Want a career in sport, exercise, or wellness? This eta College online application 2026 guide gives you the exact steps, admission criteria, fees, payment dates, and delivery modes (Contact Learning and Distance Learning) to help you secure a spot at one of South Africa’s most established sport education providers. Use this page to plan your eta College application, compare campus fees, and understand RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) and funding options.
For more options beyond eta, compare accredited colleges using this DHET-registered private colleges directory. You can also verify standards on the Department of Higher Education and Training website, check which universities are open for 2026 applications, or browse colleges that are open.
@mnguni721 #etacollege ♬ original sound – Musa
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What eta College Offers (2026)
25+ courses across 9 campuses with pathways from Higher Certificates to Diplomas, Advanced Certificates, and Bachelor’s degrees in:
- Sports Science (e.g., Higher Certificate in Sports Science; Bachelor of Exercise: Sport Science)
- Sports Management (e.g., Bachelor of Management: Sports Management, Diplomas & Higher Certificates)
- Coaching Science (Higher & Advanced Certificates)
- Short Courses for targeted skills
- Contact Learning (blended: lectures + practical + work-integrated learning) or Distance Learning (online with tutor support)
eta has focused on work-integrated learning since 1983 so that graduates are job-ready or already earning by graduation.
Tip: If you’re cross-shopping other institutions, keep this open and also scan this full list of private colleges registered with the Department of Education.
eta College Admission Criteria (2026)
Admission depends on the NQF level of the programme:
- Bachelor’s Degrees (NQF 7, 360 credits): NSC/GCSE or equivalent with NSC ≥ 50% (programme-specific subject expectations may apply).
- Diplomas (NQF 6, 360 credits): NSC/GCSE or equivalent with NSC ≥ 40% and English ≥ 40%.
- Advanced Certificates (NQF 6, 120 credits): NSC/GCSE or equivalent (programme-specific expectations apply).
- Higher Certificates (NQF 5, 120–137 credits): NSC/GCSE or equivalent with NSC ≥ 30% and English ≥ 40%.
- RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning): Available for eligible applicants with relevant workplace learning.
Always confirm the latest admission fine print with eta before you submit. If you want to see more accredited private institutions for comparison, use this DHET-approved private colleges list.
How to Apply Online to eta College (2026)
- Choose your programme & mode
Decide between Contact Learning (campus-based blended) or Distance Learning (fully online with tutor support). - Prepare your documents
- Certified ID/Passport
- Certified school results or highest qualification
- Proof of address
- Any RPL evidence (if applying via RPL)
- Complete the online application
Fill in the eta application form and upload documents. - Pay the registration fee
- Registration Fee (non-refundable): R1 500
- Use your STUDENT NUMBER as the payment reference.
- Secure your place & plan payments
Select Early Bird, Upfront, or Term Payments (details below), then confirm your timetable and induction details.
If you’re still fishing for alternatives, skim colleges that are open and which universities are open for 2026.
eta College Fees & Payment Options (2026)
Payment methods: EFT, Karri or Peach Payments. Always use your STUDENT NUMBER as reference and keep your Proof of Payment.
