Eastcape Midlands TVET College, commonly referred to as EMC, is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution headquartered in Uitenhage (Kariega), Eastern Cape. The college came into being in 2002 through the merger of Uitenhage Technical College, KwaNobuhle Technical College, Grahamstown Technical College, and the Graaff-Reinet satellite of Bethelsdorp Technical College. It is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and serves students across the Nelson Mandela Bay, Sarah Baartman, and Chris Hani districts of the Eastern Cape.
This article explains the courses offered at Eastcape Midlands TVET College, the requirements for each qualification, the campuses where specific programmes run, and what fees to expect.
Overview of Eastcape Midlands TVET College
EMC operates under the motto “Creating New Futures” and focuses on preparing students for employment, self-employment, and further study through practical, industry-aligned training. The college works with partners such as merSETA and Nelson Mandela University to give students exposure to real workplace conditions before they graduate.
EMC runs nine campuses spread across Uitenhage, Kariega, Kwanobuhle, Makhanda (Grahamstown), and Graaff-Reinet, which means the college serves both the more urbanised Nelson Mandela Bay metro and the more rural western parts of the Eastern Cape. Programmes are grouped mainly into Business Studies, Engineering Studies, and Occupational Training, and the campus a student attends depends on which of these fields their chosen course falls under.
Eastcape Midlands TVET College Campuses
| Campus | Location | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| High Street Campus (Head Office) | Corner Cuyler and High Street, Uitenhage | Administration, selected NCV and NATED programmes |
| Park Avenue Campus | Park Avenue, Uitenhage | Engineering (Electrical Trade, Engineering Studies) |
| Charles Goodyear Campus | Edison Street, Uitenhage | Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Fitting & Machining) |
| Brickfields Road Campus | Brickfields Road, Uitenhage | Business Studies and NCV programmes |
| Thanduxolo Campus | Bantom Street, KwaNobuhle | NCV and occupational programmes |
| Heath Park Campus | Cnr Laurance Erasmus & Standford Rd, Bethelsdorp | NCV and business-related programmes |
| Grahamstown (Makhanda) Campus | Saint Aidans Avenue, Makhanda | Business Studies and NCV programmes |
| Middle Street Campus | 18 Middle Street, Graaff-Reinet | Business Studies and NCV programmes |
| Woeke Street Campus | 19 Woeke Street, Graaff-Reinet | Engineering (Civil, Electrical) |
Because engineering training depends heavily on workshop access, most engineering programmes concentrate at Charles Goodyear, Park Avenue, and Woeke Street campuses, while business and general NCV programmes are more widely spread across the remaining campuses.
Courses Offered at Eastcape Midlands TVET College
EMC’s course offering follows the standard South African public TVET structure: National Certificate Vocational (NCV) programmes, NATED (Report 191) programmes from N1 to N6, and shorter occupational and skills programmes, including apprenticeships and learnerships.
1. National Certificate Vocational (NCV)
The NCV is a three-year, full-time programme for students who have completed Grade 9 or higher, structured at NQF Levels 2, 3, and 4. Each level runs for a full academic year, and progression from one level to the next depends on passing the level before it.
NCV programmes offered across EMC’s campuses include:
- Office Administration
- Marketing
- Finance, Economics and Accounting
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Safety in Society
- Primary Health
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction (including Electrical Systems & Construction and Renewable Energy Technology streams)
- Engineering and Related Design
- Multi-Disciplinary Trades and Studies
NCV Engineering-related streams generally require Mathematics and Physical Sciences from the applicant’s school record, since the coursework involves calculation-heavy technical content, while business-oriented NCV streams typically look for a background in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy together with Accounting or Business Studies subjects.
2. NATED (Report 191) Programmes – N1 to N6
NATED programmes at EMC are split into Engineering Studies and Business Studies, and both run on a trimester or semester cycle rather than a full academic year. This gives the college the ability to run more than one intake per year: a main intake around January/February, and mid-year intakes for both engineering (around July, on a trimester system) and business studies (around May).
NATED Engineering Studies covers specialisations that typically include:
- Civil Engineering (with streams such as Civil Bricklaying & Plastering)
- Mechanical Engineering (with streams such as Fitting & Machining and Motor Trade Theory)
- Electrical Engineering (Electrical Trade)
Entry into N4 usually requires a pass in N3 in the relevant subject, or a Technical Grade 12 with Science, Mathematics, and the relevant technical subject, generally with an average of at least 40% across all subjects. Some campuses also run N1 and N2 Engineering Skills Programmes as an entry point for students who have not yet reached N3, provided they hold at least a Grade 12 or an equivalent N1 pass.
NATED Business Studies covers fields such as:
- Management Assistant
- Financial Management
- Business Management
- Marketing Management
- Human Resource Management
- Public Management
Entry into N4 for business fields generally requires a Grade 12 certificate, or a pass in NCV Level 4 in a related field, with Financial Management applicants typically needing Accounting or Mathematics as part of their school record.
As with other public TVET colleges, students who complete N4 to N6 in either engineering or business studies must complete 18 months of relevant practical work experience before qualifying for the National N Diploma. The N6 certificate on its own does not constitute the final diploma qualification.
