Lori Meadows
Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional education in South Africa, with an estimated 300,000 students being homeschooled as of 2019, a number that has likely grown in recent years. While there are concerns about the disarray and enforcement of homeschooling regulations by local authorities, the flexibility and personalized attention that homeschooling offers are particularly advantageous for students with special needs or those facing overcrowding in the traditional school system. As the number of homeschooled students continues to rise, South African universities are increasingly accepting these students, even without traditional completion certificates, recognizing their potential for academic excellence. This evolving dynamic between homeschooling and higher education in South Africa raises important questions about equal access to educational opportunities and the recognition of non-traditional learning pathways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Homeschooling legality | Homeschooling is a legally recognised alternative to formal education in South Africa |
| Homeschooling numbers | In 2019, it was estimated that 140,000 students were homeschooled in South Africa. This number has doubled to approximately 300,000 since the start of COVID-19 |
| University acceptance without certification | There are instances of universities accepting homeschooled students without certification, such as a student who was accepted to Stellenbosch University |
| University acceptance with certification | South African universities will accept a series of exams passed by homeschooled students as a completion certificate |
| Curriculum | Parents can choose any curriculum that meets the minimum requirements outlined in the SA Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) |
| Costs | The cost of homeschooling depends on the curriculum, platform, student level, and subjects chosen. Textbooks and examination fees are additional costs |
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What You'll Learn
Homeschooling qualifications and certifications
Homeschooling is a legally recognised alternative to formal education in South Africa. The South African Schools Act requires that parents register their children with the Provincial Education Department (PED) if they wish to educate them at home. However, the registration process is not always straightforward, and there is a lack of clarity around the requirements and standards that must be met.
When choosing a homeschooling curriculum, parents have several options, including the National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), the International British Curriculum, and the Cambridge Curriculum. The CAPS curriculum is aligned with the South African school year and offers a structured schedule. The International British Curriculum and Cambridge Curriculum are globally recognised and offer more flexibility, allowing students to work at their own pace and take exams anywhere in the world. The cost of homeschooling will depend on the chosen curriculum, platform, student level, and subjects selected. For example, annual online homeschooling fees for primary students following the Cambridge Curriculum range from R12,420 to R35,910 per year for three subjects, while fees for primary students following the CAPS curriculum range from R2,970 to R11,300 for Grades 1-3.
Parents can also seek support from organisations such as the Pestalozzi Trust, which is a non-profit organisation that provides legal protection and assistance to homeschooling families. Additionally, groups like Liberty in Learning advocate for the rights and freedoms of families to choose the education that is in the best interest of their children.
While there may be some challenges and uncertainties in the homeschooling landscape in South Africa, the number of homeschoolers has been growing. In 2019, it was estimated that 140,000 students were homeschooled in the country, and this number has since doubled to approximately 300,000, likely due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of the traditional education system.
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University entrance exams
Homeschooling is a legally recognised alternative to formal education in South Africa. While it is not a very popular option, the number of homeschooled students has been increasing over the years. In 2019, it was estimated that 140,000 students were homeschooled in South Africa, a number that has since doubled to approximately 300,000.
The South African Schools Act requires that parents register their children with the Provincial Education Department (PED) if they wish to educate them at home. Parents can choose any curriculum that meets the minimum requirements outlined in the national curriculum, such as the South African Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) or the International British Curriculum/Cambridge Curriculum.
When it comes to university entrance exams for homeschooled students in South Africa, there are a few options. One option is to take the Cambridge International Examinations. These exams are recognised by South African universities, and passing them will allow homeschooled students to obtain a completion certificate, which is typically required for university entrance. Some universities may also accept homeschooled students without any certification, especially if they have demonstrated exceptional academic ability or potential. In such cases, a portfolio of the student's work, standardised test scores (such as the SAT), and interviews with university officials may be considered for admission.
It is important to note that the requirements and policies for university entrance exams for homeschooled students may vary across different universities in South Africa. Therefore, it is advisable for students to check the specific requirements of their desired universities and plan their high school curriculum accordingly. Additionally, seeking guidance from organisations that support homeschooling, such as Impaq and the Pestalozzi Trust, can be beneficial for navigating the university application process.
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Legality of homeschooling in South Africa
Homeschooling, also known as home education in South Africa, was illegal until 1996 when it was recognised under the South African School Legislation. The SA Schools Act requires that every home learner be registered with the relevant provincial education department. However, this is not compulsory if there is a good reason not to.
The Pestalozzi Trust, a non-profit organisation, was established to serve as a legal fund to ensure the continued freedom of homeschooling and to promote such freedom. The Trust advises that the national policy concerning the registration of home schoolers is in direct conflict with the SA Schools Act and is therefore not enforceable.
The supreme law in South Africa is the Constitution. According to article 29(1) of the Constitution, everybody in South Africa has the right to basic education, and to decide where they want to receive this education and what the content of this education should be. The Constitution does not state that government officials have the authority to decide where children should be educated, and as such, parents do not need to ask for permission to educate their children at home.
