King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College, widely known as KSD TVET College, is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution headquartered in Mthatha, in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality of the Eastern Cape. The college takes its name from the Xhosa king Sabata Dalindyebo and came into being in 2002 through the merger of three former technical colleges: Mapuzi, Mthatha, and Ngcobo. Its central administration offices are based at the former Cicira College of Education site in Mthatha.
This article explains the courses King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College offers, entry requirements for each qualification type, the campuses where specific programmes run, and the fees a prospective student should budget for.
Overview of King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
KSD TVET College is strategically positioned to serve some of the most rural parts of the Eastern and Northern regions of the Eastern Cape, spanning three district municipalities: O.R. Tambo, Amathole, and Chris Hani. The college’s service area accounts for a significant share of the province’s population, and the region carries one of the highest concentrations of unemployed young people in the Eastern Cape, which shapes the college’s strong focus on practical, employment-oriented training.
The college operates across seven campuses and runs a trimester-based academic calendar for many of its programmes, which means it opens more than one intake window per year rather than a single annual enrolment period. This gives applicants multiple opportunities to start their studies, particularly for NATED engineering and business programmes.
King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College Campuses
| Campus | Location | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Mthatha Campus | R61 Queenstown Road, Cicira Village, Mthatha | Engineering (Electrical, Civil), general programmes, central administration |
| Libode Campus | Libode | Mechanical Engineering, Legal Secretary (Business Studies) |
| Mapuzi Campus | Mapuzi | Agriculture, general vocational programmes |
| Mngazi Campus | Mngazi | Business Studies, core business operations |
| Ngcobo Campus | Ngcobo | Public Management, Human Resource Management |
| Ntabozuko Campus | Ntabozuko | Human Resource Management, Financial Management |
| Zimbane Campus | Zimbane | Business Studies (Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Marketing Management, Public Relations Management, Clothing Production, Business Management) |
Because campuses specialise, a student should confirm which campus actually runs their intended course before applying, rather than assuming every programme is available everywhere.
Courses Offered at King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
KSD TVET College’s course offering covers National Certificate Vocational (NCV) programmes, NATED (Report 191) programmes from N1 to N6, and a range of occupational fields, including Safety in Society, Hospitality and Tourism, Information and Communication Technology, Agriculture, Education Studies, and Transport and Logistics.
1. National Certificate Vocational (NCV)
The NCV is a three-year, full-time qualification aimed at students who have completed Grade 9 or higher, equivalent in level to matric but built around vocational and practical training. It runs at NQF Levels 2, 3, and 4, and each level is completed over one academic year, with progression to the next level depending on passing the one before it.
NCV subject fields at KSD TVET College include:
- Civil Engineering and Building Construction
- Engineering-related fields
- Information Technology
- Hospitality
- Office Administration
- Safety in Society
- Agriculture
Engineering-focused NCV streams generally require Mathematics as a school subject, since the coursework depends on calculations used in construction, electrical systems, and technical design work.
2. NATED (Report 191) Programmes – N1 to N6
NATED programmes at KSD TVET College are split into Engineering Studies and Business Studies, running on a trimester or semester system. The college’s academic calendar accommodates a First Trimester intake around January, and a Second Trimester intake around March, which is used mainly for NATED engineering applications, along with a Semester 2 intake around June for NATED business studies programmes.
NATED Engineering Studies, offered mainly at Mthatha and Libode campuses, covers:
- Electrical Engineering (N4–N6)
- Civil Engineering (N4–N6)
- Mechanical Engineering (N4–N6)
Entry into N4 requires a Grade 12 pass with Mathematics and Physical Science, a Grade 12 pass with relevant technical subjects, or a pass in NCV Level 4 or N3 in the corresponding field. Students can also start at N1 through an Engineering Skills Programme before progressing toward N4, depending on their prior qualification level.
NATED Business Studies, offered across several campuses with slightly different specialisations, covers:
- Human Resource Management (N4–N6)
- Financial Management (N4–N6)
- Marketing Management (N4–N6)
- Public Relations Management (N4–N6)
- Public Management (N4–N6)
- Business Management (N4–N6)
- Clothing Production (N4–N6)
- Legal Secretary (N4–N6)
Zimbane Campus carries the widest spread of Business Studies specialisations, while Libode Campus focuses on Legal Secretary, Ngcobo Campus on Public Management and Human Resource Management, and Ntabozuko Campus on Human Resource Management and Financial Management.
