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A recognised qualification your child can start in 2027

You are about to make a big decision with your child, probably with your money. Here is what Zaio is, how to check every claim we make, and what to ask us.

Speak to an advisorSee the programmes
QCTO accreditedQCTO-accredited Skills Development Provider
A Zaio student at her desk
QCTO-accreditedNot a degree, and we say soCosts in writing first

Our graduates work at

  • FNB
  • Vodacom
  • Takealot
  • Entelect
  • Momentum
  • BCX
  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • Accenture
  • Wipro
  • Rain
  • Yoyo

Accreditation

From our academic head.

Film to come

Our academic head explains how Zaio’s qualifications are accredited and how students are assessed.

90 sec

Ninety seconds on how the qualifications are accredited, and how your child is assessed.

Accreditation

Do not take our word for it. Check.

Any college can put the word “accredited” on a website. Here is how to verify it in a few minutes, for Zaio or for anyone else.

How to check us

Ask for the number on the qualification

Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. Ask any college for theirs; if they cannot give it to you, that is your answer.

  1. 1

    Ask for the provider's QCTO accreditation number.

    Ours is on this page and in our footer.

  2. 2

    Ask for the SAQA ID of the exact qualification.

    Ours is on every programme page. Software Development is SAQA ID 118707.

  3. 3

    Search that ID on the SAQA website.

    You will see the registered title, the NQF level and the credits. They should match what the college told you.

  4. 4

    Ask what your child receives at the end, and who issues it.

    For an Occupational Certificate, the QCTO issues it, not the college.

Search the SAQA registerSee every qualification and its SAQA ID

The qualification

What an Occupational Certificate is.

It is a nationally registered qualification built around a specific occupation. Most of ours are at NQF Level 5, the same level on the National Qualifications Framework as a Higher Certificate. It is not a degree, and we will never describe it as one. It takes 1.5 to 2 years and has three parts: theory, practical skills, and real workplace experience. It ends with a national external assessment.

  1. 01

    Knowledge modules

    The theory, taught in live online classes.

    Assessed by exam.

  2. 02

    Practical skills modules

    Hands-on work that runs alongside the theory.

    Assessed through workbooks, observation and practical assessments.

  3. 03

    Workplace modules

    Completed with an employer or on site with Zaio.

    Assessed through observation and a logbook.

  4. Final

    The EISA

    The External Integrated Summative Assessment is the national exam for the qualification. Pass it and the QCTO issues the Occupational Certificate.

    The EISA carries a separate exam fee. Your advisor will confirm the amount before you enrol.

How you learn

How learning works at Zaio.

232
Amahle Dlamini

This week

Live classes

  • Today · 18:00Live now

    JavaScript fundamentals: arrays and loops

    Thabo Mokoena

  • Thu · 18:00

    Responsive layouts with CSS grid

    Thabo Mokoena

  • Sat · 10:00

    Career lab: portfolio review

    Naledi Khumalo

A working preview of the platform. Click around. Sample learner.

Student life

What happens when your child is studying.

  • Live classes with a real person.

    Not a library of recorded videos.

  • Mentors who know their name.

    Work is reviewed and feedback is given.

  • Help at any hour.

    24/7 AI tutor support between classes.

  • Somewhere to go.

    Innovation Hubs in Cape Town and Durban are open to students.

The Innovation Hubs are at Fl 2, Block B, 66 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915 and 221 Musgrave Rd, Berea, Durban.

Campuses

Study online. Visit us in person.

Open days and events

Two Innovation Hubs

Cape TownDurban
Map of South Africa marking Zaio's Innovation Hubs in Cape Town and Durban.
Speak to an advisor
Visitors in the corridor of the Cape Town Innovation Hub during Open Day
Four students holding Zaio prospectuses at the Cape Town Innovation Hub
Open Day at the Cape Town Innovation Hub, May 2026.

Tuition

How payment works.

Tuition is published on every programme page, from R19,950 upfront, and paying upfront is the cheapest way to study. Flexible financing through Manati is the other option. An advisor will give you the full cost of every option in writing, including the separate exam fee for the final assessment, before anyone signs anything. You are welcome on that call.

Speak to an advisorTuition and financing

FAQ

Questions parents ask us.

(01)Is this a degree?
No. It is an Occupational Certificate registered on the National Qualifications Framework, issued by the QCTO. Most of ours sit at NQF Level 5, the same level as a Higher Certificate. It is not a degree and we will never describe it as one.
(02)My child has not got their matric results yet. Can they apply?
Yes. They can apply and speak to an advisor now; results are confirmed before enrolment. If they do not meet the matric requirement, ask about Recognition of Prior Learning.
(03)What does my child need at home?
A computer and a reliable internet connection, because classes are live rather than recorded. The Innovation Hubs in Cape Town and Durban are open to students who would rather study on site.
(04)Will my child get a job?
We cannot promise anyone a job, and you should be wary of any college that does. What we publish is that 81% of students who joined us unemployed were working within six months of graduating. Career support — portfolio, CV and interview practice — runs while they study, not only at the end.
(05)Can I speak to a person?
Yes, and you are welcome on your child's advisor call. Every cost, including the separate exam fee, is given to you in writing before anyone signs anything.

Admissions

Talk to us before you decide.

Bring your questions. If we cannot answer one, we will tell you so rather than guess.

Apply nowSpeak to an advisor
  • QCTO-accredited, registered on the National Qualifications Framework
  • QCTO-accredited Skills Development Provider
  • Every cost in writing before anyone signs
Apply nowSpeak to an advisor