Port Elizabeth TVET College, based in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, is one of the province’s largest public technical and vocational institutions. Students researching this college in 2026 and 2027 usually want the same three things: which courses are on offer, which campus offers them, and what marks or qualifications are needed to get in. This article answers all three directly, and clears up a point of confusion that trips up many applicants — how “APS” actually works at a TVET college compared to a university.
A Quick Note on APS at TVET Colleges
Universities calculate an Admission Point Score (APS) by converting each Grade 12 subject symbol into points and adding them together, then comparing the total against a minimum score set for each degree. Public TVET colleges, including Port Elizabeth TVET College, do not use this same points-based system. Instead, admission is based on:
- The highest school grade a candidate has completed (Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, or a full National Senior Certificate).
- Whether specific subjects were passed, and at what percentage, for programmes with subject prerequisites (this applies mainly to engineering).
- The outcome of a compulsory placement or competency test in English and Mathematics, written before registration is finalised.
When people search for “APS requirements” for a TVET college, they are generally asking about this combined entry criteria — the grade level, subject marks, and test outcome — rather than a university-style points total. This article uses “APS” in that broader, commonly searched sense so the information matches what applicants actually need to know.
Overview of Port Elizabeth TVET College
Port Elizabeth TVET College was formed through the merger of three older technical colleges and now operates from several sites across Gqeberha, with Russell Road, Dower, and Iqhayiya functioning as the three main delivery campuses, supported by smaller satellite sites such as Kemsley Park. The college runs three main types of programmes:
- National Certificate (Vocational), or NCV — a school-equivalent qualification for learners who have completed at least Grade 9.
- NATED (Report 191), also called N-courses — a diploma-track qualification for candidates who already hold a Grade 12 or equivalent, combined with practical work experience.
- Occupational and short skills programmes — shorter, trade-focused courses aimed at quick entry into specific occupations.
The table below sets out the core differences between the two main academic streams.
| Feature | NCV (National Certificate Vocational) | NATED / N-Courses (Report 191) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum entry grade | Grade 9 report | Grade 12 (NSC), Senior Certificate, or equivalent |
| Duration | 3 years (Level 2 to Level 4), one level per year | N4–N6: 18 months full-time study, plus 18 months practical experience |
| Subjects studied | 7 subjects per level, mixing fundamentals and vocational subjects | 4–6 subjects per level, all vocational/technical |
| Final qualification | National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 | National N Diploma (after completing the work-experience component) |
| Best suited for | School leavers who want a vocational alternative to Grade 10–12 | Matriculants who want a focused technical or business qualification |
NCV Courses and Entry Requirements
NCV programmes at Port Elizabeth TVET College are grouped into vocational fields, each combining subject-specific modules with three compulsory fundamental subjects: Language, Life Orientation, and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. The main NCV fields offered include:
- Engineering and Related Design
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Office Administration
- Finance, Economics and Accounting
- Management
- Safety in Society
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Transport and Logistics
For entry into NCV Level 2, a candidate needs a Grade 9 report card (whether the year was passed or not, since NCV functions as an alternative route rather than a progression requirement). Candidates who have completed Grade 10 or Grade 11 can also apply directly into Level 2, though some are placed according to the outcome of the placement test rather than automatically advanced to a higher level. For NCV programmes under Engineering and Related Design or Electrical Infrastructure Construction, a pass in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) at the previous grade level is generally required, since these fields depend on calculation-heavy technical content from the outset.
NATED (N4–N6) Courses and Entry Requirements
NATED courses are built for candidates who already hold a Grade 12 certificate, though some campuses accept a Grade 11 with strong subject results for entry into N4, particularly for business-related streams. The two broad categories offered are engineering studies and business studies.
