Are Distance Learning Courses Recognised?

Distance learning courses can be recognised nationally or internationally. Matric College offers courses that are recognised nationally and internationally.

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Last Updated : August 25, 2023

Are Distance Learning Courses Recognised?

Yes, distance learning courses are recognised. Matric College is one of the leading distance learning institutions that offer a variety of courses. Our courses range from Matric courses to Diploma courses. Here is a list of all of our recognised courses:
Adult Matric Course Adult Matric is for students who have not completed their matric and wish to do so as adults. To complete this course you must meet the following entry requirements:
  • You have to be 21 or older. You can apply at the age of 19 BUT you must turn 21 when you write the adult exam.
  • You must have a Grade 9 certificate. If you have a certificate that is equivalent to Grade 9 like and (ABET level 4) or any recognised equivalent certificate.
  • You need to understand the English language. Your subjects will be in English
  • Study in English OR Afrikaans. We offer this course in both English and Afrikaans. You have to be proficient in one of the two languages, which means to read, write and understand one of the following languages.
  • Study via distance learning. We offer all of our courses via distance learning. This means that you will study from the comfort of your home.
Matric certificate
Matric Upgrade Course Our Matric Upgrade course is for students who are not happy with their matric results. This can be for the following reasons:
  • You want to improve your marks. This could be one subject or all of your subjects.
  • You can change your subjects. An example of this could be to change from Mathematics to Mathematical Literacy. Whether it be to improve your marks OR to choose a subject that you are interested in.
  • You can add subjects to your matric certificate. This can happen if you want to study a course at university that requires a particular matric subject BUT you wish to keep your previous subjects. This means that you will have two matric certificates, one with the subjects you initially had and one with ONLY the subject or subjects you have added.
  • * If you pass with a bachelor’s degree and wish to improve your mark, you will automatically get a separate matric certificate with the improved marks because a bachelor’s degree pass is the highest pass.
  • You can get a new set of subjects. If you were not happy with all of the subjects you have completed, you can change your subjects to ones that are more in line with your interests.
To complete this course you need to meet the following entry requirements:
  • You have to be 21 or older
  • You have to study via distance learning
  • You must be able to study in English
  • Proof of your previous matric results. You have to provide us with your matric certificate or statement of results. Here is an example:
failed matric results
  • Incomplete matric results or incomplete statement of results. You can get incomplete results if you were absent for that particular exam sitting. This is what your results will look like.
ICB Courses The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers offers scarce skills qualifications. These are qualifications that are in demand in South Africa. All of ICB’s courses are accredited and recognised internationally. Here are the three study streams that we offer: This course is for students who are interested in managing a business or owning a business. These three Business Management courses are offered by Matric College: 1. Small Business Financial Management ICB National Certificate Course (SAQA ID: 48736)
  • You can apply for this course with a grade 11 certificate. You can also do our bridging course if you do not meet the requirements.
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Study via distance learning
  • Study in English
ICB’s 3 Study Programmes

2. Business Management Office Administration

ICB Higher Certificate Course (SAQA ID: 23619)

  • You can apply for this course with a grade 11 certificate. You can also do our bridging course if you do not meet the requirements BUT,
  • You must also apply for this course with a Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Study via distance learning
  • Study in English

3. Business Management Financial Accounting

ICB National Diploma Course (SAQA ID: 20366)

  • You can apply for this course with a grade 11 certificate. You can also do our bridging course if you do not meet the requirements BUT,
  • You must also apply for this course with a Business Management Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Study via distance learning
  • Study in English

This course is for students who have an interest in the finances of a company or even an interest in knowing about the finances of their own company. Each course builds on the next course. This means that you have to complete one course before starting the next course.

These four Financial Accounting courses are offered by Matric College:

1. Junior Bookkeeping

ICB National Certificate (SAQA ID: 58375)

  • You can apply for this course with a grade 10 certificate
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Must be able to study via distance learning
  • Be able to study in English

2. Senior Bookkeeping

ICB Further Education And Training Certificate (SAQA ID: 58376)

  • You can apply for this course with a grade 10 certificate BUT,
  • You must also apply for this course with your Junior Bookkeeping National  Certificate
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Study via distance learning
  • Study in English

3. Technical Financial Accounting

ICB National Diploma (SAQA ID: 36213)

  • You can apply for this course with a grade 10 certificate BUT,
  • You must also apply for this course with your Senior Bookkeeping Further Education and Training Certificate
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Must be able to study via distance learning
  • Be able to study in English

4. Financial Accounting

ICB National Diploma (SAQA ID: 20366)

  • You can apply for this course with a grade 10 certificate. You can also do our bridging course if you do not meet the requirements BUT,
  • You must also apply for this course with your Technical Financial Accounting National Diploma or an equivalent qualification
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Study via distance learning
  • Study in English

These courses focus on the administration work of an office. Duties could include filing, HR, and research. It all depends on what the company needs. A person who chooses to study this course must be organised and willing to see that their office runs smoothly.

