Dear Friends, are their any South African Distance Universities cheaper than the University of South Africa? Any of these Universities carry any other degrees besides Theology? Thank you, LTRV
Aren't they all pretty cheap? I don't recall cost being a factor in deciding among them. Two of the more promising schools for DL, TSA and Vista, were merged into UNISA. With all of the changes in the SA higher education scene, it is difficult to know who is still delivering DL--most of it seems to have fallen to UNISA.
As Rich mentioned UNISA is probably the most well-known of the SA schools. Another is the University of Pretoria, though I'm not sure which of their programs are offered via distance: http://programmes.up.ac.za/ And as per my usual reply to posts looking for the cheapest degree available, just make sure that the degree you earn will be appropriate for the purposes that you need it. Will a SA degree get you into the job/teaching/whatever position that you want it to? Maybe, maybe not. Better make sure before you start ... cheap is not always best, even if all you require is a degree to check off a box on an application form or for a job promotion.
I moved this thread to the distance learning forum since it didn't really belong in the CLEP forum. UNISA is the only distance learning university in South Africa. A few of the other universities may offer isolated degree programs through distance learning but most do not. Most of the talk about South African universities is based on the fact that the doctoral degrees are based on research only. No coursework. Some schools will let you perform that research at a distance. Some won't. You haven't said what level degree you're seeking. If it's a bachelors degree you'll only have a couple of choices. Depending on your area of interest, UNISA might be your only choice. If you're looking for a doctoral degree it may not matter which school is cheapest because that school may not allow you to enroll. Also, and as Rich said, the differences in costs is minimal. Once you're done with the currency conversion the difference in US dollars is the price of a fancy restaurant dinner for two. My advice: If you're looking to South Africa for a degree, don't sweat the cost. Find the program that 1) suits your needs and, 2) will allow you to enroll.
I had check up with the University of Pretoria, only a few education courses are in distance education. All the rest of their courses are more brick and mortar.
The Management College of Southern Africa (MACOSA) offers certificate, diploma, bachelorette and MBA DL programs. http://www.mancosa.co.za/
I agree with Kizmet. For Grad/Doc research programs, SAfr is an excellent option, especially if you want religion/theology. Unisa is the main provider at all levels, and very affordable -- especially compared to European / North American schools.
If you are looking for an MBA there are also several accredited business schools in SA. There is a fairly comprehensive list at MBA.co.za - MBA School Directory
I can't figure out how much a year would cost at UNISA either. I know SATS would cost about $1000 I think.
MANCOSA MBA The MANCOSA MBA programme is: Fully Accredited by the South African Council on Higher Education (CHE) Registered with the South African National Department of Education (DoE) – Registration No. 2000/HE07/003 Recorded on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Accredited by the Namibian Qualifications Authority (NQA) Accredited by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Accredited by the Malawi Department of Education Accredited by Zambia Ministry of Education So that would be a very big yes. SATS and UNISA both charge per course and prices can vary depending on your selection so it is difficult to give a yearly figure.