This page answers every question parents and guardians ask before committing to Sondela Academy — requirements, fees, accommodation, schedule, and what to expect.
Before applying, make sure your child meets the following criteria.
17–24 years old at time of enrolment.
Minimum Grade 10 certificate.
Grade 12 — Umalusi National Senior Certificate.
All training materials and assessments are delivered in English.
Basic computer skills including MS Word. Laptop or tablet access required.
Proof of rabies and tetanus vaccinations required.
Must be declared on application. All cases are reviewed individually by the Academic Board to ensure appropriate support.
Sondela Academy runs two main intakes per year, with flexible options for short courses.
Main intake. Induction takes place in the final week of January.
Mid-year intake for full-time and selected programmes.
Short courses and online programmes run on flexible schedules throughout the year.
Clear, transparent fee information so families can plan with confidence.
Due on acceptance of the formal quotation. Non-refundable. Deducted from the total course fee.
Due before 31 December (January intake) or 31 May (July intake). Non-refundable. Deducted from the total course fee.
5% early-payment discount when full tuition is paid before the programme start date.
Specific programme fees are confirmed at the open day or via formal quotation through TiOLi.
Financing options available — contact finadmin@sondelaacademy.net for details.
On-site and nearby options to suit different needs.
18 female student beds available on the Sondela campus within the nature reserve.
Private accommodation available nearby or in Bela-Bela. Academy bus service runs daily.
Sondela Student Housing in Nelspruit: 35 rooms across two properties for students placed at partner facilities.
Staff and student canteen on campus. Students are responsible for providing their own meals.
This is work-integrated learning — students operate within real resort schedules.
Training is work-integrated — students work within the live operating schedule of the resort and reserve.
Students work every second weekend, public holidays, Easter, long weekends, event weekends, and Christmas & New Year periods.
December to January practical training is compulsory and required for qualification completion.
On off weekends, students are free from Friday 3:00 pm to Tuesday 7:30 am.
A minimum of 80% daily attendance is required throughout the programme.
Workplace experience at Sondela Academy is a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) training component — not employment. Students do not receive a salary or stipend. This must be clearly understood by both the student and parent or guardian before committing to any programme.
2 sets of staff uniforms included in fees for all students.
Specialist kitchen uniforms provided for culinary arts students.
First 4 weeks: Sondela T-shirts plus your own trousers.
Withdrawal penalties apply as per the cancellation clause in the student agreement. Students remain responsible for the full agreed fees regardless of early exit.
The detailed withdrawal policy is provided and discussed at the open day and included in the formal enrolment pack.
The questions parents ask most often.
Get your questions answered in person. Book a parent advisory call with TiOLi and we will walk you through everything.
Book a parent advisory call with TiOLi