As with NATED programmes at every public TVET college, completing N4 to N6 in either engineering or business fields must be followed by 18 months of relevant workplace experience before a student qualifies for the National N Diploma. The N6 certificate alone does not represent the final diploma qualification.
3. Other Occupational Fields
Beyond the core NCV and NATED streams, KSD TVET College also offers programmes in Hospitality and Tourism, Information and Communication Technology, Agriculture, Education Studies, and Transport and Logistics. These programmes vary in structure and duration depending on the specific qualification, and many incorporate practical, work-based components aligned with industry needs in the surrounding region.
Table: Summary of Course Types at King Sabata Dalindyebo 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 N4–N6 (Engineering) | Grade 12 with Maths/Physical Science or technical subjects, NCV Level 4, or N3 pass | 3 trimesters plus 18 months’ work experience for the diploma | Full-time, trimester-based |
| NATED N4–N6 (Business Studies) | Grade 12 or equivalent | 3 semesters plus 18 months’ work experience for the diploma | Full-time |
| Other Occupational Fields (Hospitality, ICT, Agriculture, Education Studies, Transport & Logistics) | Varies by field | Varies | Full-time |
King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College Fees
Fees at KSD TVET College are subsidised in line with public TVET pricing, and tuition costs generally range from roughly R2,000 to R30,000 per year, depending on the qualification, level, and field of study. NCV and NATED course fees are standardised across the college, meaning students in the same programme and level pay the same tuition regardless of which campus they attend.
Key figures to note:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | R30, non-refundable |
| Registration fee (NCV/Report 191) | No registration fee is charged |
| Tuition (NCV/NATED) | Approximately R2,000 – R30,000 per year, depending on programme and level |
| Residence fee (where accommodation is provided) | Approximately R2,200 per month |
Students do not need to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) to apply. Because tuition figures vary by specific programme and level, and the college updates its fee schedule for each academic year, applicants should confirm the exact cost for their chosen course directly with the finance office at their intended campus, or through the official student handbook.
NSFAS Funding at King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
KSD TVET College is accredited for funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. Students from qualifying households can have tuition fees, learning materials, and, in many cases, transport or accommodation costs covered for the duration of their studies. Given the high rate of youth unemployment in the college’s service area, NSFAS funding plays a significant role in making these qualifications accessible to students who would otherwise struggle to afford tuition upfront.
The NSFAS application process runs separately from the college application and is completed on the official NSFAS website. Students are encouraged to apply for NSFAS as early as the application window allows, since processing and fund allocation take time.
How to Apply to King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
- Obtain the correct application form, choosing between the new student or part-time student version depending on your situation. Applications can be submitted online through the college’s official website (via the iEnabler system) or as a hardcopy form.
- If applying online, enter your student number if you have one, or select “No” and follow the prompts if you are a new applicant.
- Complete your biographical information, including your date of birth, names, address, and contact details, and disclose any disability if applicable.
- Attach certified copies of your ID, your parent or guardian’s ID, and your most recent academic results, along with proof of residence.
- Submit your application before the closing date for your intake; the main First Trimester intake for the following January generally closes around the end of September, while a Second Trimester intake for NATED engineering typically opens in March, and a Semester 2 window for NATED business studies opens around June.
- Apply for NSFAS funding separately through the official NSFAS website.
- Apply for student accommodation during registration if you require it, since KSD offers residence facilities on some campuses.
Hardcopy applications can be posted directly to the Mthatha Campus at R61 Queenstown Road, Cicira Village, Mthatha, 5099.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NCV and NATED at King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College?
NCV is a three-year, annual qualification for students from Grade 9 upward, equivalent in level to matric. NATED (Report 191) is a trimester- or semester-based programme for students who already hold Grade 12 or an equivalent N-level 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 King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College?
Tuition generally ranges from about R2,000 to R30,000 per year depending on the qualification and level. There is a one-time R30 application fee, but no registration fee is charged for NCV or Report 191 courses.
Can I get NSFAS funding at King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College?
Yes. The college is NSFAS-accredited, and eligible students can have tuition, learning materials, and other costs covered, subject to meeting NSFAS’s income and eligibility requirements.
Which campuses offer engineering programmes?
NATED Engineering Studies, covering Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering, is offered mainly at Mthatha and Libode campuses.
How many intakes does King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College run per year?
The college runs a trimester-based calendar, generally with a First Trimester intake for a January start, a Second Trimester intake around March focused on NATED engineering, and a Semester 2 intake around June for NATED business studies programmes.