Key dates built into eta’s 2026 schedule:
- Early Bird balance due: end of December 2025
- Upfront balance due: end of January 2026
- Term Payments (4 terms) due upfront at the start of each term:
- Term 1: 31 Jan 2026
- Term 2: 7 Apr 2026
- Term 3: 7 Jul 2026
- Term 4: 7 Oct 2026
Bachelor’s Degrees (NQF 7, 360 credits) – Contact Learning
- Bachelor of Exercise: Sport Science
- Reg fee: R1 500 (incl. in totals)
- Early Bird: R76 000
- Upfront: R79 000
- Term Payments (per term): R19 000 • R20 500 • R20 500 • R20 500 → R82 000 total
- Bachelor of Management: Sports Management
- Reg fee: R1 500
- Early Bird: R71 000
- Upfront: R73 250
- Term Payments (per term): R17 625 • R19 125 • R19 125 • R19 125 → R76 500 total
Diplomas (NQF 6, 360 credits) – Contact Learning
- Diploma in Sport and Exercise
- Reg fee: R1 500
- Early Bird: R74 000
- Upfront: R77 000
- Term Payments: R18 500 • R20 000 • R20 000 • R20 000 → R80 000
- Diploma in Sport & Recreation Management
- Reg fee: R1 500
- Early Bird: R62 500
- Upfront: R64 500
- Term Payments: R15 625 • R17 125 • R17 125 • R17 125 → R68 500
Advanced Certificates (NQF 6, 120 credits) – Contact Learning
- Advanced Certificate in Fitness | Sport Conditioning – R60 500 Early Bird / R62 000 Upfront / R65 000 term total
- Advanced Certificate in Fitness | Special Populations – same structure as above
- Advanced Certificate in Coaching Science – R53 500 Early Bird / R55 500 Upfront / R57 500 term total
- Advanced Certificate in Sports, Recreation & Fitness – R53 500 Early Bird / R55 500 Upfront / R57 500 term total
Higher Certificates (NQF 5, 120–137 credits) – Contact Learning
- Higher Certificate in Sports Science (137 cr) – R60 500 Early Bird / R62 000 Upfront / R65 000 term total
- Higher Certificate in Coaching Science (120 cr) – R53 500 Early Bird / R55 500 Upfront / R57 500 term total
- Higher Certificate in Sport, Recreation & Fitness Management (120 cr) – R53 500 Early Bird / R55 500 Upfront / R57 500 term total
Notes:
• Reg Fee (R1 500) is non-refundable and forms part of the total.
• Not all programmes run at every campus.
• Term payments are due upfront at the start of each term (see the four dates above).
If you need other accredited options for comparison, browse this directory of DHET-registered private colleges.
Funding, Student Support & RPL
- Student Funding: eta provides a Student Funding pathway and payment flexibility.
- RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning): If you have workplace learning, ask eta about RPL to access or advance within programmes.
- Work-Integrated Learning: Embedded practicals, partner networks, and job boards help you move from learning to earning.
You can also explore sector funding ideas via this nursing colleges guide to see how private institutions structure bursaries and aid (useful as a benchmark).
Campuses & Modes
- Campuses include: Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, East London, and more (plus Mauritius).
- Modes: Choose Contact Learning (blended) or Distance Learning (fully online, tutor-supported).
Why Students Choose eta
- 40+ years of sport education and 10,000+ graduates.
- Strong industry links, work-integrated learning, and job-readiness.
- Contact or Distance study options to fit your life.
- Trusted partner networks in sport, recreation, and wellness.
FAQs – eta College Online Application 2026
How do I start the eta College online application 2026?
Apply via the eta website, upload certified documents, and pay the R1 500 registration fee (non-refundable). Always use your STUDENT NUMBER as the payment reference.
What are the eta College requirements for 2026?
It depends on the programme level. As a guide: Degrees (NSC ≥ 50%), Diplomas (NSC ≥ 40%, Eng ≥ 40%), Higher Certificates (NSC ≥ 30%, Eng ≥ 40%). Some programmes may have additional requirements.
Does eta offer Distance Learning?
Yes. Distance Learning is fully online via eta’s platform with tutor support for theory and practical components.
What are the eta College fees and payment dates for 2026?
See the fee bands above. Key due dates: Early Bird (end Dec 2025), Upfront (end Jan 2026), and Term 1/2/3/4 on 31 Jan, 7 Apr, 7 Jul, 7 Oct 2026 respectively.
Can I use RPL to get into an eta programme?
Yes, RPL is available for applicants with relevant workplace learning. Request eta’s RPL guidelines.
How do I pay my fees?
Pay via EFT, Karri, or Peach Payments and use your STUDENT NUMBER as reference. Keep proof of payment.
Where can I verify accreditation?
Check programme accreditation and institutional status on the DHET website and compare providers using this DHET-approved private colleges list.
What if eta is full – where else can I apply?
Check colleges that are open and which universities are open for 2026.
Final Take
This eta College online application 2026 guide gives you the requirements, fees, payment timelines, and application steps you need to move from learning to earning in sport, exercise, wellness, coaching, and management. Keep your documents ready, pick your mode (Contact or Distance), and secure your place with the R1 500 registration.
Want to compare more accredited providers before you decide? Use:
- DHET-registered private colleges directory
- Which universities are open for 2026 applications
- Colleges that are open
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