Our Accreditation
Koa Academy is registered with the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) to offer the South African Grade 12 matric certificate.
The IEB is accredited by Umalusi, who reports to the Department of Basic Education. If your child is in
Grades 4-9, you will send a once-off application email to the DBE to start home education. Koa will equip you with the relevant information when you apply to us.
The department of Education sets the national cirriculum, known as CAPS.
Koa provides online learning for grades 4 – 12 and is registered to write the NSC final exams through the IEB.
Accreditation FAQs
Video: How does registration with the department of education work?
Is Koa accredited?
Yes. We are accredited with the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) in South Africa.
Do I need to register with the DBE?
The DBE recognises two forms of schooling in South Africa: physical traditional schools and home education. Online schooling, such as Koa Academy, falls under the umbrella of home education because your child is learning from home. Any learner who is under the age of 16 (or up to grade 9) needs to be registered for home learning by the parents directly with the DBE.
How do I register for homeschooling?
If your child is in Grades 4-9, you will send a once-off application email to the DBE to start home education. Koa will equip you with the relevant information when you apply to us.
Do I have to wait to hear from the DBE before staring with Koa?
Can someone else take care of my kids during the day?
What support does my child need from me at home?
Our parents are committed to providing a safe and supportive home environment for their children to flourish. This includes helping your child with their executive functioning such as time management. We take care of the academics.
What’s the difference between the IEB and CAPS curriculum?
The IEB (Independent Examinations Board) uses the national CAPS curriculum but assesses it independently, with a strong focus on critical thinking, application of knowledge, and real-world problem solving. CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) is the standard South African curriculum set by the Department of Basic Education, and public schools write the DBE’s national exams. While both lead to the National Senior Certificate (NSC), IEB exams are known for their higher order thinking skills and robust assessment standards.
Is the IEB qualification, obtained through an online school, recognised in South Africa and Internationally?
Yes. The IEB grade 12 qualification is nationally recognised through Umalusi and leads to the same National Senior Certificate when completed through a registered online school as in traditional IEB schools. They are also widely accepted internationally, with standards comparable to Cambridge AS and A levels.
Is the grade 12 qualification received after attending an online school recognised by universities?
Yes – but only if the online school is registered with an accredited examinations body, such as the IEB, which has received concessions from Umalusi for candidates from that online school, like Koa Academy. In South Africa, universities recognise qualifications from providers like Koa Academy, which is an IEB-registered school offering the National Senior Certificate. These meet the same academic standards as traditional schools, and are also accepted by universities internationally.
