How To Get CHE Accreditation And DHET Registration

If you are seriously considering applying for CHE accreditation, you can arrange for a free 30- minute virtual discussion in which I will answer specific questions you have about your situation and the qualification/s you plan to offer. Just send me an email and we can arrange an appropriate time. CLICK HERE TO MAKE CONTACT
Three processes run concurrently:
• Application to the Council on Higher Education (CHE) for accreditation of the programme(s) the institution plans to offer, based on evidence submitted of quality assurance systems, processes and procedures that will ensure quality programme delivery;
• Submission of the qualification the institution wants to offer, i.e. a new qualification that falls in the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework, which will be registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) – or application against a registered qualification;
• Application to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for registration as a private higher education institution (using Form APX-01) to confirm that it is a legal and reputable entity and not a ‘fly-by-night’ institution.
General comments:
• How long does it take for CHE approval?
The application is dealt with by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the CHE, and it takes approximately 12 to 18 months for the application to be processed through all the HEQC and SAQA processes after the application is submitted through the HEQC online system.
• DHET registration:
The application must be submitted to DHET 18 months before commencement of operations.
• Thorough evaluation process:
The HEQC and SAQA processes are very thorough and a substantial percentage of applications are referred back to the applicant because the evidence provided in the submission is insufficient or not convincing. Applicants are then given a limited period to make improvements and to submit additional evidence in a Representation, following which the decision could be to not approve accreditation.
• Key areas:
The central pillar of the application for accreditation is the qualification and the learning programme based on the qualification, as well as all the processesrelating to the design, delivery, assessment, moderation and quality assurance of the programme. Ensure that these are developed by people with the necessary expertise.
• Nature of the HEQC process:
The HEQC process is very different from the SETA-ETQA accreditation process, and in many ways far more demanding.
The applicant cannot simply submit ‘generic’ policy documents, but has to describe exactly what systems, processes and procedures will be established to ensure that quality and regulatory requirements are met, how these will be implemented, who will be responsible for their development, implementation and quality assurance and what qualifications and relevant experience they have, as well as how the different systems, processes and procedures relate to and support one another.
• How long does it take to prepare the submission?
Depending on what is already in place, the preparation can take more than six months (if the institution is newly established with very few 2 policy and other documents in place) or about three to four months (if the institution is established and has a functioning QMS).
The duration depends largely on available internal capacity and expertise, and the extent of external assistance required.
CHE Accreditation - FAQs and costs - Apr 2021.pdf
CHE Accreditation_DHET registration - Summary of Requirements and costs - Apr 2021.pdf
CHE Accreditation - Overview of Consulting Services and Costs - April 2021.pdf