Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Your Ultimate Guide to Studying with Us
Frequently Asked Questions
You can complete your application at any time of the year. There are five intakes during the course of the year. January, March, June, August and October. Apply Now
You can apply at any time of the year with your grade 11 term 4 results or your grade 12 June or September results. These results may gain you provisional acceptance, however, only your final school leaving results can be used to gain full acceptance into The DaVinci Institute.
If you’re currently in matric and wondering whether the NBT (National Benchmark Tests) are required for admission, the answer is no. The NBT is not part of the entry requirements for qualifications offered at The DaVinci Institute.
Our admissions process considers other criteria, such as your academic results, motivation, and supporting documentation. You do not need to complete the NBT to be considered for acceptance.
Should additional assessments be needed, the Admissions Team will communicate this directly during the evaluation of your application.
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What’s Next for Matrics Who Can’t Get Into Public Universities?[/caption]
You can apply to study at DaVinci by completing an online application.
For undergraduate studies the following documents are required:
Certified ID copy
For grade 12 learners: your grade 11, term 4 results or your grade 12 June or September results.
For students who have completed grade 12 or the equivalent: Certified Matric certificate
Proof of application fee payment of R 350.00
CLICK HERE TO PAY YOUR R350 APPLICATION FEE ONLINE VIA YOCO
Provisional admission is granted based on the results of the Grade 11, Term 4 or Grade 12 June or September results. Please note that the final National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification results remain the determining factor for admission. Click here to apply online.
The application fee is R350 and is non-refundable. Payment is paid after filling in your application.
An email will be sent to you with banking details or option to pay online via YOCO
Please find the student tuition fees per programme
Your Final Year School Marks are the ultimate requirement for admission, but you may apply in the meantime using your Grade 11 Term 4 results, or your Grade 12 June or September results. Once your final results are released, they will be used as the determining factor for admission.
This means that your admission will be final only once you have met the final requirements stated in your letter of admission. The requirements may include achieving the grades you need for your course, qualifying for matriculation exemption with your final results, etc. or submitting the correct documents.
Please see the admission requirements here.
Our applications are always open as we have 5 intakes per year. Our intakes are January, March, June, August and October.
I’ve applied. What happens now?
Once you’ve submitted your application, a member of our Admissions Team will carefully review your documents and assess whether all the required information has been provided. If anything is outstanding, or if further documentation is needed, you will receive personalised feedback outlining the next steps in the admissions process.
If you’re wondering, “I have applied, but haven’t received any feedback”, please allow up to 48 hours for our team to respond. During peak periods, response times may vary slightly, but we strive to keep you informed throughout.
Should you not hear back within this timeframe, feel free to follow up by emailing admissions@davinci.ac.za to ensure your application is being processed without delay.
You should receive feedback within 48 hours. If you have not heard back within 48 hours, kindly send an email to admissions@davinci.ac.za
The DaVinci Institute accepts document certifications from the following authorized individuals or entities:
- Notary Public: A licensed professional authorized to certify documents.
- Commissioner of Oaths: An individual, such as an attorney or designated official, empowered to administer oaths and certify documents.
- South African Police Service (SAPS) Station: A certified officer at an SAPS station can certify documents. Please visit your local police station for assistance.
- School Principals: For academic-related documents, a principal of a recognized educational institution may certify documents.
The DaVinci Institute for Technology Management (Pty) Ltd is a private higher education institution and is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration No. 2004/HE07/003
The main difference between a public and private university is how the institutions receive their funding. Public higher education institutions are funded by the government, whilst private higher education institutions are solely funded by student tuition fees.
DaVinci offers higher education qualifications in the distance mode of delivery, accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered on the national Qualifications Framework (NQF) by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
English serves as the official language of instruction for all qualifications offered by The DaVinci Institute. This means that all learning materials, teaching sessions, assignments, and formal communications are presented in English to maintain a consistent academic experience.
Students are therefore expected to demonstrate proficiency in both spoken and written English. This ensures active participation in discussions, successful engagement with the learning material, and effective completion of assessments. Where necessary, additional language support may be recommended.
Using English as the language of instruction allows DaVinci to support a diverse community of learners while aligning with global academic standards.
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Picture of The DaVinci Institute[/caption]
Unfortunately, we are not NSFAS funded as we are a private higher education institution. NSFAS only funds public higher education institutions.
We do not offer student loans, however you can click here for funding options.