These three Office Administration courses are offered by Matric College:

1. Office Administration

ICB National Certificate (SAQA ID: 23618)

  • You can apply for this course with a matric certificate or a matric equivalent course. You can also do our bridging course if you do not meet the requirements.
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Study via distance learning
  • Study in English

2. Office Administration

ICB Higher Certificate (SAQA ID: 23619)

  • You can apply for this course with a matric certificate or a matric equivalent course. You can also do our bridging course if you do not meet the requirements.
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Study via distance learning
  • Study in English

3. Office Administration

ICB National Diploma (SAQA ID: 35958)

  • You can apply for this course with a matric certificate or a matric equivalent course. You can also do our bridging course if you do not meet the requirements.
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Study via distance learning
  • Study in English
National Qualification Courses (NATED) All National qualifications (NATED) were designed by the (DHET) Department of Higher Education and Training. These courses are accredited by the (DHET) and (QCTO) Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. These courses give students both practical and theoretical knowledge. Here are all the National qualifications that we offer:
higher education and training logo

These courses are for students who are interested in the well-being, health and nutrition of young children. We offer three courses in Educare:

N4 National Certificate In Educare (SAQA ID: 66883)

N5 National Certificate In Educare (SAQA ID: 66971)

  • Apply with a matric certificate ONLY
  • You must be able to study in English
  • You have to enjoy studying through distance learning
  • You must also have completed an N4 National Certificate in Educare 

N6 National Certificate In Educare (SAQA ID: 67007)

    • Apply with a matric certificate ONLY
    • You must be able to study in English
    • You have to enjoy studying through distance learning
    • You must also have completed an N5 National Certificate in Educare 

N6 National Diploma In Educare (SAQA ID: 67050)

You have to complete your 18-months of practical or work experience before you can receive your N6 National Diploma in Educare or any National qualification. 

  • You have to ask for a report from the principal or manager of the school or daycare centre, where you have completed your practical or work experience. In this report, they will write about your duties and how long you have been working for them.
  • You will send the report to us, we will then send it to the Department of Higher Education and Training for approval. Once they approve it, they will send you the N6 National Diploma in Educare.

These courses are for students who are interested in managing a business or starting their own business. We offer these three Business Management courses;

N4 National Certificate In Business Management (SAQA ID: 66871)

N5 National Certificate In Business Management (SAQA ID: 66929)

N6 National Certificate In Business Management (SAQA ID: 66995)

N6 National Diploma in Business Management (SAQA ID: 67050)

You must complete 18 months of work experience before you can receive your N6 National Diploma in Business Management or any other National qualification. 

  • We will send you the logbook that you should complete. In this logbook, there are specific duties that you have to perform. 
  • You will send the logbook to us, we will then submit it to the Department of Higher Education and Training for approval. Once they approve it, they will send you the N6 National Diploma in Business Management.

These courses are for students who are interested in managing the finances of a business. We offer these three Financial Management courses;

N4 National Certificate In Financial Management (SAQA ID: 66874)

N5 National Certificate In Financial Management (SAQA ID: 66954)

N6 National Certificate In Financial Management (SAQA ID:66998)

N6 National Diploma In Financial Management (SAQA ID: 67040)

You must complete 18 months of work experience before you can receive your N6 National Diploma in Financial Management or any other National qualification. 

  • We will send you the logbook that you should complete. In this logbook, there are specific duties that you have to perform.
  • You will send the logbook to us, we will then submit it to the Department of Higher Education and Training for approval. Once they approve it, they will send you the N6 National Diploma in Financial Management.

These courses are for students who are interested in the well-being and relationships between staff members as well as making sure rules and policies are followed. We offer these three Human Resource Management courses:

N4 National Certificate In Human Resource Management (SAQA ID: 66873)

N5 National Certificate In Human Resource Management (SAQA ID: 66953)

N6 National Certificate In Human Resource Management (SAQA ID:66997)

N6 National Diploma In Human Resource Management (SAQA ID: 67039)

You must complete 18 months of work experience before you can receive your N6 National Diploma in Human Resource Management or any other National qualification. 

