TVET Colleges
TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges in South Africa are a type of higher learning institutions that offer a more practical education with the aim of equipping students with skills needed for the job market. These institutions offer a dynamic learning environment that equips students with job-ready qualifications in a variety of exciting fields.
TVET Colleges - South Africa
What exactly are TVET Colleges? TVET Colleges are public institutions registered with the higher education. Unlike universities that focus on theory, TVET colleges combine classroom learning with hands-on experience through workshops, apprenticeships and internships. This approach ensures graduates are employable, can start and run their own businesses using the skills they have learned at college.
Benefits of TVET Colleges
- Address the skills gap that exists in South Africa.
- Equip students with practical skills that are directly applicable to the demands of the job market.
- Enhances employability, entrepreneurship and innovation.
- TVET Colleges are accessible (You only need to have passed grade 9 to enrol at a TVET College)
- These institutions provide flexible learning options, including full-time, part-time, and distance learning programmes.
- TVET Colleges courses are relevant and responsive to market needs.
- TVET colleges are significantly cheaper than universities, making them a great option for self-paying students.
List of all TVET Colleges in South Africa
There are 50 accredited public TVET colleges spread across in various provinces in South Africa
LIMPOPO COLLEGES:
EASTERN CAPE COLLEGES:
King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
East cape Midlands TVET College
GAUTENG COLLEGES:
South West Gauteng TVET College
Central Johannesburg TVET College
FREE STATE COLLEGES:
KWAZULU NATAL COLLEGES:
Thekwini TVET College
NORTH WEST COLLEGES:
NORTHERN CAPE COLLEGES:
Northern Cape Urban TVET College
Northern Cape Rural TVET College
MPUMALANGA COLLEGES:
WESTERN CAPE COLLEGES:
How to apply to TVET Colleges in South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here are easy steps to apply in TVET Colleges:
1. Research and Choose a course:
Research the available TVET Colleges in South Africa and decide which one you would love to enrol to. Once you have decided, explore the courses that particular TVET College offers and choose one or two study choices. Ensure that the courses you choose align with your interests and career goals.
2. Check Application Requirements:
After choosing your two or more courses, check requirements of those courses. You can check requirements by visiting the TVET colleges websites or by downloading TVET colleges prospectus to see if you qualify or not. Please note that each course may have specific unique entry requirements - ensure you check requirements for each course.
Here are general admission requirements for all TVET Colleges in South Africa
NATED COURSES
In order to apply for NATED courses in TVET colleges you need to have passed;
- Grade 12 or intro N4 to enter N4
- N4 to enter N5
- N5 to enter N6
- N6 to apply for a National N-Diploma – N6 Certificate plus 2 000 hours of practical experience in industry (to be logged in a prescribed logbook).
NCV COURSES
In order to apply for NCV courses in TVET colleges you need to have passed;
- Grade 9 to enter NCV Level 2
- NCV Level 2 to enter NCV Level 3
- NCV Level 3 to enter NCV Level 4
N1-N3 COURSES
In order to apply for N1-3 courses you need to meet the following requirements:
- N1: Minimum of Grade 11 OR you must be registered as an apprentice with a company.
- N2: N1 certificate or equivalent
- N3: N2 certificate or equivalent
3. Gather Necessary Documents:
To apply in TVET Colleges you will need to submit the following required documents:
- Your certified ID copy
- Your certified matric certificate or your grade (9,10/11) final report
- Your parent/next of kin certified ID copy
- Your proof of residence
- Your photo (some colleges)
- Declaration (some colleges)
4. Apply Online
All TVET colleges accept online applications. If you want to apply at TVET colleges, research which platform you can use to apply. Majority of TVET colleges use the Coltech platform to accept and process applications. The Coltech planform is convenience and easy to use.
General guidelines to apply online to TVET college in South Africa
- Fill in your personal details
- Fill in the details of your next of kin o parents
- Fill in your academic information (High school)
- Choose the two courses you want to apply for
- Upload the required documents
- create a a five digits pin
5. Submit your online application
After you have correctly filled in your online application form, ensure that you click on the submit button to submit your application. Some online applications platforms allow students to exit the application and login at the later stage to continue where they left off, with this process students need to login to the platform and submit the application before the actual closing date.
What is the Aps score for TVET college?
The Admission Point Score (APS) requirements for TVET colleges in South Africa vary depending on the specific course and college. Some TVET colleges do not necessarily consider aps but consider how you have passed your subjects especially English, Mathematics and Physical Science.
