List of Private Colleges in South Africa Still Registering for 2026 (Late Applications)

Key Takeaways: Your Plan B

• The Myth: “Private colleges are for failures.”
• The Reality: Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) offer the exact same degrees (accredited by the Council on Higher Education) as public universities, often with better facilities and smaller classes.
• Registration: Most private colleges keep registration open until late February, unlike public universities that close in September.
• The Cost: While some are expensive (Varsity College), others (Richfield/Rosebank) are comparable to public university fees.
• Accreditation: ALWAYS check for the DHET Registration Number and SAQA ID. If they don’t have these, run.

It is late January. The “Application Status” on the NSFAS portal says Rejected. The university portals say Selection Completed – Programme Full.

You are sitting at home, thinking your 2026 academic year is over before it even started.

It isn’t.

South Africa has a massive, thriving Private Higher Education sector. These are not “fly-by-night” computer schools; they are registered, accredited institutions that award Degrees, Diplomas, and Higher Certificates. Because they are private businesses, they are more agile than public universities. They don’t have the same bureaucratic red tape, meaning they can—and do—accept students well into February.

If you have a Bachelor’s Pass but nowhere to go, this is your lifeline. Here is the definitive list of private institutions still opening their doors for the 2026 intake.

1. The “Big Campus” Experience (Rosebank, Eduvos, Varsity College)

These institutions offer a student life very similar to public universities—campuses with cafeterias, social events, and lecture halls—but with smaller class sizes and more personal attention.

1. Rosebank College (The IIE)

• Status: OPEN. Registration usually stays open until mid-February (or until seats fill).
• Vibe: Vibrant, urban, and affordable. Very popular with students who want a city-campus feel.
• Courses: Strong focus on IT, Business Administration, Journalism, and Public Relations.
• The “IIE” Factor: They are part of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). Your degree is certified by The IIE, which is internationally recognized.
• Fees: Mid-range. They often offer “Early Bird” discounts if you register in January.

2. Eduvos (Formerly Pearson Institute)

• Status: OPEN. Late registration is a standard part of their model.
• Vibe: Academic and modern. They took over the old CTI/Pearson campuses.
• Focus: Science & Technology.
• Why choose them: They are one of the few private providers offering strong Science degrees (BSc in Biomedicine, Biotechnology) and Graphic Design.
• Fees: Higher end, but they offer flexible monthly payment plans.

3. Varsity College (The IIE)

• Status: OPEN (Space Dependent).
• Vibe: Premium. Known for its social life, sports clubs, and modern facilities.
• Focus: Law (LLB), Psychology, Accounting, and Management.
• Why choose them: Their academic support is legendary. If you struggled in high school but have potential, their small tutorial groups can help you get distinctions.
• Fees: Expensive. This is a premium option.

2. The Tech & Business Specialists (Richfield, Boston, CTU)

If you just want skills to get a job and don’t care about “campus life” or sports teams, these are the practical heavyweights.

4. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology

• Status: OPEN.
• Focus: IT, Coding, and Business.
• The Perc: They are famous for including a Laptop/Tablet and data in their course fees. For a student without resources, this is a game-changer.
• Accreditation: Fully accredited for Degrees and Diplomas.
• Fees: Affordable. They target the same demographic as public universities (NSFAS-funded students often find their fees manageable, although NSFAS does not fund private colleges directly—see the Funding section below).

5. Boston City Campus

• Status: OPEN.
• Model: They use a unique “blended” model. You go to a “Support Centre” (they have 40+ across SA) to watch video lectures and do assessments.
• Focus: Media (Radio/DJ), Accounting, and Management.
• Why choose them: Flexibility. You can start your studies almost anytime in the first semester because much of it is self-paced.

6. CTU Training Solutions

• Status: OPEN.
• Focus: Hardcore IT and Design.
• Courses: Cloud, Cyber Security, CAD, Graphic Design.
• Why choose them: They are heavily certified by vendors (Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe). You leave not just with a Diploma, but with international industry certifications that employers love.

3. The Distance Learning Giants (Mancosa, Stadio)

If you cannot afford to move to a city or pay for a hostel, Distance Learning allows you to study from home. Private colleges dominate this space.