At The DaVinci Institute, we are often asked, “Do you offer bursaries?” While we do not currently offer bursaries directly, there are still opportunities available for financial assistance.
If you are currently employed, we recommend speaking to your line manager or human resources department to find out whether your organisation offers study sponsorships or funding for employee development. Many companies in South Africa support further education as part of their skills development initiatives.
For a detailed quotation or to learn more about payment options, please contact our admissions team at admissions@davinci.ac.za.
A quick Google search will reveal many different websites where one can apply for a bursary.
Yes, you can pay your fees monthly, quarterly, half yearly and upfront for the year.
In South Africa, all higher education programmes must be quality assured by the Council on Higher Education’s Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC). Once the HEQC has approved a programme, it is listed on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) which is administered by the South African Qualifications Authority
Going internationally, this gives our qualifications a framework against which to measure the qualification in terms of international standards. We are proud of our internationally recognised qualifications.
Yes, The Da Vinci Institute considers alternative school curricula, including Cambridge, GED, and SAICA, when reviewing applications for admission. Our admissions team is familiar with various local and international education systems and can advise prospective students on eligibility and the best study pathway based on their qualifications. Our admissions team understands both local and international education systems and will guide you on your eligibility, as well as recommend the most suitable study pathway based on your qualifications and career goals.
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The DaVinci Institute’s headquarters building.[/caption]
If your previous qualification was obtained from a South African institution accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and recognised on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), you do not need to submit your qualifications for SAQA verification when applying for postgraduate studies at The Da Vinci Institute.
However, if your qualification is international, or if there is any uncertainty regarding its NQF level, SAQA verification may be required before your postgraduate application can be considered.
Closing Date for Postgraduate Studies
There is no fixed closing date for postgraduate studies at The DaVinci Institute. With five intakes per year, our flexible academic calendar allows you to apply when it best suits your personal and professional schedule.
We accept applications in January, March, June, August, and October, making it easier for prospective postgraduate students to begin their learning journey without waiting for a once-a-year deadline.
If you’re ready to apply or would like more information on upcoming intakes, feel free to contact our Admissions Team at admissions@davinci.ac.za.
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Dr Portia Heynes, a 2025 doctoral graduate of The DaVinci Institute.[/caption]
Transferring from Another Tertiary Institution | Module Credits
If you are transferring from another tertiary institution and have completed relevant modules within the same faculty or a related qualification stream, you may be eligible to apply for module credits at The DaVinci Institute.
This process is handled through our Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) system, which allows students to gain recognition for prior learning and avoid duplicating coursework. Each application is evaluated individually to ensure alignment with DaVinci’s academic requirements.
To start the process, please email your academic transcript and module outlines to admissions@davinci.ac.za. The Admissions Team will guide you through the next steps and let you know what additional information may be needed.
[caption id="attachment_4272" align="alignnone" width="200"] The DaVinci Institute’s headquarters building.[/caption]
The process for our local and international students are the same. We have a large community of international students. Complete your online application here.
There are no set Closing Dates for International Students at The DaVinci Institute. We offer five flexible intakes throughout the year, in January, March, June, August and October, allowing you to begin your studies at a time that suits you. We encourage international applicants to apply early to allow sufficient time for visa processing and travel arrangements.
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What are the closing dates for international students?[/caption]
Additional fees do not apply specifically to international students. All costs are outlined in the standard tuition and fee schedule, and any extra charges would depend on optional services such as accommodation, course materials, or specialised programmes.
You can view The DaVinci Institute’s full breakdown of student tuition fees by accessing our official Fees 2025 document. This PDF includes all programme-related costs for the upcoming academic year.
Click here to view the fees:
If you require a personalised quotation for tuition fees, please contact our admissions team at admissions@davinci.ac.za.
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Tuition Fees[/caption]
If you are considering enrolling at The DaVinci Institute and need a quotation for tuition fees, the process is quick and straightforward. Whether you’re planning to study towards a Bachelor of Commerce, a Master’s degree, or a specialised certificate, understanding the cost upfront is an important step in your academic journey.
To receive an accurate quotation tailored to your chosen programme, please email our admissions team at admissions@davinci.ac.za. Be sure to include the qualification you’re interested in, along with your full name and contact details.
Our team will promptly provide you with a personalised fee breakdown that includes tuition costs and any applicable registration or administration fees.
For more information about our qualifications and flexible payment options, explore our website or get in touch today.