Can I do matric at TVET College?
You can achieve a qualification equivalent to matric at a TVET college in South Africa. To do so, you need to enrol for a National Certificate (Vocational). TVET colleges offer National Certificates (Vocational) (NC(V)) at Levels 2, 3, and 4.
These levels are equivalent to Grades 10, 11, and 12 of the traditional high school system. By successfully completing NCV Level 4, you'll earn a qualification equivalent to a matric certificate.
Do you get a diploma at a TVET college?
You will only get a diploma after successfully completing a one year six months internship programme. This internship programme will expose you to the real world of work. Internships allow N6 graduates to apply the knowledge and abilities they have acquired in the classroom.
Is UNISA a TVET college?
University of South Africa (UNISA) is not a TVET college. UNISA is one of the 26 public universities in South Africa and offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees through distance learning. Their focus is on theoretical knowledge and academic qualifications. To be enrolled at UNISA you strictly need to have passed your grade 12 with at least a higher certificate.
TVET colleges opening and closing dates
TVET colleges open through out the year at different times for second trimester, second semester and the following year. It is important to keep visiting college websites to stay updated on their opening and closing dates as they vary.
How do I check my TVET status?
To know that you are accepted at a TVET college, you need to check your application status. You can check your TVET status by logging into your student portal. Login with your student number and password OR your username (ID number) and password. Click on the menu then click on the "application status" button.
What qualifications do I need to go to TVET college?
To go to TVET college you need to have the following qualifications:
- Grade 9 final report
- Grade 10 final report
- Grade 11 final report
- Grade 12 certificate (National Senior Certificate)
- National Certificate Vocational Level 2 OR level 3 OR level 4
- N1 OR N2 OR N3 Certificates
Can I study at TVET college with a higher certificate?
You can study at TVET college with a higher certificate pass in matric. With a higher certificate you can study pre vocational learning programmes (PLP) and Intro courses at TVET colleges. Check requirements before you apply as other courses do not require higher certificate.
How much is the application fee at TVET college?
No application fee is required when applying at TVET colleges in South Africa. Their focus is on increasing access to education, and application fees could create a barrier for some students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Do you pay fees at TVET College?
If you are a self paying student, then you need to pay fees at TVET college. Luckily, TVET college fees are more affordable to accommodate everyone in South Africa, especially students from disadvantaged background. If you are funded by a bursary or a National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), you do not need to pay any fees at TVET college.
Does NSFAS fund college students?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) does fund college students, but it funds students enrolled at public TVET colleges. Unfortunately, NSFAS doesn't provide funding for students attending private colleges. Their focus is on making education accessible for students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing studies at public colleges.
Does TVET need matric certificate?
You do not necessarily need to have a matric certificate to be enrolled at a TVET college. You can apply for NCV courses if you do not have a matric certificate.
Which report is needed to apply for college?
- To apply for TVET College you need a grade 9, 10/11 report to apply for NCV courses
- To apply for TVET college you need a grade 12 report to apply for NATED courses
What qualifications are offered at TVET college?
The following qualifications/courses are offered at TVET colleges:
- Pre Vocational Learning Programmes (PLP) courses
- National Certificate Vocational (NCV) courses
- National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) courses
How long do TVET courses take?
TVET courses take between 1 to 3 years. Here is a breakdown of TVET college duration:
NATED COURSES
- Each National (N) Level Certificate takes 6 months to complete
- To complete all the National Certificates will take at least 1 year six months to 2 years.
- Enrolment is in January and July
- You will require 18 months industry experience to convert the Certificates to a N-Diploma.
After completion of the N4 – N6 Certificates students need to complete 18 months in industry/practical before qualifying for National N-Diploma through the department of Higher Education and Training.
NCV COURSES
- You will study 3 years full-time
- Each NCV level takes 1 year to complete
- Enrolment in January (Part-time - Available in some tvet colleges)
N1-N6 COURSES
- Each level is one trimester (12 weeks)
- Enrolment in January, May or September
- Part-time options are available
TVET colleges in South Africa are more than just educational institutions; they are a vital part of the nation's strategy to empower individuals with the skills necessary for a prosperous future. TVET colleges open their doors to everyone! Whether you finished Grade 9, graduated high school (Grade 12), or are looking for a career change, they offer a wide range of programmes to fit your needs and career goals.