7. MANCOSA

• Status: OPEN.
• Focus: Business and Education (Teaching).
• Why choose them: They are the kings of the MBA and BBA. If you want to get into corporate management or become a teacher (BEd), they are the most respected private distance provider.
• Structure: Online webinars, digital textbooks, and weekend workshops.

8. STADIO

• Status: OPEN.
• Background: This is a massive new group formed by the merger of Embury (Teaching), LISOF (Fashion), and Southern Business School.
• Focus: Education, Policing, Fashion, and Law.
• Why choose them: They offer one of the widest ranges of degrees, from a Bachelor of Education to a Bachelor of Policing.

4. The Creative Schools (AFDA, Vega, Inscape)

For the artists, filmmakers, and designers. These colleges require a Portfolio for admission, so applying “late” can be stressful, but they often keep windows open for talent.

9. AFDA

• Status: OPEN.
• Focus: Film, TV, Performance, and Creative Business.
• Why choose them: It is the premier film school in Africa. If you want to work on Netflix sets, this is the alumni network you want.
• Warning: Very expensive. Equipment costs are high.

10. Vega School

• Status: OPEN.
• Focus: Brand Building, Game Design, and Digital Marketing.
• Why choose them: They don’t just teach “Graphic Design”; they teach “Brand Strategy.” Their graduates are highly sought after by ad agencies.

11. Inscape

• Status: OPEN.
• Focus: Interior Design, Architecture, and Digital Design.
• Why choose them: Small, intense, and industry-focused.

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

The biggest fear students have is: “Is this degree real?”

There is a simple 3-step check to ensure the private college is legitimate:

1. DHET Registration: Ask for their “Department of Higher Education Registration Certificate.” It must be displayed in the reception.
2. CHE Accreditation: The specific course must be accredited by the Council on Higher Education.
3. SAQA ID: Ask for the “SAQA ID” of the qualification. Go to the SAQA website, type it in, and check if it says “Registered.”

Red Flag: If they offer you a “International Diploma” that is “accredited in London” but not registered in South Africa, be careful. You might not be able to use it to get a job here or study further at a public university.

6. The Money Talk: Funding Private Education

This is the hard truth: NSFAS does NOT fund private colleges.

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is strictly for Public Universities (like UJ/Wits) and Public TVET Colleges. If you go to Rosebank or Eduvos, you cannot use NSFAS.

So, how do you pay?

1. Fundi Loans: Fundi is a private education finance specialist. They pay the college, and your parent/guardian pays Fundi back in installments.
2. Bank Student Loans: Standard Bank, FNB, Capitec, etc. (Requires a parent with a clean credit record).
3. College Payment Plans: Most private colleges (like Mancosa and Eduvos) allow you to pay off the year’s fees in 10 monthly installments rather than a lump sum.
4. Scholarships: Colleges like Richfield and Rosebank often have internal bursaries for top performers. Ask their financial aid office immediately.

7. How to Apply Late (The Strategy)

Speed is key. Private colleges have “seats” just like public ones. Once the class is full, it’s full.

1. Walk In: Unlike public universities which ban walk-ins, private colleges love walk-ins. Go to the campus. Speak to a “Student Advisor.” They are sales consultants—their job is to get you in.
2. Bring Everything: Take your ID, Matric Results, and your Parent/Guardian’s ID and Payslip (for the finance check).
3. Pay the Registration Fee: To secure your spot, you usually have to pay a non-refundable registration fee (approx. R1,000 – R2,000) immediately.

Conclusion: It is Not a “Downgrade”

In 2026, the stigma around private colleges is gone. Employers in IT, Business, and Media often prefer graduates from places like Vega or CTU because they have practical skills, not just theory.

If the public university door has closed, do not bang on it. Turn around and walk through the private door. You will get the same NQF Level degree, you will graduate in the same amount of time, and you might even enjoy the smaller classes more.

Action: Pick 3 colleges from this list. Go to their websites today and click “Request Call Back.” They will call you within 24 hours.

Disclaimer: Registration dates are subject to capacity. “Open” status refers to the general admission window and may vary by specific campus or course.