3. Occupational and Skills Programmes
EMC also runs occupational programmes, apprenticeships, and learnerships, particularly through its engineering campuses. These include trade-specific qualifications such as N2 Engineering Skills Programmes in areas like Fitting & Machining, Civil Bricklaying, and Electrical Trade, aimed at students who want a more direct, practical route into a specific trade rather than the full NCV or NATED academic pathway. Many of these programmes are developed in partnership with SETAs to ensure the training aligns with actual workplace requirements and leads to recognised trade qualifications.
Table: Summary of Course Types at Eastcape Midlands TVET College
| Qualification Type | Entry Requirement | Duration | Study Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCV (Levels 2–4) | Grade 9 or higher | 3 years (1 year per level) | Full-time, academic year |
| NATED N1–N3 (Engineering Skills) | Grade 12 or N1 pass | Varies by level | Full-time, trimester-based |
| NATED N4–N6 (Engineering Studies) | N3 pass or Technical Grade 12 with relevant subjects | 3 trimesters plus 18 months’ work experience for the diploma | Full-time, trimester-based |
| NATED N4–N6 (Business Studies) | Grade 12 or NCV Level 4 in a related field | 3 semesters plus 18 months’ work experience for the diploma | Full-time |
| Occupational Programmes/Apprenticeships | Varies by trade | Weeks to months | Skills-based, often SETA-linked |
Eastcape Midlands TVET College Fees
Fees at EMC are subsidised and remain well below what a student would pay at a private college or university. The exact amount depends on the qualification type, level of study, and whether the course is charged annually, per semester, or per trimester.
| Programme Category | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| NCV (Levels 2–4) | Approximately R7,000 – R17,000 per year |
| NATED Engineering (Report 191) | Approximately R2,500 – R5,000 per trimester |
| NATED Business Studies (Report 191) | Approximately R3,000 – R6,000 per semester |
| Occupational/Skills Programmes | Varies by trade and SETA agreement |
A registration fee applies at enrolment, in addition to the tuition amount for the chosen programme. Students who qualify for NSFAS funding do not need to pay tuition fees upfront, since the funding is paid directly to the college on their behalf. Because fee schedules are reviewed and confirmed at the start of each academic year, prospective students should check the college’s official Tuition Fees Booklet or speak to their chosen campus for the exact figure applicable to their programme and intake.
NSFAS Funding at Eastcape Midlands TVET College
EMC participates in the DHET TVET Colleges Bursary Scheme, administered through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Students from qualifying households can have their tuition fees, learning materials, transport, and, in some cases, accommodation covered for the duration of their studies.
To access this funding, a student first needs to be admitted to a programme at EMC and receive a student number, then apply separately for NSFAS through the official NSFAS website. NSFAS applications for TVET colleges typically open several months before the academic year begins, so applying early improves the chance of funding being processed before registration.
How to Apply to Eastcape Midlands TVET College
- Access the college’s online application system, which uses the Coltech platform shared by several public TVET colleges; your ID number generally serves as your username.
- Register your personal details, and if you have applied to another Coltech-linked college before, use the same login credentials.
- Select your preferred campus and programme, matching your prior qualification (Grade 9, Grade 11, Grade 12, or a completed N-level) to the correct entry point.
- Upload certified copies of your ID, your most recent academic results, and proof of residence.
- Submit your application before the closing date for your chosen intake, since main-year NCV applications generally open around August to October of the preceding year, while mid-year NATED intakes for engineering and business studies open closer to April to June.
- Apply for NSFAS funding separately through www.nsfas.org.za once you have a confirmed student number.
- Wait for an outcome and complete registration, including payment of any applicable registration fee, at your assigned campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NCV and NATED at Eastcape Midlands TVET College?
NCV is a three-year, annual qualification for students from Grade 9 upward, blending general and vocational subjects. NATED (Report 191) is a trimester- or semester-based programme for students who already hold Grade 12 or an N3 pass, running from N4 to N6, with the National N Diploma only awarded after 18 months of relevant workplace experience.
How much does it cost to study at Eastcape Midlands TVET College?
NCV programmes cost roughly R7,000 to R17,000 per year. NATED Engineering costs approximately R2,500 to R5,000 per trimester, and NATED Business Studies costs roughly R3,000 to R6,000 per semester, in addition to a registration fee at enrolment.
Can I get NSFAS funding at Eastcape Midlands TVET College?
Yes. EMC is part of the DHET TVET Colleges Bursary Scheme funded through NSFAS, and qualifying students can have tuition, materials, and other costs covered without paying upfront.
Which campuses offer engineering courses?
Engineering NCV and NATED programmes are concentrated at Charles Goodyear Campus, Park Avenue Campus, and Woeke Street Campus in Graaff-Reinet, since these campuses hold the relevant workshops and equipment.
How many times a year can I apply to Eastcape Midlands TVET College?
More than once. The main intake for NCV and most NATED programmes generally opens around August to October for the following January, while a mid-year intake for trimester-based Engineering programmes and selected Business Studies courses opens around April to June for a July start.