FAQs

The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) is the leading and most accredited registered private provider of higher education in South Africa. It is responsible for the academic governance and quality assurance of all programmes delivered through the campuses of its educational brands, which include The IIE’s Vega School.

The IIE is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education provider and is part of ADvTECH Ltd, a public company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

The IIE is internationally accredited with The British Accreditation Council. This important achievement demonstrates that our standards are world-class and guarantees students complete confidence about the value of their qualifications. The British Accreditation Council is an independent authority in the UK that accredits private providers in the UK and in other countries such as Greece, Switzerland, Singapore, India, Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates.

Yes, an IIE degree is of the exact same standard as one found in any public university or private institution. The IIE qualifications at Vega have a strong focus on brand leadership and management, brand strategy, innovation and creative brand communication design.

It is our unique purpose to produce IIE graduates who are able to design and create original strategic solutions for brand challenges in business and society.

It is important to note there is no such thing as blanket "international recognition" for any academic institution as this would imply that all countries and all other institutions have somehow validated the qualifications of one university or higher education provider. Internationally, higher education institutions make their own rules about whose qualifications they accept. There are agreements between countries to mutually recognise the quality assurance systems but, in the end, it comes down to the preference of specific institutions.

What is possible is that an institution has met the requirements of an accrediting or recognition body in another country, or that it has a relationship with another institution, or that its qualifications are given some credence, because the countries have an agreement.

In our case, The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) is accredited as an international higher education centre by the British Accreditation Council, which is the body that accredits private higher education in the UK. This is in addition to our local accreditation and registration. That means we have been assessed and found to offer higher education at both the required South African and UK standards. This provides an additional stamp of approval.

All countries have clearing houses to approve international qualifications. In South Africa this work is done by SAQA. If you are presenting a South African qualification overseas, the institution or employer will first check with SAQA that the qualification is registered here. They will then compare curriculum and outcomes and ascertain your likelihood of coping in that system. Our graduates have, to date, moved with ease into international institutions or employment with our qualifications, but it takes – for us and everyone else – some effort to put the evidence together as each place has their own requirements.

Student orientation is the start of your academic journey at IIE-Vega where essential general and course specific information will be shared. The date specific to your programme will be provided when you register. Attendance at student orientation is highly recommended and we look forward to seeing you there!

Upon registration your Relationship Navigator will guide you on the process to apply for module credits on the student hub. Deadline dates for module credit applications are on the student hub.

Should you qualify for any module credits, you will receive a confirmation letter which you need to send to your Finance Navigator to process the fee credit.

IIE-Vega does not require a portfolio as part of the application process to study a higher certificate or undergraduate degree in design. That’s because our primary focus is on how our students think and how collaborative they are as creative solution seekers. The development of an industry-ready portfolio becomes a core focus once you enrol and engage hands-on with any one of our design programmes.

You are welcome to make an appointment with one of our Contact Navigators if you are unsure which design course would suit you best. Ideally you should attend one of our GenV workshops at a IIE-Vega campus to explore the different programme outputs.

A unique discipline that is suited for those who love words, writing, creative communication – and have a curiosity for human behaviour. These fields all form the backbone of exciting, original and memorable brand communications. If you are a gifted storyteller, endowed with an unlimited imagination as well as the courage to create brave ideas, this might be the career opportunity you have been seeking.

The IIE BA in Creative Brand Communications with core discipline Copywriting explores critical thinking and creative writing to develop strong copywriting skills. It focuses on fostering crafting capabilities required to produce meaningful concepts and strategic messages for brand communication solutions.

Firstly, the qualifications are different.

According to the IID (African Institute for the Interior Design Professions - http://www.iidprofessions.org.za/join-the-iid/membership-categories/ to register as a professional decorator, you need adhere to the following requirements:

“Any person who has obtained a minimum 1-year full time qualification from an accredited educational institution and a minimum of 5 years practical experience, or who has been practising for a minimum of 6 years and has satisfied the National Council of their professional competence and suitability and by compliance with the requirements set out in the application form.”

