Blog Post

Mature Coloured South African woman taking a free online short course on a laptop with headphones at a kitchen table

Free Short Courses from South African Universities

Several South African universities offer short courses online at no cost. They are a good way to try a new subject, add to your CV or see if a field suits you before you pay fees. Start with the university’s own short course page. Check the start date, the hours you need each week and whether a certificate is included. Some courses are self-paced, others run on fixed dates.
Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. ― Malcolm X
Once you pick a course, save the material in Studiepoort and add the due dates to your study plan. If data is tight, download the notes on Wi-Fi at campus or the library. Sipho Ndlovu from our student support team can help you choose a course that fits your timetable.
Smiling young Black South African university tutor holding an open textbook and pen, standing beside a blank green chalk
Close-up of a university student's study desk with spiral notebooks, highlighters, sticky notes, a smartphone and a coff

How to choose the right short course

Pick a course that matches your degree or the work you want to do. Read the outline, check the weekly time needed and see if a certificate is given. If a course asks for payment, compare it with the free options first.

Finish what you start

Book fixed study times in your week and treat them like a lecture. Tell a friend what you are learning so they can ask how it is going. Keep your certificates in one folder on the Studiepoort portal for easy access later.

4 Comments

  1. Useful blog for students. Clear advice on studying online and staying on top of assignments. Practical tips that I could use the same day. Well done!

  2. Helpful study advice! This blog explains exam preparation and online learning in plain language, which is great for first-years and matric learners alike. Thanks!

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