  • We will send you the logbook that you should complete. In this logbook, there are specific duties that you have to perform. 
  • You will send the logbook to us, we will then submit it to the Department of Higher Education and Training for approval. Once they approve it, they will send you the N6 National Diploma in Human Resource Management.

These courses are for students who are interested in administration and legal affairs. We offer these three Legal Secretary courses:

N4 National Certificate In Legal (SAQA ID: 66873)

N5 National Certificate In Legal Secretary (SAQA ID: 66953)

  • Apply with a matric certificate ONLY
  • You must be able to study in English
  • You have to enjoy studying through distance learning 
  • You must also have completed an N4 National Certificate in Legal Secretary

N6 National Certificate In Legal Secretary (SAQA ID: 66997)

    • Apply with a matric certificate  ONLY
    • You must be able to study in English
    • You have to enjoy studying through distance learning 
    • You must also have completed an N5 National Certificate in Legal Secretary

N6 National Diploma In Legal Secretary (SAQA ID:)

You must complete 18 months of work experience before you can receive your N6 National Diploma in Legal Secretary or any other National qualification. 

  • We will send you the logbook that you should complete. In this logbook, there are specific duties that you have to perform. 
  • You will send the logbook to us, we will then submit it to the Department of Higher Education and Training for approval. Once they approve it, they will send you the N6 National Diploma in Legal Secretary.

These courses are for students who are interested in assisting a manager in a business or a company. We offer these three Management Assistant courses:

N4 National Certificate In Management Assistant (SAQA ID: 66876)

N5 National Certificate In Management Assistant (SAQA ID:66956)

N6 National Certificate In Management Assistant (SAQA ID:67001)

N6 National Diploma In Management Assistant (SAQA ID: 67033)

You must complete 18 months of work experience before you can receive your N6 National Diploma in Management Assistant or any other National qualification. 

  • We will send you the logbook that you should complete. In this logbook, there are specific duties that you have to perform.
  • You will send the logbook to us, we will then submit it to the Department of Higher Education and Training for approval. Once they approve it, they will send you the N6 National Diploma in Management Assistant.

These courses are for students who are interested in following trends and keeping up with what is news. We offer these three Marking Management courses:

N4 National Certificate In Marketing Management (SAQA ID: 66872)

N5 National Certificate In Marketing Management (SAQA ID: 66952)

N6 National Certificate In Marketing Management (SAQA ID: 66996)

N6 National Diploma In Marketing Management (SAQA ID:67037)

You must complete 18 months of work experience before you can receive your N6 National Diploma in Marketing Management or any other National qualification. 

  • We will send you the logbook that you should complete. In this logbook, there are specific duties that you have to perform.
  • You will send the logbook to us, we will then submit it to the Department of Higher Education and Training for approval. Once they approve it, they will send you the N6 National Diploma in Marketing Management.

Are Distance Learning Certificates Valid?

Yes, distance learning certificates are valid. We offer both accredited and short courses.

All of our accredited courses are valid and registered by SAQA. Here are all the accreditation bodies for our courses:

    • Matric Courses do not require any accreditation BUT all of our matric certificates are received by Umalusi. This is an accredited body, which makes your course accredited.
    • All of our ICB courses are accredited. They are accredited by the (ICB) Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and (QCTO) Quality Council for Trades and Occupations.
    • Our national qualifications were designed by the Department of Higher Education and Training. All of these courses are accredited by the (QCTO) and (DHET) Department of Higher Education and Training.

What Are Distance Learning Courses?

Distance learning courses are courses that can be done from the comfort of your home. At Matric College, we will courier all of your study material to your door. You study from home and submit your assignments via email. This allows you to study at your own pace and save money.

Are Distance Learning Courses Good?

Yes, distance learning courses are good. They are exactly the same as a course you would complete if you were attending classes.

For example, ICB courses are scarce skill qualifications and are recognised internationally.

Therefore, it is important to check whether or not the courses you wish to complete are available at a distance learning institution.

What Is Distance Learning?

Distance learning means that students, whether it be at school level or tertiary level do not have to attend physical classes. Students will use various technologies to learn from the comfort of their homes.

Does Distance Education Have Value?