To register as a professional interior designer, you need to have obtained a minimum 3-year full time diploma or degree from an accredited educational institution.

Secondly, the extent of the design required for an interior space differs, in that each client will have specific needs and requirements.

If you need to change an existing room or space by adding furniture, accessories, new paint or flooring, then you will choose a decorator for the job. If you are building a new house, started a new company or are launching a new store and require someone to plan and design the space, then an interior designer is the best person for the project. Interior designers consider not only shaping the aesthetics but are also responsible for consideration of the technical aspects of a space (including overseeing the services required such as lighting, ventilation and drainage).

In a nutshell, interior designers can be interior decorators, but not the other way around.

Similarly, architects can be interior designers, but interior designers cannot practice as architects.

Both qualifications serve the purpose of deepening the understanding of a field of study, both are 120 credit programmes at NQF level 8 and both qualify for entry to masters study, depending on students’ results. However, the IIE post graduate diploma at Vega is aimed at students with degree or diploma studies in fields other than business, marketing and communication. Both the IIE Post Graduate Diploma in Brand Contact Management and BA Honours in Strategic Brand Communication available at Vega equip students with the mind and skillset required to pursue a career in strategic brand communication planning.

IIE-Vega does not provide student accommodation. However, we can suggest accommodation options in the surrounding residential areas close to your campus of choice.

Each qualification has a specific equipment list that will be provided before registration each year. Please consult this list, available from one of our Contact Navigators, before investing in any equipment.

Any course of study bearing fewer than 120 credits (normally a year) is a short learning programme or short course – these are not accredited and cannot be registered. If what you need is a particular skill for a particular reason (like promotion) a short course may be the right course of study for you – it is just important to know that it is not a qualification and cannot usually be used to gain access to further study at a higher level.

A National qualification or South African qualification has to be registered and accredited in South Africa – by the Higher Education Quality Committee and it needs to be on the National Qualification Framework.

Depending on the course you will either receive a certificate of attendance or a certificate of assessment and attendance.

Financial assistance applications are open to students who will be registering for higher certificates, 2nd and 3rd year degrees and postgraduate qualifications for one year up to a maximum of 50%. Financial assistance applications are considered on an individual case by case basis.

The deadline to submit the Bright Star Merit Award form and supporting documentation is the end of February of each year.

Application forms are available from your Contact Navigator or Relationship Navigator

Sibling Discount: should two or more siblings study at IIE-Vega during the same academic year, the second sibling will receive a 10% sibling discount which is deducted from the tuition fees.

Bright Star Merit Award: a fee reduction based on excellent academic performance in your matric or undergraduate qualification. Details can be found in the registration contract.

The deadline to submit the Bright Star Merit Award form and supporting documentation is the end of February of each year.

Leadership Awards: Leadership awards are awarded in your first year of registration only with the IIE-Vega. Should you qualify for a leadership award, please attach confirmation from your school.

• Head Prefect: A discount of R6000 is awarded to a student who held the position of Head Prefect or equivalent.
• Deputy Head Prefect: A discount of R3500 is awarded to a student who held the position of Deputy Head Prefect or equivalent.
• Prefect: A discount of R2500 is awarded to a student who held the position of Prefect or equivalent.

There are products provided by external organisations which are subject to their application processes. Applications are not guaranteed and it is recommended that you continue to apply for more than one funding option with sufficient time before The IIE’s Vega registration cycle is closed.

Fundi: Fundi Capital (Pty) Ltd, a registered credit provider (NCRCP 158), is offering IIE-Vega applicants to apply for study loans. Fundi is an easily accessible organisation with a seamless application process that can be done both on an online platform as well as by physically dropping off your application at any branch within Southern Africa. To apply call FUNDI on 0860 55 55 44 or visit their website to apply online www.fundi.co.za. Once you are registered with Fundi, please make use of the Fundi App that allows you to easily access your information and view the status of your application.

