreditation: Damelin offers accredited Degrees (CHE registered) and National Certificates (N1-N6). Always check the specific SAQA ID of your course before registering.
- Matric School: Damelin also has a dedicated Matric School for adults or students who need to rewrite Grade 12.
For over 70 years, Damelin has been a household name in South African education. It fills the gap for students who want a recognized qualification but prefer smaller classes and a more “corporate” environment than a massive public university.
However, Damelin offers hundreds of courses, ranging from 3-month short skills programs to 3-year degrees. It can be confusing to know which one leads to a real career and which one is just for personal enrichment.
Here is the definitive list of available courses at Damelin, categorized by faculty.
1. Faculty of Commerce and Management
This is Damelin’s largest faculty. If you want to enter the corporate world, work in government, or start a business, look here.
Degrees (3 Years)
- Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management: Ideal for aspiring Brand Managers.
- Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management: A generalist degree for future managers.
- Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting: Note: This does not lead directly to CA(SA) status like a public university degree, but it is excellent for General Accountants.
Diplomas (3 Years)
- Diploma in Human Resource Management: Very popular for corporate HR roles.
- Diploma in Public Administration: The standard qualification for working in government municipalities.
- Diploma in Financial Accounting.
- Diploma in Supply Chain and Logistics Management.
National Diplomas (NATED)
These are the N4, N5, and N6 courses. You attend classes for 18 months and do 18 months of practical work.
- NATED Business Management.
- NATED Human Resource Management.
- NATED Educare: (See Faculty of Education).
2. School of Media and Design Technology
Damelin is arguably most famous for this faculty. Unlike many dry academic institutions, Damelin has state-of-the-art sound studios and editing suites.
Popular Courses
- Diploma in Sound Technology: This is one of the most respected sound engineering courses in the country. Graduates often work in radio stations and recording studios.
- Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies: Focuses on digital media, writing, and broadcasting.
- Diploma in Photography: A practical course covering studio lighting, editing, and portfolio building.
- Certificate in Digital Media Production: Covering video editing and content creation.
3. Faculty of Information Technology (IT)
The IT industry loves practical certifications. Damelin combines academic theory with vendor-specific skills (like Microsoft and CompTIA).
Degrees & Diplomas
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Covers programming, systems analysis, and networking.
- Diploma in Information Technology: A shorter, more practical route into IT support and network administration.
Short Skills Programmes
- PC Engineering: Learning how to build and fix computers (A+ preparation).
- Programming: Introduction to Java, C#, or Python.
- Web Design: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript basics.
4. School of Engineering (NATED N1-N6)
Damelin is a major provider of N1 – N6 Engineering Studies. These are not “Degrees” but technical qualifications that lead to becoming an Artisan.
- Civil Engineering.
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy & Light Current).
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Chemical Engineering.
How it works: You complete the theory (N1-N6) at Damelin, then you must find your own apprenticeship to qualify for the Trade Test.
5. School of Education
- Diploma in Grade R Teaching: For students who want to become specialist Grade R teachers.
- NATED Educare (N4-N6): Focuses on Early Childhood Development (ECD) and running a crèche. This is widely recognized for opening your own daycare center.
6. Damelin Online (Short Courses)
If you are working full-time and cannot attend campus, Damelin Online offers completely digital short courses. These usually last 8–12 weeks.
- Project Management: Based on PMBOK methodology.
- Digital Marketing: SEO, Social Media, and Google Ads.
- Supply Chain Management.
- Office Administration.
Warning: These online short courses are for skills updates. They are generally not full qualifications that you can use to apply for a Masters later.
7. Damelin Matric School
Did you fail Matric? Or do you need to upgrade your Maths mark to get into university?
Damelin has a dedicated High School program.
- Grade 10 – 12: You can complete your entire high school curriculum here.
- Matric Rewrite: You can register for specific subjects (e.g., Physical Science) to improve your mark.
- Note: The final exams are the standard National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams monitored by Umalusi.
8. Accreditation: Is it Real?
Because Damelin is a private college, students often worry if the degrees are “real.”
The Triple Check:
Yes, Damelin is legitimate, but you must check the specific course.
- DHET Registered: Damelin is registered with the Department of Higher Education as a Private Higher Education Institution.
- CHE Accredited: Their Degrees and Diplomas are vetted by the Council on Higher Education.
- SAQA ID: Every formal course has a SAQA ID number.
Advice: Always ask the sales consultant: “Is this a credit-bearing qualification with a SAQA ID, or is it a provider program?” Provider programs are internal courses that are good for skills but not recognized by other universities.
9. Fees and Funding (No NSFAS)
This is the most important factor.
- NSFAS: Will NOT pay.
- Fundi: Damelin works closely with Fundi for student loans.
- Bank Loans: All major SA banks recognize Damelin for student loans.
- Payment Plans: Damelin often allows you to pay a deposit and then monthly installments over 10 months.
Summary: Is Damelin Right for You?
Damelin is perfect if you want a smaller campus environment and practical skills that get you hired.
- Choose Damelin if: You want to be a Sound Engineer, Journalist, or Graphic Designer and want hands-on studio time.
- Choose Damelin if: You want to work in HR or Business and want a respected Diploma without the stress of a massive university.
- Consider alternatives if: You want to be a Doctor, Chartered Accountant (CA), or Lawyer (LLB) — for these, you generally need a public university.
Action Plan:
- Visit a Campus: Damelin has campuses in almost every major city (Randburg, Braamfontein, Durban, Cape Town). Go see the facilities.
- Check the “Full Time” vs “Part Time” options: If you work, ask for the Saturday class schedule.
- Secure Funding: Apply for a bank loan or Fundi loan before you register.
Read Article: Private Colleges in South Africa List: The Ultimate Guide
Disclaimer: Course offerings vary by campus. Not all campuses have sound studios or engineering labs. Always verify with the specific branch before registering.