Private Higher Education Institutions - consider your move

When we think tertiary institutions, it is not uncommon to think in terms of large, well-established and well-known public institutions.  After all, they have been proudly mentioned in social circles throughout our childhood, and the media loves making comments about public institutions os higher learning.

Admission to higher education is becoming increasingly competitive, and it is prudent to consider a range of options for a place of study.  If you are considering a private higher education institution, you may be just be making the right move.

Private institutions are typically smaller, and provide for more contact between students and academic staff.  Their curricula can also respond to environmental trends, and remain relevant.  At the right institution, doing the appropriate qualification, you can soar.

However, you must be on the lookout for two key indicators. 

Firstly, you must ensure that the institution itself is recognised.  This word, unfortunately, is used too loosely, but I use it here since it is the best one for this context.  In South Africa, a recognised institution is one that is one that is on the Department of Higher Education & Training’s “Register of Private Higher Education Institutions”.  The department is quite efficient about keeping a current copy available on their website, and a link to the register is available on www.dhet.gov.za.  Be sure to check on this status – in January 2013 the Seshego Commercial and Computer College was shut down by the police because it was a scam - this after twelve years of operating!

Secondly, you must ensure, ahead of time, that the qualification for which you intend to register is  legitimate.  Fortunately, the same register provides information on all accredited programmes which these institutions are permitted to offer.

On occasion, a private provider may enter into a partnership with a public provider, and jointly provide a qualification.  So, for example, the University of the Free State and varsity College jointly offer an undergraduate LLB in South Africa.  This is in order, and again, information about the 

legitimacy of these qualifications is freely accessible.

The major downside of private providers is price.  Often, private institutions simply cost more.  Parents often find that they have to pay significantly more tuition fees than at a typical public institution.  Another disadvantage is that campuses are often small, and do not provide that ‘campus’ experience.  There are no, or very small residence facilities to speak of, and therefore no residence life either.

Be that as it may, private institutions provide for a very different kind of enrichment, and is one to be taken seriously.  So, before you ask “AFDA Who?”, do some research on the register – you may just find something you like!

@carlwherman