Frequently asked questions

1. What does "high-touch online education" mean?
This refers to the high level of proactive personal contact provided to our students during the learning experience.

2. How are the courses presented?
GetSmarter courses are presented online through our user-friendly learning website. All courses are based on continuous assessment and all assignments are completed online. No travelling is necessary. You can complete our courses from the comfort of your home or office.

3. What payment or financing options are available?
We offer several payment options, including once-off payments, payment plans and credit card payments – straight or budget. We also offer financing – you can apply for a study loan from Eduloan. Learn more about these affordable payment options.

4. Do I receive a university certificate?
Yes, university certificates are issued by the relevant Department to students who successfully complete one of our university accredited courses. The certificate is posted to you at the end of the course.

5. How often are the courses presented?
Our courses are usually presented twice a year – once during the first half of the year and once during the second half of the year. View our course portfolio.

6. Does GetSmarter offer corporate training?
Yes. Please see our corporate training page for more information.

7. If I live outside South Africa, can I enrol for a course?
Yes. International students are more than welcome to sign up for a course, since no travelling is required. The only requirements are that you have access to the internet and a valid email account.

8. How many students has GetSmarter trained?
GetSmarter has been involved in online training since 2005 and has trained more than 6,000 students throughout South Africa during this time.

9. 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.

10. Are there any prerequisites to studying with GetSmarter? What do I need to complete a course?
The only requirements are that you have access to the internet and a valid email address, 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.

11. Are GetSmarter courses accredited with SETA?
GetSmarter is the first and only entirely online training company to be accredited by any SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) as a provider of education and training in South Africa. Institutional accreditation number: 3692.

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.

12. 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
  
  

13. 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.