Orbit TVET College is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution based in the North West Province of South Africa. It falls under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and operates three campuses: Rustenburg, Brits, and Mankwe. The college trains students in technical, business, and artisan-related fields, with a curriculum shaped heavily by the surrounding mining, manufacturing, transport, and tourism industries. This article covers the courses on offer, the current application windows, NSFAS funding, and the exact steps for applying, so that prospective students have everything they need in one place.
About Orbit TVET College
Orbit TVET College is one of three public TVET colleges in the North West Province. Like all public TVET colleges, it exists to increase the number of people trained in scarce and critical skills, particularly among young people who are not in employment, education, or training (often referred to as NEETs). The college positions itself as an institution that links classroom learning directly to workplace demand, and its programme mix reflects the economic character of the region: mining-related trades, engineering, automotive work, transport and logistics, tourism, and general business administration.
Each of the three campuses has a distinct specialisation:
| Campus | Location | Main Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Rustenburg Campus | Fatima Bhayat Street, Rustenburg | Business Studies, Information Technology, Light Engineering, Hairdressing, Beauty & Nail Technology |
| Brits Campus | Brits | Engineering and Business qualifications |
| Mankwe Campus | Near Pilanesberg | Transport, Logistics, Tourism, and Automotive programmes |
Rustenburg Campus also hosts Orbit’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, which supports students and community members who want to start small enterprises alongside their formal studies.
Courses Offered at Orbit TVET College
Orbit TVET College structures its academic offering into three main categories: National Certificate (Vocational) programmes, Report 191 (NATED) programmes, and short skills or occupational programmes. Each category suits a different entry point and career goal.
National Certificate (Vocational) – NCV Programmes
NCV programmes are designed for students who have completed at least Grade 9 and want to combine theoretical knowledge with practical training over multiple levels (Level 2 to Level 4, equivalent to Grades 10 to 12). These programmes prepare students either for direct employment or for further study at a university of technology. Common NCV fields at Orbit include:
- Engineering and Related Design
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Office Administration
- Finance, Economics and Accounting
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Primary Agriculture (where offered)
Report 191 – NATED Programmes
NATED programmes (commonly called N-courses) require a Grade 12 certificate, or in some cases a Grade 11 certificate with relevant subjects, and are built around a sequence of N4 to N6 levels, followed by a period of practical experience needed to convert the qualification into a National Diploma. NATED courses at Orbit generally include:
- Engineering Studies (Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering)
- Financial Management, Management Assistant, and Human Resource Management
- Marketing Management
- Public Management
Engineering N-courses are especially strong at the Rustenburg and Brits campuses, given the region’s mining and manufacturing base. Diesel Mechanics and Electrical Engineering, in particular, are treated as specialised trade areas because of demand from the platinum mining sector around Rustenburg.
Occupational and Skills Programmes
These are shorter, more targeted programmes aimed at people who need a specific, job-ready skill rather than a multi-year qualification. They typically only require basic literacy and numeracy, and sometimes a minimum age or grade requirement depending on the specific programme. Examples include:
- Automotive repair and motor mechanics
- Welding and boilermaking
- ICT support and computer literacy
- Artisan trades linked to the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
Course Requirements at a Glance
| Programme Type | Minimum Entry Requirement | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NCV (Level 2–4) | Grade 9 Certificate; Mathematics or Science may be required for technical streams | 1 year per level, 3 levels total |
| NATED / Report 191 | Grade 12 Certificate (or Grade 11 with relevant subjects, depending on the course) | 6 months per N-level plus practical experience |
| Skills / Occupational Programmes | Basic literacy and numeracy; programme-specific criteria | Weeks to a few months |
Because entry requirements differ by specific course and campus, applicants should confirm the exact subject and grade requirements for their chosen programme against the current Orbit TVET College prospectus before applying.
Orbit TVET College Application Dates
Orbit TVET College runs its main application cycle for new intakes annually, with a first-semester application window and, in some years, a second-semester window for specific programmes.
For the 2026 academic year, applications opened in mid-September 2025 and the primary closing date fell at the end of January 2026, with earlier guidance pointing to a 31 October 2025 cut-off for some programme categories and later notices extending the window into January 2026. Because Orbit TVET College enforces a strict online-only application process with no late or manual submissions accepted, applicants should always apply as early as possible within the stated window rather than waiting for the closing date. A second-semester intake was also opened later in the year for select NATED, NCV, and occupational programmes, closing on 6 July 2026.
The general pattern each year follows this sequence:
- Applications open (typically in the third quarter of the preceding year, around September).
- Applications close (dates vary by year and by programme; always confirmed on the official college website).
- Application statuses are reviewed and updated from around October through December.
- New students undergo a Pre-Entry Placement Test to help match them to a suitable programme.
