Which Universities Offer Online Courses?

Online education is one of the most popular methods of learning today, but was already an option for many before the pandemic kicked-in. 

While attending classes in-person has its own benefits and experiences, online learning also has much to offer.  

Online learning offers a variety of study options, including short courses, online tutorials and/or four-year qualifications. Online programs tend to be less expensive than traditional on-campus courses, as you might not need to pay for accommodation, textbooks or transport.

Here are a few institutions in South Africa where you can study online: 

University of Cape Town (UCT) 

While UCT is a traditional institution and mainly on-campus, it does offer free online programs through the Coursera platform, and the tuition is free.

Subjects offered include:

1. Commerce
2. Engineering & the Built Environment
3. Health Sciences
4. Humanities
5. Law
6. Science 

University of the Witswatersrand (Wits) 

The University of Witwatersrand recognizes offers fully online and accredited short courses. 

Subjects offered include:

1. Management and Leadership
2. People and Communication
3. Marketing and Sales
4. Finance
5. IT and Digital
6. Research Management 

Tuition ranges from R12,000 to R18,000 per course. 

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) 

UKZN is a traditional university and is new to the online world, but there are a few online options.

Subjects offered include:

The university offers a number of online courses in: 

1. Visionary Leadership
2. Math
3. Financial Literacy 

Tuition costs range from R2,200 to R3,030 per course. 

Stellenbosch University 

Stellenbosch University offers free online courses through the ClassCentral platform. 

Subjects include: 

1. Sports Coaching
2. Futurism and Business
3. Teaching

Tuition costs are free. 

University of Johannesburg (UJ) 

The University of Johannesburg offers online courses for the following subjects: 

1. Education
2. Public Health
3. Public Management
4. Accounting
5. Human Resources
6. Finance
7. Logistics 

Tuition costs range from R180 to R374 per course credit.

Make sure to do additional research when deciding on your choice of study. Think about what will best suit you and your needs. Keep in mind that a university is not the only option, some colleges also offer online courses.