University in South Africa
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
University profile
Cornerstone Institute (RF) NPC is an independent, not-for-profit private higher education institution in Cape Town, Western Cape. Its administrative and teaching base is on the 6th Floor of the Rex Trueform Office Park, 263 Victoria Road, Salt River. Its stated purpose is teaching and learning in the service of others to advance human dignity and social justice, and it works to the values of inclusivity, excellence, integrity, unity, respect and creativity.
Study is organised through two faculties, Humanities and Entrepreneurship and Economic Transformation, and through five academic units: the Departments of Psychology, Business Studies, Sociology (with Community Development) and Theology, and the School of Education. Media Studies is offered as a major within the Bachelor of Arts. Undergraduate students complete a general education foundation that covers academic development, group studies and communication, worldviews of the South, ethics and global citizenship, and navigating change and conflict. A 'Four Year Solution' gives students without a bachelor's pass an access route through a Higher Certificate and on into degree study.
Qualifications include four Higher Certificates (Business Studies, Christian Ministry, Community Counselling, Community Development), the Bachelor of Arts (majors in Psychology, Sociology/Community Development, Media Studies, Theology and Alternative Education), the Bachelor of Theology in Community Leadership, the Bachelor of Commerce (Economics, Human Capital Management, Marketing, Operations), BA Honours in Psychology and in Community Development, and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Foundation, Intermediate and Senior Phase/FET). Most programmes are offered both on campus and by distance; the BCom, the Business Studies certificate and the PGCE are distance programmes. The fact sheet of June 2025 puts delivery at 91% online and 9% on campus.
The student body is diverse in age (18 to 68 in 2024, average age 30) and 83% female; 99% are South African and 1% international. Student support covers counselling by registered counsellors, academic support, career guidance, orientation and an elected Student Representative Council. The Library and Digital Collections serves students on and off campus. International applicants receive visa support through a dedicated international student office.
The institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Certificate No. 2001/HE08/006). All programmes are accredited by the Council on Higher Education and listed on the SAQA National Qualifications Framework. It is a B-BBEE Level 4 contributor and an affiliate member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.
Financial aid is normally a partial remission of tuition fees for South African applicants who are accepted into an undergraduate or postgraduate programme and show academic potential and financial need. R4.2 million has been awarded in total and more than 500 students have been supported; the fund receives more applications than it can support, so applicants should seek other funding too. No fixed award amount is set.
Recipients must take at least 80 credits a year (40 a semester), complete 10 hours of community service per semester, sign an agreement and undertaking to complete the qualification, and write an annual thank-you letter to the funder. Current students must not be on academic probation and must have settled the previous year's balance. Selection looks at attitude to studies, community involvement and commitment to social justice, expected graduation year and financial need. The Financial Aid Committee meets on the first Thursday of March, May, July and October. Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback within 5 working days and appeal in writing. Apply with the Financial Aid Application Form; see the Financial Aid Policy and Financial Aid page.
Full details are on the student funding options page. Payment plans spread the balance over 10 months for the January intake and 5 months for the July intake. Cornerstone's Give Back 100 campaign raises donations for the aid fund.
Cornerstone Institute Financial Aid Programme →
Browse the scholarships listed for Cornerstone Institute (RF) NPC and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for Cornerstone Institute (RF) NPC →Entry is with a National Senior Certificate with a bachelor's pass or equivalent, a matriculation certificate with university exemption, or a Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate or Diploma in a cognate field. National Benchmark Test results are required. The BCom also requires at least 50% in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and a BCom Bridging option exists for distance students. The BA and BTh are offered on campus and online with no evening classes; the BCom is online only. Part-time study takes a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 years. Intakes are in January and July.
Business Studies (126 credits, distance), Christian Ministry, Community Counselling (both 120 credits, contact and distance) take one year; Community Development (120 credits, contact and distance) takes two years.
BA Honours in Psychology: a bachelor's degree or postgraduate diploma from a DHET-registered institution with Psychology 3 passed at 65% or higher; a 1,000-word personal statement is required; contact or distance; 1 to 3 years. BA Honours in Community Development: a three-year BA or equivalent with a social science major and an average of at least 60% in third-year key modules; 1,000-word personal statement; on campus, full or part time; 1 to 3 years.
A 3-year BA in any field other than Education, or a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 with 360 credits, with a full transcript showing credits and NQF levels. The PGCE is fully online with intakes in January and July, covers Foundation Phase (Grades R to 3), Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 to 6) and Senior Phase/FET, and includes three teaching practicals at three CAPS schools in South Africa. Intermediate Phase applicants need English, Afrikaans and two of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social Science or Life Skills at first- or second-year degree level.
Applicants aged 23 or older who do not meet BA or BCom requirements can be assessed through the RPL and CAT Unit ([email protected]). Recognition of prior learning costs 25% of the module cost; Credit Accumulation and Transfer costs R350 per application. A portfolio development course for access is available.
Qualifications obtained outside South Africa need a SAQA evaluation certificate. Tuition is double for international students except those from African countries. Campus students who need a study visa pay 60% of tuition in advance before the visa letter is issued. The international student office assists with the visa process and housing enquiries ([email protected]).
Apply online at unisis.cornerstone.ac.za/apply or on a manual form emailed to [email protected]. The application fee is R150. Documents: ID or passport, school leaving certificate, official academic record (and NBT results for bachelor's degrees). For 2027, registration runs from 15 October 2026 to 31 January 2027, late registration 1 to 7 February 2027, and classes start on 15 February 2027. First-time applications were shown as closed at the time of review.
Initial payment R5,180 (non-refundable); technology fee R650 and student services fee R1,200 a year; student card R130. Cost per credit: Higher Certificates R250; BA and BTh R705; BCom R405; PGCE R530; Honours R720.
The Library and Digital Collections (Koha catalogue) offers borrowing and short loans, printing, copying and scanning, and virtual support by email or live chat, open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:00. Counselling and wellness services run on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:30.
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