Tshwane North TVET College is a public vocational institution serving the Greater Tshwane region of Gauteng, with campuses spread across Pretoria, Mamelodi, Rosslyn, Soshanguve North, Soshanguve South, and Temba. For a student weighing options after Grade 9 or matric, this guide sets out exactly what Tshwane North TVET College offers, what each qualification costs, and how the funding and application process works for the current academic cycle.
About TNC
Tshwane North TVET College (TNC) falls under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and holds accreditation for its National Certificate (Vocational) and NATED programmes, with occupational and artisan qualifications quality-assured through relevant SETAs and the QCTO. The college’s head office sits in Arcadia, Pretoria, and each of its six campuses hosts a different mix of programmes depending on workshop capacity, so the choice of campus often depends on which specific qualification a student wants rather than only on proximity to home.
TNC serves a large student population — typically in the range of 20,000 students annually — and structures its teaching around practical, industry-aligned training. Classroom theory is paired with workshop or lab time, and several programmes include structured workplace exposure so graduates leave with skills employers can verify directly.
List of Courses Offered at TNC
Tshwane North TVET College courses fall into three broad categories: the National Certificate (Vocational), the NATED (Report 191) programmes, and occupational or artisan development qualifications. Each stream serves a different entry point and leads toward a different career outcome.
National Certificate (Vocational) — NCV Levels 2 to 4
The NCV stream suits a student who has completed Grade 9 (or holds an equivalent qualification such as an ABET Level 4 certificate) and wants a vocational alternative to the standard senior-phase school curriculum. It runs over three consecutive years — Level 2, then Level 3, then Level 4 — with each level treated as a full academic year. Every NCV student takes fundamental subjects such as a language and Life Orientation, alongside vocational subjects tied to their chosen field.
| Field of Study | Specific NCV Programmes |
|---|---|
| Business & Utility Studies | Finance, Economics and Accounting; Generic Management; Office Administration; Marketing; Transport and Logistics |
| Engineering Studies | Electrical Infrastructure Construction; Civil Engineering and Building Construction; Engineering and Related Design; Mechatronics |
| IT & Services | Information Technology and Computer Science; Hospitality; Tourism |
| Protective & Agricultural Services | Safety in Society; Primary Agriculture |
A learner who completes NCV Level 4 holds a qualification broadly equivalent to matric and can go on to a university of technology, proceed into NATED N-level study, or enter the job market directly in the relevant trade.
NATED (Report 191) Programmes — N1 to N6
The NATED stream generally requires a matric certificate or NCV Level 4, though N1 to N3 in engineering can admit students with Grade 11 and the right subject combination. Unlike the NCV stream, NATED runs on a semester or trimester basis rather than a full academic year, which allows for more frequent intake windows in some fields.
- Engineering Studies (N1–N6): Covers Civil Engineering (Bricklaying, Plumbing), Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering (Automotive, Fitting, Boilermaking). N1 to N3 award trade-level certificates, while N4 to N6 lead to a National Diploma once the student also completes 18 months of relevant workplace experience.
- Business and Utility Studies (N4–N6): Includes Management Assistant, Financial Management, Business Management, Public Management, Public Relations, Legal Secretary, Clothing Production, Art and Design, and Hospitality and Catering Services.
Entry requirements for NATED Engineering typically call for at least 25% in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, or 40% in Mathematical Literacy combined with 30% in Physical Science, though the exact threshold can vary slightly by specific trade and campus.
Occupational and Artisan Development Programmes
Beyond NCV and NATED, Tshwane North TVET College also runs occupational and artisan development programmes through partnerships with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). These combine college-based theory, workshop training, and workplace experiential learning, and recent additions include Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician and Welding at NQF Level 5. Intake numbers depend on employer partnerships and funding, so students should confirm current openings directly with the relevant campus rather than assuming a fixed annual calendar.
The college also offers a Pre-Learning Programme (PLP) — a one-year bridging qualification for students who hold Grade 9 but need stronger foundational Mathematics and Science skills before entering NCV or NATED study.