- Acceptance letters are issued, usually in November through January.
- Registration for accepted students and the start of classes take place in January for the main academic year, with some programmes offering a mid-year intake in July.
Because dates shift slightly from year to year and additional intake windows are sometimes opened for specific campuses or programmes, applicants should check the official Orbit TVET College website (orbitcollege.co.za) directly before applying, and should not rely solely on secondary sources for the exact closing date.
NSFAS Funding at Orbit TVET College
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds qualifying students at Orbit TVET College, covering tuition and, depending on individual circumstances, additional allowances.
To qualify for NSFAS as a TVET college applicant, a student generally needs to meet these conditions:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be enrolled or intending to enrol at a public TVET college for an NCV, NATED, or occupational programme recognised for NSFAS funding.
- Come from a household with a combined annual income below the NSFAS threshold set for TVET applicants.
- Not already hold a qualification at the same or a higher level than the one being applied for, in most cases.
Where a student qualifies, NSFAS funding typically covers:
- Full tuition fees for the funded programme.
- A travel allowance for students who live within a set distance of the campus but not within walking distance.
- An accommodation allowance for students who live far from their campus and need to relocate or use private accommodation, subject to availability and confirmation of need.
- A book and learning materials allowance, depending on the programme.
Applying for NSFAS is a separate process from applying to Orbit TVET College itself. Students must create a MyNSFAS account on the official NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za), complete the online application, and upload supporting documents such as a certified ID copy, proof of household income, and, where relevant, proof of a parent or guardian’s unemployment or grant status. It is advisable to apply for NSFAS as soon as the NSFAS application window opens each year and to do so alongside, not after, the Orbit TVET College application, since funding approval and course placement can each take time to process. Orbit TVET College’s student support offices, listed under “MyNSFAS” on the college’s official student services pages, can assist students who need help completing or tracking their NSFAS application.
How to Apply to Orbit TVET College
Applying to Orbit TVET College is done entirely online through the college’s application portal. The steps below outline the standard application process.
- Visit the official Orbit TVET College website at www.orbitcollege.co.za and locate the “Apply” or “Online Applications” section for the current intake year.
- Create a profile using a valid South African ID number, or a passport number for non-citizens, and set up a login for the application portal.
- Complete the Pre-Entry Placement Test, where applicable. New applicants are generally required to complete this assessment before finalising their programme choice, as it helps confirm which stream and level suit the applicant’s academic background.
- Select a specific programme and campus. Applicants should choose the exact qualification name and level (for example, a specific NCV or NATED programme at a named campus) rather than a general field of study, since vague selections can delay processing.
- Upload the required supporting documents. These typically include:
- A certified copy of a South African ID (or passport, for non-citizens)
- The latest school report or Matric certificate
- Proof of residence, such as a utility bill or affidavit
- Next of kin or parent/guardian ID details
- Submit the application electronically. On submission, the system generates a reference number, which the applicant should keep to track the status of their application.
- Apply for NSFAS separately, if funding is needed, through the official NSFAS portal, using similar supporting documents plus proof of household income.
- Wait for confirmation. Once assessments and reviews are complete, the college issues an outcome — either an offer of a place with registration instructions, or a request for further information.
Applicants who do not have reliable internet access, or who run into difficulties with the online system, can visit their nearest Orbit TVET College campus in person. Staff at each campus assist walk-in applicants with completing the online application and certifying documents on-site.
Contact Details for Orbit TVET College Campuses
| Campus | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Rustenburg Campus | +27 (014) 597 5502 |
| Brits Campus | +27 (012) 381 5700 |
| Mankwe Campus | +27 (014) 555 2900 |
General applications enquiries can also be directed to info@orbitcollege.co.za.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications does Orbit TVET College offer? Orbit offers National Certificate (Vocational) programmes from Level 2 to Level 4, Report 191 (NATED) N-courses from N4 to N6, and shorter occupational and skills programmes in trades such as automotive repair, welding, and ICT.
Can I apply to Orbit TVET College with only a Grade 9 certificate? Yes. Grade 9 is the minimum entry point for NCV Level 2 programmes. NATED programmes require Grade 12, or in some cases Grade 11 with relevant subjects.
Does Orbit TVET College accept late applications? No. The college’s online application system does not accept late or manual applications after the stated closing date, so applicants should apply as early as possible within the open window.
How do I know if I qualify for NSFAS at Orbit TVET College? Eligibility depends primarily on South African citizenship and combined household income falling below the threshold NSFAS sets for TVET college applicants. The NSFAS application is separate from the Orbit TVET College application and must be completed on the official NSFAS website.
Which campus should I choose for engineering programmes? Rustenburg and Brits campuses are the main centres for engineering-related NCV and NATED programmes, including Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering streams, along with Light Engineering at Rustenburg.