South Africa has 50 public TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges, spread across roughly 364 campuses in all nine provinces. Every one of them is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and every one accepts NSFAS funding for students who qualify (household income of R350,000 or less per year).
If you’re trying to figure out which TVET college is closest to you, or you’re comparing options before you apply, here’s the complete list — organised by province — so you don’t have to dig through nine different government pages to find it.
Quick Answer: How Many TVET Colleges Are There?
50 public TVET colleges, broken down like this:
| Province | Number of Colleges |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | 8 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 9 |
| Eastern Cape | 8 |
| Limpopo | 7 |
| Western Cape | 6 |
| Free State | 4 |
| Mpumalanga | 3 |
| North West | 3 |
| Northern Cape | 2 |
Now let’s break each province down college by college.
Gauteng (8 colleges)
- Central Johannesburg TVET College — Johannesburg
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College — Springs
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College — Germiston
- Sedibeng TVET College — Vereeniging
- South West Gauteng TVET College — Roodepoort
- Tshwane North TVET College — Pretoria
- Tshwane South TVET College — Pretoria
- Western TVET College — Carletonville
KwaZulu-Natal (9 colleges)
- Coastal TVET College — Durban
- Elangeni TVET College — Pinetown
- Esayidi TVET College — Port Shepstone
- Majuba TVET College — Newcastle
- Mnambithi TVET College — Ladysmith
- Mthashana TVET College — Vryheid
- Thekwini TVET College — Durban
- Umfolozi TVET College — Empangeni
- Umgungundlovu TVET College — Pietermaritzburg
Eastern Cape (8 colleges)
- Buffalo City TVET College — East London
- Eastcape Midlands TVET College — Uitenhage
- Ikhala TVET College — Queenstown
- Ingwe TVET College — Mount Frere
- King Hintsa TVET College — Butterworth
- King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College — Mthatha
- Lovedale TVET College — King William’s Town
- Port Elizabeth TVET College — Gqeberha
Limpopo (7 colleges)
- Capricorn TVET College — Polokwane
- Lephalale TVET College — Lephalale
- Letaba TVET College — Tzaneen
- Mopani South East TVET College — Phalaborwa
- Sekhukhune TVET College — Groblersdal
- Vhembe TVET College — Sibasa
- Waterberg TVET College — Mokopane
Western Cape (6 colleges)
- Boland TVET College — Stellenbosch
- College of Cape Town — Cape Town
- False Bay TVET College — Muizenberg
- Northlink TVET College — Goodwood, Cape Town
- South Cape TVET College — George
- West Coast TVET College — Malmesbury
Free State (4 colleges)
- Flavius Mareka TVET College — Sasolburg
- Goldfields TVET College — Welkom
- Maluti TVET College — Phuthaditjhaba
- Motheo TVET College — Bloemfontein
Mpumalanga (3 colleges)
- Ehlanzeni TVET College — Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Gert Sibande TVET College — Standerton
- Nkangala TVET College — Witbank (eMalahleni)
North West (3 colleges)
- Orbit TVET College — Rustenburg
- Taletso TVET College — Mahikeng
- Vuselela TVET College — Klerksdorp
Northern Cape (2 colleges)
- Northern Cape Rural TVET College — Upington
- Northern Cape Urban TVET College — Kimberley
What Courses Do TVET Colleges Offer?
TVET colleges offer three main types of programmes.
1. NCV (National Certificate Vocational): Levels 2–4
- A three-year programme, with one level completed each year
- Combines theory with practical training
- Open to learners who have passed Grade 9 or higher
- NCV Level 4 is equivalent to matric (NQF Level 4)
- A good choice if you left school early but want a recognised qualification
2. NATED / Report 191 Programmes: N1–N6
- Engineering Studies (N1–N6): Each level takes one trimester of about 3–4 months.
- Business and Utility Studies (N4–N6): Each level takes one semester of about 6 months.
- After completing N6, you need 18–24 months of relevant work experience to qualify for a National N Diploma.
3. Occupational and Skills Programmes
- Short courses, learnerships, and apprenticeships linked to specific jobs
- Many are run with employers and SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities)
- Often lead to a trade test, which is how you qualify as an artisan
Some colleges also offer Higher Certificates in partnership with universities.
Popular Fields of Study
- Engineering: electrical, mechanical, civil, and motor mechanics
- Business Studies: financial management, management assistant, human resources, marketing
- Information Technology: computer science, IT and computer systems
- Hospitality and Tourism: hospitality management, tourism, and food services
- Agriculture: primary agriculture, agricultural management
- Educare: early childhood development
- Safety in Society, Office Administration, and more
Not every college offers every course, so check the college’s prospectus or website before you apply.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements depend on the programme. Here’s a general guide:
| Programme | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| NCV Level 2 | Grade 9 pass (Grade 10, 11, or 12 also accepted) |
| Engineering N1 | Grade 9 or 10, usually with Maths and Physical Science |
| Engineering N4 | N3 certificate, or matric with Maths and Physical Science |
| Business Studies N4 | Matric (National Senior Certificate) |
| Occupational programmes | Varies by programme |
Some colleges also ask you to write a placement or entrance assessment to make sure you’re placed in the right programme.
