Are iQ Academy courses accredited?

Yes. iQ Academy (Pty) Ltd, formerly Fernwood Business College, is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution, registration number 2012/HE07/001. It is not a TVET college: it offers higher education qualifications by distance learning.

Programmes on the DHET register

Qualification	NQF level	Mode
Higher Certificate in Business Management	5	Distance
Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management	5	Distance
Higher Certificate in Local Governance	5	Distance
Higher Certificate in Public Administration and Management	5	Distance
Diploma in Business Management	6	Distance

Source: the DHET register of private higher education institutions (December 2025). Programmes offered by a registered institution are accredited by the Council on Higher Education.

iQ Academy’s website also advertises other programmes, such as project management and hospitality certificates, that were not on the December 2025 register. Ask the college for the accreditation status of any programme not listed above.

How to check accreditation yourself

1. Find the institution on DHET’s register of private higher education institutions.
2. Check that your programme appears under that institution, with the mode of delivery you want.
3. Search the qualification on SAQA’s website to confirm its NQF level.

Things to know before enrolling

• Study is online, so you need a device, data and self-discipline.
• Fees are paid to the college, often in monthly instalments; get the total cost in writing.
• NSFAS does not fund private institutions.
• A higher certificate can help you apply for a diploma or degree, but each university decides whether to admit you.

See also how to check any private college.

Frequently asked questions