Admissions

This is sadly a common trend with many high schools. The Department of Education permits entry into programs requiring these subjects if the applicant first completes the Design Foundation program. Once this program is completed, the applicant can proceed with their program of choice.

Yes, if you wish to complete the South African SAQA recognised programs. If, however, you wish to proceed with the internationally accredited programs offered on e-learning you may apply for an exemption from certain requirements.

As a minimum requirement, all applicants are expected to hold a good command of the English language. Any applicants wishing to study without sufficient English must complete the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language program, offered by SDC e-Learning.

SDC assists students in finding accommodation which is conveniently located near to the Campus location. Accommodation is often in private apartments shared with other students or in a hostel type student setting. In many cases meals are not included, which requires students to make their own meal purchases.

First check to see that you require a visa to study at the Campus and country of your choice.

SDC Admissions offices are able to assist international applicants in applying for their study visas at their local Consulates. After an applicant is approved, the student will receive payment information. Once the required monies are paid, the student and consulate will be issued with a formal letter of invitation and student enrolment. The consulate may make contact with the college and if needed, the college will contact consular members.

International students are introduced to the Campus and city by means of a comprehensive orientation. The program informs students of important local information and services. A tour of the city showcases all the points of interest and places of importance that a new student should know. The orientation program also includes social introductions to the current students of the college and gives new students an opportunity to form friendships.

All students joining the Milan Campus must apply for a permit to stay (Permesso di Soggiorno) within the first few weeks after arrival. The Dean will personally assist students in this process and accompany them to the Questura and Postal office where their documentation is submitted. Once issued, this permesso will grant a student a permit to move freely within all Schengen states for the duration of the study period. Permesso's may be renewed while in Italy.

SDC encourages inter-Institution transfers. Students are able to complete stages of their studies at the various SDC Campuses, eg. first year in Johannesburg, second year in Durban and third year in Milan, Italy. As all programs are articulated, students are able to progress through a program between campuses and continents without any challenges.

All transfer applications are reviewed by the SDC Academic Board. In order for students to transfer credits from an external Institution, the Academic Board will evaluate what level was achieved within each subject and whether the standard of education achieved by the student at the previous institution is of a comparable level to SDC. If the Board's findings are that the student's credits do not have the same weighting as those of SDC then the student will be formally notified of the credit decline. In these cases, the student will be required to repeat subjects or modules with SDC to earn the required credits.

SDC's programs are registered with SAQA and are internationally accredited by the IARC, which allows local and international articulation with public or private Institutions. SDC has entered into articulation agreements with instititions such as Perth University whereby an exchange of students is freely possible but other institution options are also availible to students on application.