Orbit TVET College is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution based in Rustenburg, North West Province. It operates campuses in Rustenburg, Brits, and Mankwe, and it registers students into three broad qualification streams: the National Certificate Vocational (NCV), the National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED, also called Report 191), and Occupational Programmes linked to specific trades. This article explains what each stream involves, the entry requirements attached to popular courses, and how the admission point system works at TVET level, which differs in important ways from the university APS model.
Does Orbit TVET College Use an APS Score?
Most public TVET colleges, including Orbit, do not calculate admission using the same Admission Point Score formula that universities use. Universities convert each of your seven subject percentages into points and add them together to reach a total APS score, often ranging from 20 to 42. TVET colleges work differently. Instead of a combined points total, Orbit sets a minimum grade level (Grade 9, 10, 11, or Matric) as the entry threshold for each programme, and in some cases adds a subject-specific pass requirement, such as a minimum mark in Mathematics or Physical Science for engineering-related courses.
That said, many students and parents still use the term “APS” loosely to refer to these minimum entry conditions, since it serves the same purpose: determining whether a candidate qualifies for a specific course. This article uses “APS requirements” in that broader sense — the academic conditions a candidate must meet to be considered for admission.
Overview of the Three Programme Types
National Certificate Vocational (NCV)
The NCV is a three-year programme divided into NQF Levels 2, 3, and 4, with each level completed over one academic year. It is designed for learners who have finished Grade 9 or hold a Grade 10 or 11 report and want a vocational alternative to the traditional Matric pathway. NCV combines theory with practical workshop training and is assessed through both internal college assessments and external national exams set by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
NATED (Report 191) Programmes
NATED courses, numbered N1 through N6, follow a different structure. Each N-level is a college-based semester of theory (typically four months), followed by compulsory practical work experience once a student completes N6. This “trimester” model — theory, then workplace exposure — makes NATED popular for students aiming at recognised trade qualifications such as artisan status through a trade test. NATED entry generally requires a Grade 9 certificate at minimum for N1, though many engineering streams prefer Grade 10, 11, or Matric with Mathematics and Science.
Occupational Programmes
These are shorter, skills-focused qualifications aligned directly to a specific occupation, such as a specific trade or service skill. They are built around workplace-ready competencies and are typically assessed against unit standards set by the relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) or the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Entry requirements vary significantly by programme, and some accept candidates with only a Grade 9 qualification, provided they meet age and literacy criteria.
Orbit TVET College Courses and Their Requirements
The table below summarises the main course categories offered at Orbit, the qualification type each falls under, and the general academic entry requirement for each.
| Course/Field | Qualification Type | General Entry Requirement | Typical Career Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Infrastructure Construction | NCV / NATED (Engineering) | Grade 9 (NCV) or Grade 10–12 with Maths & Science (NATED) | Electrician, Linesman |
| Civil Engineering & Building Construction | NCV / NATED | Grade 9 (NCV) or Grade 10–12 with Maths & Science (NATED) | Site Supervisor, Construction Foreman |
| Mechanical Engineering (Fitting & Turning, Motor Mechanics, Welding) | NCV / NATED | Grade 9 (NCV) or Grade 10–12 with Maths & Science (NATED) | Diesel Mechanic, Fitter, Welder |
| Business Studies (Management Assistant, Marketing, Finance) | NCV / NATED | Grade 9 (NCV) or Matric/NCV Level 4 with relevant subjects (NATED) | Office Administrator, Bookkeeper, Marketing Assistant |
| Hospitality and Tourism | NCV | Grade 9 or above | Chef, Hospitality Supervisor, Tour Consultant |
| Information Technology & Computer Science | NCV | Grade 9 or above, basic numeracy required | IT Support Technician, Junior Developer |
| Occupational/Short Skills Programmes | Occupational (QCTO/SETA aligned) | Varies; often Grade 9 with basic literacy and numeracy | Trade-specific artisan roles |
Because Orbit sits in the platinum mining belt of North West Province, its engineering and mechanical programmes are consistently the most sought after. The college has built strong links with mining companies operating in the Rustenburg area, and students who perform well in workshop-based assessments are sometimes identified for apprenticeship placement directly from their practical training.
