Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often are the courses presented?
GetSmarter courses are presented twice a year - once during the first half of the year and once during the second half of the year. Please click here to view a training calendar.

2. How many students has GetSmarter trained?
GetSmarter has been involved in online training for 4 years and has trained more than 4,000 students throughout South Africa during this time.

3. What sort of certificate do I receive after completing a course?
You receive a certificate issued by the relevant university department. The certificate is posted to you at the end of the course.

4. How much time do I need to spend studying each week?
This depends on a number of factors: how you study, how much time you are prepared to invest in the course and how much you want to gain from it. On average students spend 7 hours per week to complete all of the required elements of the weekly module.

5. Are their any prerequisites to studying with GetSmarter? What do I need to complete a course?
The only requirement is that you have access to the internet, since all aspects of the course are conducted online. A matric certificate is recommended, since the courses are of a university standard, but is not required.

6. Are GetSmarter courses accredited with SETA?
The majority of GetSmarter courses are held in partnership with top South African universities, which obtain accreditation for their qualifications through the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and not SETA. This body is recognised as the Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA) by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

With regard to reimbursing course fees, provided that the course has been incorporated into the company's skills development plan that is submitted to the applicable SETA, companies can claim money from their skills levy when employees attend a GetSmarter university course.

7. How does GetSmarter’s online learning model work?
Online learning allows you to study when and where you want. GetSmarter’s learning model is not only flexible, but also provides you with a structured and supportive learning experience to ensure that you get the most out of your studies.

GetSmarter’s online learning model includes personalised support, both for administrative and content-related matters. Each weekly module contains interactive learning tools, including:

• Course notes: all of the learning material you need to complete the course
• Video lectures: interesting video clips to make the material more engaging, or to illustrate difficult concepts
• Quizzes: interactive quizzes with instant feedback to help you gauge your learning
• Discussion forums: a place to ask for help and to interact with your teacher and fellow students
• Additional resources: a wealth of additional materials, links and resources to further your knowledge

8. How is learning online with GetSmarter different to contact-based training?
If compared to an ordinary attendance-based college - where students arrive at class, receive tuition on a number of topics, are tested and can socialise - GetSmarter’s online learning model is quite similar. Students register online, receive course notes, watch video lectures, interact with remotely located lecturers as well as fellow students on the online discussion forums, submit and receive feedback on assignments, complete exams and take  quizzes. In the end, the goal is to assist students in learning and obtaining accreditation of their learning achievements. In this regard, GetSmarter’s internet-based learning environment is no different to traditional attendance-based education.

Click here for a more in-depth explanation of how GetSmarter’s online learning model works.