Our banking details are:
The student will pay any amounts due into the following account:
Name: The Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch: Sandton
Code: 019205
Acc no: 022717277
Swift code: SBZAZAJJ
Reference: Name and Surname
Payment options are monthly, quarterly, half yearly and upfront for the year.
Discounts are available for alumni students.
The initial payment for postgraduate students at The DaVinci Institute, which is an admission fee of R12,600, is payable before the start of your studies.
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Dr Goni Saar, a doctoral graduate of The DaVinci Institute.[/caption]
The initial payment for undergraduate students is R4 200.00 for all Bachelor of Commerce electives. However, if you are registering for the Bachelor of Commerce with electives in Aviation Management, the initial payment is R18 200.00.
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Thuso Mojatau, an FNB employee and BCom graduate of The DaVinci Institute.[/caption]
Tuition Fees for International Students
At The DaVinci Institute, tuition fees for international students are the same as those for South African students. We are committed to maintaining a fair and inclusive fee structure that supports access to education for students from across the globe.
For a detailed breakdown of the Fees–2025, including payment options and registration costs, please refer to our official fee schedule or contact the Finance Department. If you need assistance with converting fees into your local currency or understanding payment timelines, our team is available to guide you.
Explore Fees-2025.
When applying to study at The DaVinci Institute, a non-refundable application fee of ZAR350 is required to process your submission. This fee helps us to manage the administrative process involved in reviewing applications and ensuring timely feedback for all prospective students.
If you’re applying through our online application platform, you can make payment quickly and securely via YOCO, our trusted online payment gateway. Simply follow this link to pay your application fee:
https://pay.yoco.com/r/m6rxxE
Once you’ve completed your application, you will receive an automated confirmation email that includes your reference number, a copy of your application, and payment instructions in case you need them again.
Please note:
Payment must be made before your application can be reviewed.
Be sure to use your full name as the payment reference to help us match your payment with your application.
Keep a copy of your payment confirmation for your records.
If you experience any issues during payment or do not receive a confirmation email, our admissions team is here to help. You can reach out to us at admissions@davinci.ac.za for support.
We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to The DaVinci Institute.
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Ms Towera Gondwe
Executive: Governance & Registry[/caption]
To make the most of your remote learning experience at The DaVinci Institute, it’s important to have the right tools in place. Your laptop and internet connection serve as the foundation of your academic success, helping you access course materials, engage in virtual sessions, and complete assignments efficiently.
We recommend the following minimum laptop specifications for smooth performance:
Processor: Intel Core i3
Storage: 125GB hard drive
Memory: 8GB RAM
These specifications will allow you to access our Learning Management System (LMS), use essential software like Microsoft Word and Excel, and participate in virtual discussions via Microsoft Teams without disruptions. A device below these specs may result in slower processing times and challenges during video calls or file submissions.
When it comes to internet connectivity, we suggest:
Minimum data allowance: 10GB per month
Connection type: LTE or fibre is ideal for stability during virtual sessions
This data recommendation ensures that you can comfortably attend online meetings and collaborate with lecturers and peers. However, it’s important to note that our Learning Management System (LMS) is zero-rated, meaning you can access it without using any data, helping to reduce overall internet costs.
Investing in a reliable laptop and consistent internet connection helps ensure that nothing stands between you and your studies. If you need further guidance on setup or device compatibility, our support team is here to assist.
[caption id="attachment_4227" align="alignnone" width="300"] Laptop and internet[/caption]
At The DaVinci Institute, we understand that pursuing higher education, especially through distance learning, can present a unique set of challenges. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive student support structure designed to empower you throughout your academic journey. Our aim is to ensure that every student has access to the tools, guidance and encouragement they need to succeed – both in their studies and in the workplace.
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Dr Linda Chipunza[/caption]
Led by Dr Linda, our student support team offers dedicated assistance tailored to the realities faced by working professionals and postgraduate learners. Whether you’re adjusting to the demands of distance learning, transitioning from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, or simply need help balancing life and learning, our support services are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our specialists assist students with the following:
Acculturation to distance learning
Balancing work, studies and personal life
Group and one-on-one coaching and mentoring aligned to your professional context
Applying learning in the workplace
Motivating students who may feel underprepared or disengaged
Navigating the shift from undergraduate to postgraduate study
Preparing for oral defences (vivas)
Developing critical thinking skills
Enhancing time management and study techniques
For more information on how our student support structure can help you thrive, [read this article].