Engineering N-courses typically include:
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (Fitting and Turning, Motor Trade, and related specialisations)
- Building and Civil Engineering Draughting
Business N-courses typically include:
- Management Assistant (Office Administration)
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Management
- Public Management
- Legal Secretary
The table below summarises typical subject requirements for these two categories.
| Course Category | Minimum Qualification | Subject Requirement | Typical Pass Mark Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering N4–N6 | Grade 12 (NSC) or relevant N3 | Mathematics and a related Science or technical subject | 40% and above in Mathematics and Physical Science |
| Business N4–N6 | Grade 12 (NSC), Senior Certificate, or equivalent | No compulsory subject list, though Accounting and Business Studies strengthen an application | 30% pass in the NSC is usually sufficient |
| Legal Secretary N4–N6 | Grade 12 (NSC) | English proficiency is important; a Home Language or First Additional Language pass is checked closely | Pass in NSC, with reasonable English marks |
Applicants who do not meet a specific engineering subject requirement are not automatically excluded. Many are directed toward a bridging or extended programme, or advised to rewrite the relevant subject through the Second Chance Matric initiative before reapplying.
The Placement Test
Regardless of the marks shown on a school report, every new applicant to Port Elizabeth TVET College writes a placement test covering English and Mathematics before registration is confirmed. This test measures current competency rather than historical performance, and its result can influence which level or stream a student is placed into, particularly for NCV applicants moving between Grade 9, 10, or 11 backgrounds. Students should treat this test as seriously as any entrance requirement, since a weak result can affect access to more technical programmes even where the paper qualification is otherwise sufficient.
Which Campus Offers Which Courses
Course access at Port Elizabeth TVET College depends heavily on which campus a student applies to, since each site is built around a particular set of workshops or classroom facilities.
- Iqhayiya Campus, located in Struandale within Gqeberha’s industrial and automotive manufacturing belt, is the college’s main engineering site, offering NCV Engineering and Related Design as well as NATED civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering programmes.
- Russell Road Campus, in the central business district, concentrates on business, finance, IT, and office administration programmes across both NCV and NATED streams.
- Dower Campus hosts Office Administration, Safety in Society, and Transport and Logistics programmes, along with several occupational courses.
Applicants should confirm current campus-specific offerings directly with the college before applying, since class capacity at each site can change from one intake to the next.
How to Apply
Applications to Port Elizabeth TVET College are submitted through the college’s official online student portal. The general process follows these steps:
- Register a student profile on the portal using a valid email address and South African ID number.
- Select the preferred campus, programme, and intake period.
- Upload supporting documents — a certified copy of the ID, the most recent academic report or Matric certificate, and proof of residence.
- Complete the compulsory placement test once invited to do so.
- Wait for a provisional acceptance notification, usually sent by SMS or email once the applicant’s documents and test result have been reviewed against available space.
Applications typically open several months before the start of the academic year, and popular programmes such as engineering and business management fill quickly, so early application improves the chance of securing a place.
Funding Through NSFAS
Port Elizabeth TVET College is a public institution, which means South African citizens from households earning R350,000 or less per year can apply for funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). For approved TVET applicants, NSFAS covers tuition fees and, depending on circumstances, contributes toward transport, accommodation, and a living allowance. This funding does not need to be repaid, which sets it apart from the loan portion universities students sometimes receive. Students intending to rely on NSFAS should apply for both the course and the funding as early as possible, since funding decisions are processed separately from course admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Port Elizabeth TVET College use an APS score like universities do?
No. Entry is based on the highest grade completed, relevant subject passes where applicable, and the result of a compulsory placement test, rather than a converted points total.
Can a student with only a Grade 9 report apply?
Yes, for NCV Level 2 programmes. A Grade 9 report is the minimum entry requirement for this stream.
Is Mathematics compulsory for every course?
Not for every course. Engineering-related NCV and NATED programmes require a Mathematics pass (not Mathematical Literacy), while many business and office administration programmes do not carry this requirement.
What happens if an applicant fails the placement test?
Applicants are usually still considered, but may be placed into a different level or an extended version of the programme rather than being excluded outright.
How long does a NATED qualification take to complete in full?
An N4–N6 qualification takes 18 months of theory-based study at the college, followed by 18 months of practical, in-service training, before the National N Diploma is awarded.