University in South Africa
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
University profile
The Bible Institute of South Africa (BISA) is an interdenominational, evangelical theological college in Kalk Bay, Cape Town. It provides Christ-centred, Scripture-based training for ministry in the local church and in missions, under the motto "To know Christ and make Him known". It has trained more than 2,000 men and women for ministry and missions since 1923 and is a registered non-profit organisation.
The main qualification is the Bachelor of Theology (BTh, NQF level 7, 368 credits), offered on campus over three years full-time (four days a week) or six years part-time, and by distance learning through the Distance Learning Programme, typically completed over six to eight years. The BTh Honours (NQF level 8, 120 credits) is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme with a compulsory mini-dissertation, taught in a blended format with a two-week intensive at the start of the year. Both degrees are accredited by the Council on Higher Education and registered with SAQA. A two-year MA in Language and Bible Translation is offered with Wycliffe Global and accredited through the Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA).
Non-degree programmes include the Christian Foundations Gap Year (one year full-time, covering the first-year BTh courses, awarded as a certificate and not accredited), the three-year part-time Christian Leadership Programme (300 course hours, offered at venues in Cape Town and online, not accredited), Business as Mission, and Summer and Winter Schools.
The campus has lecture rooms, a library of over 30,000 books with access to the Perlego digital library, a study area, a computer room, a dining room, and residences for students and staff inside a secure complex. Wi-Fi covers the campus and teaching is supported by the Canvas learning management system. Lectures run Tuesday to Friday from 8am to 1pm, with chapel on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and fellowship groups on Wednesdays.
International students are welcome and are asked to apply at least four months before arrival to allow time for a study visa. BISA is accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Browse the scholarships listed for Bible Institute of South Africa NPC (The) and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for Bible Institute of South Africa NPC (The) →Applicants should be Christian and regular participants in a local church, have a recommendation from their church leader, be prepared for rigorous academic study and compulsory part-time supervised ministry fieldwork (full-time students), and be willing to study in an interdenominational environment under the Reformed theological position taught at BISA.
National Senior Certificate or equivalent with a minimum of 60% in English (home language level) and an achievement rating of 4 or better in four subjects from the designated subject list (Government Gazette No. 751, 11 July 2008). Admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is permitted.
A BTh degree with a minimum average of 70%.
Senior Certificate with exemption (a pass level for university entrance) and proficiency in English.
No minimum academic requirement. Students should be in good standing with their local church and able to grasp and critically apply the course content.
Certified copy of ID or passport, certified copies of academic certificates or transcripts, and one passport-size photograph (digital is accepted). The application form is completed online or downloaded and emailed with documents to [email protected]. Three referees are required, one of whom must be the applicant's pastor. Students supported by a church or sponsor supply a sponsor letter stating the amount. Residential students also submit a medical form completed by a doctor. The application fee is R500 and is non-refundable.
Applicants must be accepted by BISA before applying for a study visa at the South African embassy or consulate in their home country; the permit must name BISA. Applicants from countries where English is not an official language must show evidence of written and spoken English. Proof of funds for tuition, residence and living costs for at least one academic year is required before an acceptance letter is issued. A general certificate of health and proof of funds for health costs are needed for the visa. International students (excluding those from Africa) pay increased tuition fees. Applications should start at least four months before arrival; students may join in the second semester (July).
Kalk Bay campus, Cape Town (180 Main Road, Kalk Bay, 7975): the single campus, in the fishing village of Kalk Bay overlooking False Bay. It has lecture rooms, a library (over 30,000 books, Perlego digital library, study area and separate computer room), a dining room and Wi-Fi. Residences Daintree (female students, with lounge and laundry) and Douglas (male students, with common room, table tennis and gym equipment) offer private or shared rooms with shared bathrooms; limited accommodation is available for married couples. Residential students receive a cooked lunch on weekdays and have kitchen facilities for other meals.
Christian Leadership Programme venues: evening or Saturday classes at selected locations around Cape Town, and online.
Study programmes offered at Bible Institute of South Africa NPC (The).
Experiences shared by students of Bible Institute of South Africa NPC (The).
Studied here? Share your experience to help other applicants.
Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.
Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.
Enter your credentials to continue.
Join us and start your study abroad journey.
