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Higher Education and Training

Newly Qualified? Freshly completed Tertiary Level Education?

View / Download the Graduate Recruitment Guide 2010 to ensure quick induction into the working world.

Don't know what to study?

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The following are worth knowing when it comes to Higher Education and Training:

Higher learning takes place in South Africa at universities, comprehensive universities, or universities of technology.

Studies can last anything from six months to six years, or even longer, with students having the opportunity to accumulate a number of qualifications along the way.

The learning is academic, with either a theoretical or career-oriented slant.

Undergraduate or “first level’’ studies can lead to a degree, diploma or higher certificate.

Students who want to specialize further can study for post graduate advance diplomas, or Honours, Masters and Doctoral degrees.

Universities equip graduates for anything from science, engineering and medicine to law, business, teaching and acting.


South Africa has three kinds of higher education institutions:

Universities:

These are ‘’traditional’’ academic universities that offer mainly degrees, have high numbers of postgraduate students and conduct a lot of research. They tend to attract young people who are intensely curious and like learning for its own sake, or are keen to enter a profession such as medicine that requires them to attend a traditional university.

Comprehensive universities:

These are new institutions that, in most cases, combine a traditional university and a university of technology. They are for students who may want to combine academic and career-oriented studies. They offer both diplomas and degrees and, in most cases, a very wide range of courses.

Universities of technology:
These were formerly known as ‘’technikons’’. They offer certificates, diplomas or degrees in technology, do some research and lead students more directly into a career. They are aimed at students with a good idea of the job they want to do, and who are smart and practically – minded, or specifically those who are keen on career field such as textile technology, which is only offered by universities of technology.

For a list of Universities in South Africa, this can be found by visiting Universities in South Africa

Be sure that your choice of provider (university, technikon, technical college or private educational provider) is accredited with SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority), and offers recognised and accredited training.

For a list of Private Higher Education Institutions, click here

The Central Applications Office processes applications for first time admission to Universities in KZN.

Check our programme list to find out more about study opportunities at Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), University of Zululand and University of KwaZulu Natal. Apply for any of these online, or download an application form.







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