Documents You’ll Need
- Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate
- Certified copy of your latest school results or highest qualification
- Proof of residence
- Certified copies of your parents’ or guardian’s IDs (for minors or NSFAS applications)
- Passport photos (some colleges ask for these)
- Study permit and passport (for international students)
Is There an Age Limit?
There is no strict upper age limit for most programmes, so adults returning to study are welcome. For NCV, learners are usually expected to be 16 or older. Some colleges set their own age rules for certain courses, so confirm with the college.
How to Apply to a TVET College (Step by Step)
Most TVET colleges accept applications online through their own websites. Many also accept walk-in applications at their campuses.
Step 1: Choose your college and course.
Use the province list above to find colleges near you. Then check their websites to see which campuses offer the course you want.
Step 2: Check the entry requirements.
Make sure you meet the minimum requirements for your chosen programme.
Step 3: Get your documents ready.
Certify your documents at a police station or commissioner of oaths. Scan them if you’re applying online.
Step 4: Complete the application form.
Apply online through the college website, or collect and submit a form at the campus. Double-check your contact details so the college can reach you.
Step 5: Write the placement assessment (if required).
Some colleges will invite you to write a short assessment before they accept you.
Step 6: Apply for NSFAS at the same time.
Don’t wait for your acceptance letter. Apply for NSFAS funding separately through myNSFAS while the application window is open.
Step 7: Wait for your outcome and register.
If you’re accepted, you’ll receive an offer by SMS, email, or on the college portal. You must register before the deadline to secure your place. Being accepted is not the same as being registered.
Tip: Apply to more than one college if you can. Popular courses fill up quickly.
TVET College Application Dates and Intakes
TVET colleges don’t all run on one intake date. When you can start depends on your programme:
| Programme | Intake Pattern | Typical Start Months |
|---|---|---|
| NCV (Levels 2–4) | Once a year | January |
| Engineering Studies (N1–N6) | Trimester (3 intakes a year) | January, May, and September |
| Business Studies (N4–N6) | Semester (2 intakes a year) | January and July |
| Occupational programmes | Varies | Depends on the programme and employer |
When Do Applications Open?
- Applications for the January intake usually open in the second half of the previous year, often from around August or September.
- Applications for mid-year and later trimester intakes usually open a few months before each start date.
- Some colleges accept late applications if there’s space left, but don’t count on it.
NSFAS Funding for TVET Students: What It Covers
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds qualifying students at all 50 public TVET colleges. For TVET students, NSFAS funding is a bursary, which means you don’t have to pay it back as long as you meet the academic requirements.
Who Qualifies?
- South African citizens
- Combined household income of R350,000 or less per year
- Students with disabilities: household income of R600,000 or less per year
- SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial requirement
- Enrolled (or applying) for an approved programme at a public TVET college
What Does NSFAS Cover?
- Tuition fees: paid directly to the college
- Accommodation allowance: for students in college residences or accredited private accommodation
- Transport allowance: for students who live at home or in non-residence accommodation and travel to campus
- Living and meal allowance: for day-to-day expenses
- Personal care allowance: for students in certain types of accommodation
You don’t get every allowance automatically. Which ones you receive depends on your living arrangements. Allowance amounts are reviewed every year, so check the latest NSFAS guidelines for current figures.
How to Apply for NSFAS
- Go to the NSFAS website and create a myNSFAS account using your ID number, email address, and cellphone number.
- Click the “Apply” tab and fill in your personal details.
- Upload your supporting documents: your ID, your parents’ or guardian’s IDs, and proof of income or a SASSA letter if applicable.
- Upload the disability annexure if it applies to you.
- Submit your application and track its status on your myNSFAS account.
Important: You also need to be accepted and registered at a TVET college for NSFAS to release your funding. If you’re already an NSFAS-funded student continuing your studies, you usually don’t need to apply again, as long as you meet the academic progression rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all TVET colleges government (public) institutions? The 50 colleges on this list are all public and DHET-registered. There are also private colleges offering vocational qualifications, but they aren’t part of this official list and don’t carry the same NSFAS guarantees — always check DHET registration before enrolling anywhere.
Do all TVET colleges accept NSFAS? Yes. Every public TVET college accepts NSFAS funding for qualifying students. You apply through myNSFAS, not through the college directly.
Can I apply to a TVET college with just Grade 9? Yes, for NCV (National Certificate Vocational) programmes. NATED (N1–N6) programmes typically require matric, though some N1–N3 engineering studies accept Grade 9 or 10.
Which TVET college is closest to me? Use the province breakdown above to find colleges in your area, then check each college’s website for their specific campuses — most colleges have multiple campuses beyond their head office location listed here.
How do I choose the right TVET college? Look at what courses each college specialises in, how far its campuses are from you, and whether its graduates have a track record of employment or trade-test pass rates in your field of interest.