Short courses are learning programmes that give you the opportunity to learn more about a specific field or skill over a short period of time. Short courses can help you build up your skill set and your CV while you are pursuing other jobs. These courses give you a more hands-on experience within your field of interest.
Short courses can be useful if you are interested in gaining skills in graphic design, digital marketing and writing.
When searching for short courses which interest you, you might want to search for "short learning programmes" as this is what some universities and colleges refer to it as.
You'll find that most short courses are offered online as they are set up so that you can pursue them while you are employed.
You can find short courses at many institutions across South Africa, such as:
- Unisa
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- University of Free State (UFS)
- University of Venda (Univen)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Rhodes University
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- University of Western Cape (UWC)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Cape Peninsula of University (CPUT)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- North West University (NWU)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
All you need to do is visit the university websites to see which short courses they offer. There are also short courses offered at various colleges around the country, just be sure to check that the institution you are applying to is fully accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training.
While the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) does not cover the cost of short courses, you can apply for a Fundi loan to cover the expenses of your short course.
Fundi loans cover the following:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks
- Reading material
- Computers and other devices
- Uniforms
- Stationery
- Any outstanding balances
Visit Fundi's website for more information by clicking here.
For a full list of where to find short courses, head to our Where To Study section.