University in South Africa
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
University profile
eta College (Exercise Teachers Academy (Pty) Ltd) is a single-purpose private higher education and training college for sport, exercise and fitness qualifications. It was launched in Cape Town in 1983 by Dr Malcolm Marrison, and since 1994 has been run by directors Linda Halliday and Dr Steve Harris. The College says it has produced more than 10,000 graduates and offers 25 programmes across 9 campuses, from short courses and certificates to degrees.
Programmes are grouped in three areas. Exercise Science offers the Higher Certificate in Fitness, the Advanced Certificate in Fitness in Sport Conditioning, the Diploma in Sport and Exercise (3 years, NQF 6) and the Bachelor of Exercise in Sport and Leisure (NQF 7, 360 credits). Sports Management offers the Higher Certificate in Sport, Recreation and Fitness Management, the Diploma in Sport and Recreation Management and the Bachelor of Management in Sport and Leisure. Coaching offers the Higher Certificate in Coaching Science and the Advanced Certificate in Coaching Science. Many are available through contact learning at a campus or by distance learning on the College's online platform. There are also professional eta certificates (personal trainer, group exercise, sport massage, sports nutrition, health and wellness coach), a Performance Division with courses such as boxing, kettlebell and Olympic weightlifting, a Play Sport programme for student athletes, and golf academies offering the National Diploma Club Professional Golfing with PGA South Africa.
Teaching follows a Total Immersion approach that combines theory, applied learning and work-integrated learning in approved workplaces, under the WISE (Wellness, Innovation, Sustainability, Engagement) curriculum model. The language of instruction is English. Students need their own laptop or desktop computer; campus Wi-Fi is free, study spaces and computers are provided, and library books and journals are included in tuition. Support includes mentorship, portfolio reviews and wellness support. eta Special Projects delivers learnerships and skills programmes for organisations funded through CATHSSETA.
The College is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution (certificate 2001/HE07/006) for its higher education programmes at nine sites, and its higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas and two bachelor degrees are accredited by the Council on Higher Education and registered on the NQF by SAQA. Occupational courses are accredited by CATHSSETA (613/P/000007/2004). It is recognised by the Register for Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA), is a licensed service provider with Sport and Recreation South Africa, and is a member of APPETD.
eta does not list its own bursaries. Its student loans page describes eta Extender, which spreads tuition fees over 24 months, and education loans from Capitec Education Finance (up to R500,000 over up to 84 months) and Nedbank (R2,000 to R400,000 over 6 to 72 months), both paid directly to the College.
Browse the scholarships listed for Exercise Teachers Academy (Pty) Ltd and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for Exercise Teachers Academy (Pty) Ltd →NQF level 4 short courses require general education up to Grade 9 or equivalent. The Personal Trainer certification requires Grade 12 and a National Senior Certificate with an overall pass of 30-39%.
An NSC with Higher Certificate admission, an elementary achievement (rating code 2) with an overall score of 30-39%, and a minimum of 30% in English.
A completed level 5 Higher Certificate or National Certificate in a cognate field.
An NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching, plus a rating of 3 (40-49%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects. Some programmes may require additional subject combinations.
An NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching, plus a rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects. Some programmes may require additional subject combinations.
RPL for access allows applicants who do not meet the formal requirements to be considered on demonstrated prior learning and readiness; no credits are awarded. Credit Accumulation and Transfer allows exemption from modules already completed at the same NQF level in a cognate field, supported by official transcripts, up to 50% of a programme's credits, and no more than 10% of a cohort may be admitted or progressed through RPL-based exemptions. Candidates with at least three years of sport or fitness workplace experience can seek a full level 5 National Certificate (Sport Management, Coaching Science, or Fitness Personal Trainer) through RPL; HEQSF qualifications cannot be achieved by RPL alone.
Apply online through the Apply Now form, choosing the programme and either a campus or distance learning, or complete the manual application form (campus or online learning version) with the payment schedule and submit it to the regional campus by hand or email. Admission status is sent by email with payment and enrolment instructions.
The nine South African campuses are registered sites of delivery for the higher education programmes. Campuses are typically located at sports clubs and stadiums, with classrooms and training zones, free Wi-Fi and computers for student use. Golf academies run at golf-specific campuses in the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
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