Yes, distance education does have value, especially in South Africa.

Education in South Africa does cost a lot of money, but by cutting the costs for transport, accommodation, food and clothes, through distance education, students and parents save money.

We also live in a time where students want to work to support themselves and their families while studying. This gives them the opportunity to achieve both and not lose out on time wasted.

Which Is Better: An On-Campus Or A Distance Course?

This depends on the students’ learning style and learning ability. Here are the differences between the two.

difference between on-campus and distance learning courses

What Is The Difference Between Distance Learning And Online Learning?

The main difference is that online learning is a form of distance learning. Distance learning and online learning can sometimes and are often confused with one another.

With online learning, students need to engage with lecturers, tutors and sometimes students online. This means that they will use technology such as video conferencing. This way the student will still interact with lecturers, tutors and other students.

With distance learning institutions like Matric College, students will not receive online classes BUT they will use online learning platforms like WhatsApp, email and via telephone.

At Matric College, we send students their study material via courier. Students will submit their assignments via email. This means that less time is spent online and students will save more money.

What Are The Benefits Of Distance Learning?

There are many benefits of distance learning. Here are a few of the benefits:

  • Accessible to everyone
  • Convenience
  • Do not need matric to further your studies
  • Encourages independence
  • Follows COVID protocols
  • Reduces social anxiety
  • Save money

Accessible To Everyone

Some students live far from universities and colleges. Distance learning allows students to still get a tertiary education without having to travel back and forth. At Matric College students only have to use a computer if they send their assignments via email.

If the student has a smartphone, they can do everything on their phone. We have a support team that calls our students to find out if they require tutor assistance, and we use WhatsApp.

Convenience

You can study from the comfort of your home. This means that you do not have to attend physical classes.

Do Not Need Matric To Further Your Studies

At Matric College you can study courses without matric. Our courses are accredited and you can get a qualification that is at NQF level 4. If you still would like to complete your matric, you can complete our Adult Matric course.

Encourages independence

Distance learning is all about motivating yourself and setting up your own schedule. This means that you will take responsibility for your own learning.

Follows COVID Protocols

Students and parents do not have to be concerned about students’ well-being. Distance learning students do not physically interact with other students or teachers, limiting the spread of the virus.

Reduces Social Anxiety

For some students, interacting with other students or even lecturers can be a challenge. Being a distance learner means that students can learn without having to interact physically with other people.

Save Money

Contact learning means that students will have additional expenses such as transport, accommodation, food as well as new clothes, for some students. Overall distance learning courses are cheaper than on-campus courses.

You Can Pace Yourself

You will get dates to submit assignments but you will not be required to submit homework. This means that you can schedule your studying time depending on your free time, especially if you are working and have a family.

Is Distance Learning Easy?

Yes, distance learning CAN be easy for students who enjoy it. Complete the following checklist to see if distance learning will be easy for you. If you tick 3 out of the 6 options then distance learning is for you.

Is distance learning for you checklist

What Are Students Saying About Distance Learning?

Distance learning has different effects on different students because each student has their own way of studying. Here is a video of what students are saying about distance learning.

How Does Distance Learning Courses Work At Matric College?

Step 1: To register for a course at Matric College, you have two options. First, you will need to register over the phone. Our landline number is: (012 762 7100). You can also contact us on WhatsApp (072 799 4195) or go online and complete our contact form.

Step 2: Once your registration is successful, we will courier the study material. This will include textbooks and study guides. You will not have to buy any extra study material.

Step 3: As soon as you have received your study material, you should start submitting your assignments. You can also start studying for the upcoming exams.

Step 4: Our tutors will give you in-depth feedback on your work. If you need extra assistance, you can contact one of our tutors. Our support team will also be in touch with you on a regular basis.

Step 5: Throughout your studies with us, you can get assistance from other students as well. We have study groups on Whatsapp that support our students. Even our support team will be there, to assist you throughout your studies.

Step 6: For certain courses, like the Adult Matric course, we help students prepare for the exams. We will send students a question paper for certain subjects. We will give students 48 hours to complete the paper, then we will provide the memo and move on to the next subject.

Step 7: We also assist students with any registration process for the exams. It does not matter what course it is for. Certain courses we cannot apply for students but we can guide our students.

Is Distance Learning Effective During A Pandemic?

Yes, distance learning is effective in the pandemic. Students can study and work. Students can also study at home. This means that they will have less interaction with people.

 

Author: Jesmé Africa