Educate: Educate is a specialist education finance provider in Zimbabwe offering study loans to Zimbabwean citizens. Please contact Educate for all enquiries and apply.

• Bulawayo office: Shop 7, Ascot Shopping Centre, Minerton Drive, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
• Harare office: 24 Van Praagh Avenue, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe
• Email: educateloans@educate.co.zw
• Telephone: +263 (9) 250 797
• Whatsapp: +263 71 826 7552/3

Major banks: Most major banks in South Africa offer financial loan products to assist with study fees. Please visit their branches, give them a telephone call or browse their website for more information on their application process.

• Standard bank: Telephone: 0860 123 000 www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/personal/products-and-services/borrow-for-your-needs/student-loans/student-loans.
• ABSA: Telephone: 0860 100 372 https://www.absa.co.za/personal/loans/for-my-studies/explore/
• Nedbank: Telephone: 0860 555 111 https://www.nedbank.co.za/content/nedbank/desktop/gt/en/personal/loans/student-loan.html
• First National Bank: Telephone: 0861 40 40 40 https://www.fnb.co.za/loans/life-start-student-loans.html

Payment options:

Full Settlement: This is a discounted option should full payment of the tuition fees be received by the end of February.
Terms: This option is for the tuition fees to be settled over a period of months, equal monthly instalments due on the last day of each month

Payment methods:

• Debit order processed on the last business day of the month
• Direct deposit or EFT into the Vega bank account
• Swiping your debit or credit card at campus
• Paying on the IIE-Vega website

International Payments:

International payments may be processed either via your local bank using the swift code ABSAZAJJ to the IIE-Vega banking details or you can start the payment process at https://iie-vegaschool.flywire.com

The pre-registration fee is due on acceptance of the offer. The pre-registration fee is non-refundable but is part of the total tuition fee.

The registration fee is due at registration, on completion of your IIE-Vega registration contract.

The registration fee is non-refundable except in the following cases:

• Should you not meet the entrance requirements (subject to any pending results)
• If you do not receive a valid study permit in the case of international applicants.

Please refer to the terms and conditions of the registration contract for further details.

Tuition fees do not cover text books. Prescribed textbooks and additional equipment need to be bought from third party suppliers, and we will supply you with a list of recommended suppliers.

Are the online programmes delivered entirely online?

Yes, all learning, interaction, support and assessment (except for exams) take place through our online learning platform, VegaLearn. Exams are written at one of The IIE’s 21 campuses in South Africa or another approved exam centre. Should a student not be based near an IIE campus, they need to apply to write at another venue once they have registered.

Will I have to be online at set times?

There are real-time sessions at set times where you have the opportunity to engage with your online module tutor and peers – these sessions are not compulsory but are highly recommended. The sessions are recorded should you be unable to join the live session and to enable students to refer back to the content at any time. A schedule with real-time session dates and times is provided when you register to enable you to diarise these sessions upfront. These sessions tend to be in the evenings to accommodate online learning demands.

Can I collaborate with other students?

Yes, and this is encouraged! Upon registration you are assigned to a peer group to assist you in forming a study groups, to exchange insights and to enrich one another’s learning experience. Many of the online tasks and activities require discussion and interaction with other students.

Can I choose which modules I want to do?

A structured rollout schedule enables online students to complete the degree in four years. Students need to register for their modules in line with this rollout. The schedule is designed to afford students the best possible chance of success in their online studies.

What happens if I can't do any work for a couple of weeks because of home or business pressure?

The beauty of online learning is that the material is always there, and any real-time sessions are recorded, so this facilitates any catching up that is needed and allows for a level of flexibility in your study planning. Assignments and exams have set dates, so you need to plan around these. It’s always a good idea to create a study plan for the semester. We provide student pacers that assist with your personal planning.