Table of Contents
Richfield College Courses
1. Faculty of Public Management and Local Government
The minimum entry requirements to programs offered in this faculty are:
- National Senior Certificate, either a Diploma or a Degree, National Certificate, with the right combination of subjects.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- The minimum age requirement is twenty-three years.
These are the programs that are offered under this faculty:
- Bachelor of Public Management
- Diploma Local Government Management
- Higher Certificate Local Government Management
- Higher Certificate Recognition of Prior Learning (RPLA) Activities.
2. Faculty of Commerce and Faculty of Leadership and Business Administration
This is one of the oldest faculties in the school. For one to be admitted for any o the programs in his faculty, one is expected to meet the following requirements;
- Any form of recognition of former learning.
- Further Education and Training (FET) NQF Level 4. The minimum age of the applicant is twenty-three years, according to the regulations of the Higher Education Regulations.
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) and a Higher Certificate, boosted by the appropriate subjects.
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a backing degree, accompanied by the appropriate subjects.
- National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4, accompanied by the appropriate subjects.
Having met the above-mentioned requirements, one qualifies for the following courses:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Higher Certificate in Business Administration
- Higher Certificate in Office Administration.
3. Faculty of Emerging Technologies
The entry requirements for courses under this program are;
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for admission to a Diploma and /or Degree.
- A National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4, with the necessary subject combinations. The minimum age requirement is twenty-three years old.
These courses are:
- Higher Certificate in Computer Forensics
- Advanced Certificate in Information Technology Governance
- Advanced Certificate in Information Security
4. Faculty of Information Technology
The entry requirements of the courses offered in this faculty are:
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Mature age exception of twenty-three years.
- For A Level Students Pass in 2 subjects, whereas or O Level Students who have passed 12th class, or an equivalent A level examination, or a technical diploma after Secondary School Certificate with Maths and English in of the Secondary Education system.
- African National Senior Certificate or an endorsement for admission to a Degree backed up by a pass in Mathematics and one Science subject.
These are the programmes offered under this faculty:
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Higher Certificate in Information Technology.
5. Faculty of Postgraduate Studies
The entry requirement for the faculty of postgraduate program is A Bachelor’s degree, Advanced Diploma or equivalent NQF7 qualification. Experience in management will be an added advantage.
These are the programmes that are offered in this faculty:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Management
- Master of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology
Distance Learning
These are the courses that one can enrol in and study them in the distance mode:
- Higher Certificate in Information Technology (1 year)
- Higher Certificate in Systems Engineering (1 year)
- Higher Certificate in Business Administration (1 year)
- Higher Certificate in Local Government Management (1 year)
- Higher Certificate in RPL Activities (1 year)
- Higher Certificate in Computer Forensics (1 year)
- Advanced Certificate in Information Technology (1 year)
- Diploma in Computer Applications (3 years)
- Diploma in Local Government Management (3 Year)
- Diploma in Information Technology (3 years)
- Diploma in Business Administration (3 years)
- Bachelor of Commerce (3 years)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (3 years)
- Bachelor of Public Management (3 years)
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (3 years)
Richfield College Short Courses
There are new Richfield College short learning courses.
1. Free Online Microsoft Office Courses
- Microsoft Office Word 2016 Beginner
- Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2016 Beginner
- Microsoft Office Excel 2016 Beginner
- Microsoft Office Internet Explorer and Outlook Beginner
2. Curated Skilled Courses
You can choose from 70 curated skills-focussed short courses to get the knowledge that will be helpful in the workplace. Each of these courses costs R199.
- Personal Skills Courses
- Leadership Courses
- Business Orientated Courses
- CRM Courses
- Sales Courses
- Entrepreneurial Courses
- Work Place Health and Safety Courses
- Event Planning Courses
- Digital Marketing Courses
- Life Coaching Courses
- Personal Assistant and Office Administration
- Public Speaking Courses.
Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.