Detailed Requirements by Field
Engineering and Mechanical Trades
Courses such as Electrical Infrastructure Construction, Mechanical Engineering N1–N6, and Civil Engineering typically ask for a pass in Mathematics and Physical Science at the level relevant to the programme entry point. A Grade 9 report with a pass in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) is usually sufficient for NCV Level 2 entry, while NATED N1 through N3 prefer candidates with a Grade 10, 11, or full Matric background, particularly where the subject matter builds on algebra, geometry, and applied physics. Because engineering seats fill quickly at Orbit, meeting only the minimum requirement does not guarantee placement; the college also considers the outcome of its compulsory placement assessment.
Business Studies Programmes
Business-related courses at NCV level accept candidates from Grade 9 upward, focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy. At NATED level, however, Orbit generally expects a Matric certificate or an NCV Level 4 certificate, along with relevant subjects such as Accounting, Business Studies, or Economics. Candidates without Matric are usually only considered for the NCV pathway in this field.
Hospitality, Tourism, and IT
These fields have comparatively flexible entry requirements. A Grade 9 certificate is generally accepted, since the emphasis at NQF Level 2 is on building practical competence rather than advanced subject knowledge. Basic literacy and numeracy remain compulsory, and applicants are still required to complete the standard placement assessment before enrolment is confirmed.
Short Skills and Occupational Programmes
Skills programmes are the most accessible route into vocational training at Orbit. Requirements differ from one programme to another, but most only ask for basic literacy and numeracy, verified through the placement test rather than a formal school-leaving certificate. These programmes suit applicants who need a fast, targeted qualification rather than a multi-year diploma.
The Career Guidance and Placement Test
Before an application is finalised, Orbit requires every new applicant to complete a Career Guidance and Placement Test. This assessment checks numeracy and literacy levels and helps match each applicant to a programme suited to their current ability, regardless of which course they initially selected. Completing this test is not optional; it forms part of the standard application process alongside document submission, and it directly affects whether an applicant is placed into their first-choice programme or guided toward an alternative one.
How to Apply
Applications to Orbit TVET College are submitted online through the college’s official application portal. The general process follows these steps:
- Complete the Career Guidance and Placement Test through the designated online link.
- Register an account on the Orbit online application system.
- Fill in personal details, including identity number, contact information, and highest grade completed.
- Select a preferred programme and campus (Rustenburg, Brits, or Mankwe).
- Upload certified copies of required documents, including an ID document, the most recent school report or certificate, and proof of residence, all dated within three months.
- Submit the application before the closing date and retain the reference number issued for tracking purposes.
Applicants without reliable internet access can visit any Orbit campus in person, where staff assist with completing the online application on-site.
NSFAS Funding
Students whose combined household income falls below the threshold set by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) may qualify for full funding covering tuition, learning materials, meals, transport, and accommodation where applicable. NSFAS eligibility is assessed separately from academic admission, so meeting a course’s entry requirement does not automatically guarantee funding approval; a distinct NSFAS application and means test are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Orbit TVET College accept students who only have a Grade 9 certificate?
Yes. Most NCV Level 2 programmes and several occupational skills programmes accept Grade 9 as the minimum entry qualification, provided the applicant meets basic literacy and numeracy standards confirmed through the placement test.
Is Mathematics compulsory for all engineering courses at Orbit?
A pass in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) is generally required for engineering-related NCV and NATED programmes, since the coursework relies on calculations and applied physics.
Can a Matric certificate holder still apply for an NCV programme?
Yes, though most Matric holders are directed toward NATED programmes or, where available, Occupational Programmes, since these build more directly on a completed secondary education.
How long does the NATED N1 to N6 pathway take to complete?
Each N-level takes one semester of full-time study. Completing N1 through N6 takes three years of coursework, followed by a compulsory period of practical workplace experience before the full diploma is awarded.
Which Orbit campus offers engineering programmes?
Engineering and mechanical trade programmes are concentrated at the Rustenburg and Mankwe campuses, reflecting demand from the surrounding mining and industrial sector, while Brits also offers select technical and business programmes.