Parents must provide the Provincial Education Department (PED) with feedback on the learner’s progress and whether they have reached the required outcomes at the end of every phase (Grade 3, 6, and 9). Assessments must be done by competent assessors (qualified educators registered with the South African Council for Educators). Parents can follow any curriculum that meets the minimum outcomes as set out in the national curriculum.
The Bela Bill was passed in October 2023, making Grade R compulsory. The policy on home education has not been updated to reflect this. However, it is recommended that guardians of Grade R learners apply to register for homeschooling.
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Costs of homeschooling
Homeschooling in South Africa, also known as home education, was illegal until 1996 when it was recognised under the South African School Legislation. Since then, it has grown significantly, with an estimated 140,000 students being homeschooled in 2019, a number that doubled to approximately 300,000 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cost of homeschooling in South Africa will depend on the curriculum, platform, student level, and the subjects selected. The three most popular homeschooling curriculums in South Africa are:
- CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement): This is the national curriculum of South Africa, which follows a structured schedule aligned with the South African school year.
- International British Curriculum: A globally recognised system that offers flexibility for students to work at their own pace and take exams anywhere in the world.
- Cambridge Curriculum: Another globally recognised curriculum that integrates seamlessly with national curricula worldwide.
The costs for the CAPS and Cambridge curricula will be influenced by factors such as the number of subjects, examination venues, and textbook formats (digital vs. printed). For example, the annual online homeschooling fees for Cambridge primary stage students range from R12,420 to R35,910 per year for three subjects, with textbooks costing between R1,700 and R3,400. There are no additional examination fees at this level.
For the CAPS curriculum, the fees vary depending on the grade level. For Grades 1-3, fees range from R2,970 to R11,300, while for Grades 4-6, they range from R8,280 to R26,100. The fees increase for Grades 7-9 to a range of R12,420 to R39,150 due to the higher number of subjects at this level. Textbooks for the CAPS curriculum cost between R2,110 and R2,534, and there are no additional examination fees for these grades.
Moving into secondary education, the costs continue to rise. For lower secondary stage students, the annual online homeschooling fees range from R25,200 to R63,900 per year for six subjects. Textbooks at this level will cost between R6,600 and R8,300.
Finally, for A-Level students, the fees range from R46,350 to R97,200 per year for four subjects. Textbooks will cost between R6,650 and R8,315, and there may be additional exam fees depending on the examination centre, subject, and exam type, ranging from R16,630 to R33,260.
It is important to note that these costs are for illustrative purposes only and may vary depending on specific choices and circumstances. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with homeschooling, such as the need to create an appropriate learning environment and purchase additional educational materials or resources.
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Homeschooling curriculums
Homeschooling is a legally recognised alternative to formal education in South Africa. While parents can choose any curriculum that suits their child's educational needs, it must meet the minimum requirements outlined in the SA Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).
CAPS Curriculum
The CAPS curriculum is a structured schedule that aligns with the South African school year. It is also known as the National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement. The textbooks for this curriculum cost between R2,110 and R2,534 for primary students in Grades 1-3, and between R2,600 and R8,300 for lower secondary students.
International British Curriculum/Cambridge Curriculum
The International British Curriculum, also known as the Cambridge Curriculum, is a globally recognised system of learning and assessment that allows seamless integration with national curricula worldwide. It offers more flexibility, allowing students to work at their own pace and take exams anywhere in the world. The annual fees for primary students range from R12,420 to R35,910 per year for three subjects, while textbooks cost between R1,700 and R3,400.
IEB Curriculum
The IEB curriculum is a South African-based curriculum that provides the same structure as CAPS, with terms aligned with the South African school year.
Online Curriculums
There are also online curriculum options available, such as those offered by Wingu Academy. These curriculums are accredited and recognised, meeting national educational standards. They offer greater flexibility, personalised learning opportunities, and access to a global classroom environment. The fees for online curriculums vary depending on the curriculum, platform, student level, and subjects selected.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, universities in South Africa do accept homeschooled students. However, the process and requirements may vary. Some universities may accept homeschooled students without any certification, while others may require completion certificates or equivalent qualifications. It is recommended to contact the specific universities for detailed admission requirements.
The requirements for homeschooled students to enter a South African university can vary. Some universities may require completion certificates from "official" organisations, such as a high school diploma. Alternatively, homeschooled students can take a series of exams and use the certification obtained to meet the entry requirements, such as the Cambridge International Examinations.
To improve your chances of getting into a South African university as a homeschooled student, you can focus on creating a strong application portfolio. This may include compiling a portfolio of your work, taking standardised tests like the SAT, and potentially speaking with university officials to discuss your unique educational background.
There may be challenges for homeschooled students when applying to South African universities due to the perception that homeschooled students require completion certificates from "official" organisations. However, this perception is changing as more homeschooled students are being admitted to universities, and the success of homeschooled students at the university level is becoming more recognised.
