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About Us
Vision
To be an international centre of excellence in distance education access, delivery, practice, research and lifelong learning.
mIssION
To increase access to tertiary education by providing demand-driven educational and training opportunities to individuals (employed, self-employed, unemployed and school leavers) by offering them quality short and long-term credit and
non-credit courses using the distance
education delivery mode.
Values
IDE, is refocusing and restrategising its operations to ensure implementation of high quality distance education courses that are in line with DE key principles of accessibility, openness, self-directed learning, e-learning, relevance and responsiveness. Thus placing IDE at a competitive advantage in customer satisfaction and realisation of the goal of being an ODeL institute of choice in Eswatini and beyond the borders.
- Accessibility
- Openness
- Excellence
- Collaboration
- Self-directed learning
- Diversity of programmes
- E-learning
- Relevance
from the Director
Welcome to the Institute of Distance Education at the University of Eswatini. Our mandate is straightforward yet transformative: to bring university education directly to the people, wherever they are.
As the largest institute at UNESWA by student enrolment, we serve over 1,500 students pursuing various academic and professional qualifications through our Open and Distance e-Learning mode. This scale reflects not just our size, but the trust that students across Eswatini and beyond place in our commitment to quality education. We currently have students studying with us from Botswana, and we continue expanding our reach through fully online programmes.
What sets IDE apart is our dedication to making higher education flexible, convenient, and cost-effective without compromising on quality. We offer programmes across nine diverse fields: Education, Humanities, Commerce, Law, Modern Languages, Nursing Science, Information Technology, Computer Science Education, and Psychosocial Support. Each programme maintains the same rigorous academic standards as our on-campus offerings because they are developed and taught by the same qualified academic staff from UNESWA’s faculties.
Our approach follows the University’s dual-mode system. Academic staff from collaborating departments design the programmes, develop course materials, and teach through IDE while maintaining responsibility for quality assurance according to UNESWA’s established standards. This integration ensures that your IDE qualification carries the full weight and recognition of a University of Eswatini degree.
We also partner with external stakeholders to deliver specialized programmes and short courses. One of our most successful offerings is the Certificate in Online Teaching for Educators, which has equipped numerous educators and training practitioners from both public and private sectors with essential digital teaching skills.
Located at the Kwaluseni main campus, IDE delivers education through a carefully designed blend of learning methods. Students receive print or electronic modules, attend strategically scheduled face-to-face sessions, and engage in online learning through our Moodle Learning Management System. This blended approach, aligned with UNESWA’s Blended Learning Policy, combines the best of traditional and digital education by utilising both synchronous and asynchronous communication tools.
Understanding that access to technology is crucial for distance learning, we have established four digital learning centres strategically located across the country. These centres at Ngwane Teacher Training College in Nhlangano, Mhlatane High School in Pigg’s Peak, Southern African Nazarene University in Siteki, and William Pitcher College in Manzini which provide students with computer and internet facilities closer to their homes. We are also working with service providers to increase internet bandwidth and reduce data costs for our students, removing barriers to online learning.
When you explore our website, you will find comprehensive information about our programmes, delivery modes, admission requirements, and much more. You will also be able to connect with the dedicated professionals who make distance learning work at IDE.
Thank you for your interest in the Institute of Distance Education. We look forward to being part of your educational journey.
PROF C. MAPHOSA
PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR – IDE
Our current newsletter has more interesting information.
Popular Programmes
These are programmes which get the most applications or have the most students compared to the other programmes offered in the Institute of Distance Education.
Certificate in Psychosocial Support
178 students graduated with this programme in 2017/18 academic year. Preference will be given to applicants who are working with children and youth and have a letter of recommendation from an employer or designated/ recognized authority.
Post Graduate Certificate in Education
This programme if for graduates who are interested in teaching at secondary school level. We also assist student teachers understand and respect the teaching profession in Eswatini’s educational context as they acquire a broad range of pedagogical and other relevant skills to be effective educators
Bachelor of Commerce
The Bachelor of Commerce Degree has three subject options (majors), namely: Accounting, Management and Marketing. Our programme provides students with a strong foundation in general business knowledge and skills; and active learning and interaction with the business community through internship.
Bachelor of Arts in Humities
The programme makes an interesting choice because of its focus on aspects related to culture and life. As such, the main areas of study are English Language and Literature in English; African Languages and Literature; Modern Languages and Literature (French); History, and Theology and Religious Studies.
Your Future Starts Here.
It is not too early to prepare for 2020 admissions. Look into out different programmes’ entry requirements and prepare yourself for the next application period.
About Us
The Institute of Distance Education provides educational and training opportunities for individuals who are unable to undertake conventional and professional university programmes and courses.