Trimester 2 Applications Open at TVET Colleges for the 2025 Academic Year!!

TVET Colleges Open for Trimester 3 Applications

By Zanele · Jul 1, 2025
TVET Colleges Open for Trimester 3 Applications picture

It’s that time again! The 2025 Trimester 3 applications for several TVET Colleges across South Africa are now officially open — and you don’t want to miss out.

Whether you’re a matriculant who wants to pursue a trade, a young professional looking to upgrade your skills, or someone changing careers altogether, TVET colleges offer a direct route to employment and hands-on learning.

In this post, we’ll walk you through:

  • What TVET Colleges are all about
  • Why the Trimester 3 intake matters
  • Which colleges are currently accepting applications for 2025 Trimester 3
  • What courses you can expect
  • How to apply, step by step
  • Key tips to make your application stand out

 

What Are TVET Colleges and Why Should You Care?

TVET Colleges are institutions that focus on vocational and occupational education and training. In simple terms, they teach you practical skills that can get you into the workplace fast. This includes fields like engineering, business, IT, hospitality, education, and even agriculture.

Unlike universities, which are often more theory-heavy, TVETs are ideal if you want:

  • Real-world skills
  • A shorter study period
  • Nationally accredited qualifications
  • A pathway to entrepreneurship
  • An alternative to traditional university degrees

South Africa currently has 50 public TVET colleges, with campuses across all nine provinces, and many of them open their doors multiple times a year — including for Trimester 3.

 

What Is the Trimester 3 Intake?

Here’s something a lot of people don’t realise: not all TVET courses start at the beginning of the year.

In fact, for some of the most in-demand programmes — like Engineering Studies — colleges follow a trimester system. This means they take in new students three times a year:

Trimester 1: January

Trimester 2: May

Trimester 3: September

So, if you missed the earlier intakes, Trimester 3 is your chance to jump in without waiting for 2026. It’s perfect for anyone who is ready to get started now.

 

Which TVET Colleges Are Open for 2025 Trimester 3 Applications?

While each college has its own opening and closing dates, the following public TVET colleges are currently open for trimester 3 applications:

  • Buffalo City TVET College
  • Mopani TVET College 
  • Central Johannesburg TVET College
  • Nkangala TVET College 
  • Sedibeng TVET College 
  • Sekhukhune TVET College 

_________________________

Buffalo City TVET College

Province: Eastern Cape

Closing Date: 10 July 2025

 

Mopani TVET College

Province: Limpopo

Closing Date: 18 August 2025

 

Central Johannesburg TVET College

Province: Gauteng

Closing Date: 24 July 2025

 

Nkangala TVET College

Province: Mpumalanga

Closing Date: 18 July 2025

 

Sedibeng TVET College

Province: Gauteng

Closing Date: 30 August 2025

 

Sekhukhune TVET College

Province: Limpopo

Closing Date: 30 July 2025

 

Popular Courses Open for Trimester 3

  • Electrical Engineering (N1–N6)
  • Mechanical Engineering (N1–N6)
  • Civil Engineering (N1–N6)
  • Motor/Diesel Mechanics
  • Fitting and Turning
  • Boilermaking
  • Instrumentation

These courses are often structured as National Certificate (N1–N3) and National Diploma (N4–N6) qualifications, which can lead directly to apprenticeships, employment, or further studies.

 

How to Apply for TVET Colleges – Step by Step

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide on how to apply for Trimester 3:

  1. Visit the college’s official website (the one you want to apply to)
  2. Register a profile online. To register you will need your ID number, email address and a valid phone number
  3. Fill in your personal details, educational background, and the course you’re applying for. Some colleges might also require you to take a placement test online.
  4. Upload all the required documents
  5. Submit your application on time (Do this before the closing date)
  6. Once submitted, you’ll get a confirmation message or email. Keep an eye on your inbox for status updates, interview calls, or registration instructions.

 

Final Words

TVET Colleges are a gateway to real skills, real jobs, and real opportunities. If you’re tired of waiting for the “right time,” this is it. With the 2025 Trimester 3 intake now open, you’ve got a golden opportunity to take that first step into a skilled career.

Whether you’re dreaming of building bridges, fixing engines, or wiring up homes, there’s a course and a college waiting for you. Don’t sleep on it — apply today and shape your tomorrow.

 

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