South Africa-based management institute Regenesys Business School has launched an free online programmes in the field of business education. This programme will offer courses ranging from certificate, diploma to MBA degree online for Indian and international students. Further, the B-School has set up an office in Mumbai to expand its offerings in the Indian market and is exploring partnerships with Indian corporates to offer internships to Indians who take up their online course.
This Free Business Education is based on a 'Freemium' model, wherein learning material if provided free of cost to registered candidates. In addition, there are options available to students to submit assignments, write examinations or attend classes, which is a paid for service. Hence, if there is a student wishing to obtain an MBA degree after accessing the free learning materials, they can paid a fee and give the examination.
Dr Marko Saravanja, Chairperson of Regenesys Business School, speaking on the sidelines of the World Education Congress here today, said that this mode of obtaining a degree was 50 per cent cheaper than attending classes at the school and getting a degree. He added that the degree to the students would be given by the business school, which was fully accredited by the South African and other international authorities. Global publisher Pearson is a partner in this initiative.
"This (model) allows a student the freedom to complete a qualification module by module, according to his/her own time requirements," said Saravanja. Regenesys Business School will also be launching the Regenesys Foundation in India, which will promote free education and raise funds to facilitate increased access for deserving students. This foundation is a registered non-profit organisation and an independent board of trustees is responsible for strategic oversight and governance of the Foundation.
The institute, in a statement, said that India has had the highest number of registrations for this programme outside of Africa. This course targets individuals ranging from small business owners, school leavers, entrepreneurs among others. Free material include eBooks, academic articles, study guides, tutoring videos and sample assignments among others. Saravanja explained that the online platform also allows students from across the world to interact and share notes on academic topics of their interest.
To offer better opportunities to Indian students pursuing this course, the b-school is in talks with companies in India to offer internship opportunities to these students. At a later stage, Saravanja added that they would also look at setting up examination centres in India for the local students.
The online course duration can range from 2 years to maximum of 7 years, based on the requirements and progress of each individual student. The institute said that 15-20 per cent growth for this programme will be from other countries. The B-School is also targeting corporations, to offer customised programmes to their workforce.