Tshwane North TVET College Entry Requirements
Entry requirements at Tshwane North TVET College differ by stream, level, and specific programme. The table below summarises the general pattern.
| Programme | Minimum Requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NCV Level 2 | Grade 9 or equivalent (e.g., ABET Level 4) | 1 year (progresses annually to Level 4) |
| NCV Level 3 | NCV Level 2 pass | 1 year |
| NCV Level 4 | NCV Level 3 pass | 1 year |
| NATED N1–N3 (Engineering) | Grade 11 with the required Maths/Science marks | 1 trimester each |
| NATED N4–N6 | Matric or NCV Level 4, plus subject-specific marks | 1 semester or trimester each, plus 18 months practical work for the N6 diploma |
| Occupational/Artisan | Varies by SETA partnership, often Grade 11 or 12 | Typically 12 months, workplace-integrated |
Tshwane North TVET College Fees
Tshwane North TVET College fees vary by programme, level, and campus, and the college revises its fee schedule annually. As a general planning guide:
| Fee Type | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | Free through the official online portal |
| Registration deposit | Roughly 40% of annual tuition, payable at registration |
| NCV Tuition (Level 2–4) | Approximately R2,000 – R15,000 per year, depending on the programme |
| NATED Tuition (per semester/trimester) | Varies by N-level and field; engineering programmes generally sit higher than business or utility programmes |
| Occupational/Artisan fees | Often subsidised through SETA partnerships, so out-of-pocket costs are typically lower |
| Textbooks & practical materials | An additional cost on top of tuition, higher for engineering toolkits or hospitality and clothing production materials |
A few points are worth understanding before budgeting for Tshwane North TVET College study. First, the ranges above are indicative — the college publishes an itemised Class Fees document each year through its own channels, and this is the figure a student should rely on before finalising any financial decision. Second, no separate administration fee is charged on top of the deposit described above; the deposit itself is the first tuition instalment, not an extra charge. Third, engineering and technical programmes generally cost more than office-based business programmes because of workshop consumables and specialised equipment.
The college processes tuition payments through a designated bank account rather than accepting cash on campus, and students use their student number as the payment reference. Self-funding students who cannot pay the full amount upfront can generally arrange an instalment schedule with the finance office at their campus.
NSFAS Funding for TNC Students
Most students at Tshwane North TVET College fund their studies through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) rather than paying fees directly. NSFAS covers full tuition for NCV and NATED students whose combined household income falls below the scheme’s threshold, and qualifying students also receive allowances covering transport, meals, learning materials, and, where needed, accommodation.
To apply, students register directly on the NSFAS online portal during the window that typically opens mid-year ahead of the following year’s intake. Applicants need a South African ID, proof of household income (or an approved alternative for households without formal income documentation), and, once accepted, confirmation of registration from the college. Since processing takes time, applying as early as possible is better than waiting until registration is close.
Students who do not qualify for NSFAS still have alternatives: an instalment plan arranged directly with the campus finance office, a SETA-linked stipend for those on occupational or artisan programmes, or an external bursary where one is available.
How to Apply to TNC
Applications to Tshwane North TVET College for NCV programmes generally open toward the end of the year for the following January intake, while NATED engineering programmes may open again mid-year for a second intake, since these run on a semester or trimester cycle rather than a full academic year. The general process looks like this:
- Gather the required documents: a certified copy of ID, the most recent academic results (Grade 9 report, Grade 11 report, or matric certificate as applicable), and proof of residence.
- Submit an application through the college’s official online application portal, selecting a specific campus and programme, since not every programme runs at every campus.
- Wait for a response confirming provisional acceptance, usually sent by SMS or email and conditional on space availability and meeting the subject-specific entry requirements for that programme.
- Apply separately for NSFAS funding if the household qualifies, since acceptance to the college and approval for funding are two distinct processes handled by different systems.
- Complete registration at the assigned campus once both college acceptance and, where relevant, funding are confirmed, settling the registration deposit at this stage.
Because programme capacity is limited and fields such as Engineering, IT, and Hospitality tend to fill quickly, applying as soon as the window opens improves the chance of securing a place in a preferred programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tshwane North TVET College charge an application fee?
No. Applying through the official online portal is free. Any request for payment before an offer is confirmed should be treated as a warning sign of a scam.
Can a student with only a Grade 9 certificate enrol at TNC?
Yes. Grade 9 (or an equivalent qualification such as ABET Level 4) is the standard minimum requirement for NCV Level 2, the entry point into the three-year NCV stream.
Is NSFAS funding available for NATED students as well as NCV students?
Yes. NSFAS covers both NCV and NATED students who meet the household income requirement, including the N4–N6 stream that leads to a National Diploma.
How long does it take to complete a National Diploma through the NATED route?
The N4 to N6 coursework itself spans three semesters or trimesters, and the National Diploma is only awarded once the student also completes 18 months of relevant workplace experience after finishing N6.