VerifiedThis section of BursariesAfrica helps you study at one of South Africa’s 50 public TVET (technical and vocational education and training) colleges: choosing a programme, applying for 2027, getting NSFAS funding and understanding how the qualifications are changing. We are an independent guide, not a college. Apply on your college’s own website, and never pay an agent for a place.
What do you need help with?
- I want to apply for 2027. Check the application windows below, then follow the 2027 online application guide.
- I missed the closing date. Some colleges close later or keep places open for certain programmes. See late applications for 2027.
- My application status is confusing. Read what a pending application means and what “document reloaded” means.
- I do not know what to study. Compare NC(V), N-courses and occupational qualifications.
- I am studying N4 to N6. Your qualification is being taught out. Read the deadlines for finishing N6.
- I need to improve my matric. See where to rewrite matric exams.
2027 application windows
The Minister of Higher Education has asked everyone to apply by 30 September 2026 (13 days left). Colleges set their own dates, and some close later.
| College | Window | Status | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tshwane North TVET CollegeGauteng · NC(V) Level 2Another banner on the same site still said applications were opening soon. | Until 30 Sep 2026 | 13 days left | College notice |
| uMfolozi TVET CollegeKwaZulu-Natal · NC(V) Level 2 and occupational programmes | 1 Sep – 30 Sep 2026 | 13 days left | College notice |
| Vuselela TVET CollegeNorth West · NC(V) engineering-related programmes and Hospitality | 1 Sep – 30 Sep 2026 | 13 days left | College notice |
| Western TVET College (Westcol)Gauteng · NC(V) and occupational certificates | 1 Sep – 30 Sep 2026 | 13 days left | College notice |
| Central Johannesburg TVET CollegeGauteng · NC(V) Level 2 at selected campusesThe college calls this the final intake for NC(V) Level 2 in these programmes. | 15 Sep – 15 Oct 2026 | 28 days left | College notice |
| Ehlanzeni TVET CollegeMpumalanga · NC(V) and occupational programmesEhlanzeni says it will not consider an application without proof of an NSFAS application. | Open | No closing date published | College notice |
| Elangeni TVET CollegeKwaZulu-Natal · Selected programmes | Open | No closing date published | College notice |
| Sedibeng TVET CollegeGauteng · NC(V) and occupational programmes | Opened 1 Sep 2026 | No closing date published | College notice |
Only colleges that published 2027 dates on their own website are listed, checked on 17 September 2026. If your college is not here, check its website or call a campus.
How to apply to a TVET college
- Choose a programme and campus. Each campus specialises, so check that your campus offers the course.
- Complete the career questionnaire and placement assessment. The Department of Higher Education and Training’s admissions policy makes placement testing part of admission, and many colleges say it is not a pass-or-fail test.
- Apply online with your ID, latest results and proof of residence. Colleges set their own rules on how recently copies must be certified.
- Apply for NSFAS separately at nsfas.org.za. Some colleges ask for proof that you did.
- Watch for an SMS or email offer and accept it in time. Some offers expire within days.
- Register on the dates your college gives, usually in January for the new year.
DHET’s admissions policy does not allow public TVET colleges to charge an application, registration or admission fee on top of tuition. If someone asks you for money to apply, check with the college first.
What you can study in 2027
| Qualification | Who it suits | What is changing |
|---|---|---|
| NC(V) Levels 2 to 4 | Learners with Grade 9 or higher who want a practical alternative to Grades 10 to 12 | Six programmes take no new Level 2 students from January 2027 |
| Occupational qualifications (QCTO) | People who know the trade or job they want, such as electrician, chef or bookkeeper | Growing, and replacing N-courses |
| N4 to N6 (Report 191) | Students already enrolled | Being taught out; colleges set last intakes per course |
| N1 to N3 | No new students | Closed since January 2024 |
The six NC(V) programmes closing to new Level 2 students are Finance, Economics and Accounting; Management; Marketing; Education and Development; Office Administration; and Process Plant Operations. Read more about the NC(V) and what replaces NATED engineering.
Funding with NSFAS
- NSFAS pays tuition at public TVET colleges for South African students from households earning up to R350,000 a year, plus allowances paid into a bank account in the student’s own name. Who NSFAS funds.
- NSFAS had not announced its 2027 application dates when we checked on 17 September 2026.
- To keep funding, continuing TVET students must pass 70% of their modules and meet the subject rules for the next level. See whether NSFAS can fund you after failing.
- Private colleges are not funded. Check whether a college is registered before paying: how to check a private college.
Guides by topic
Applications and status
- Application versus admission
- The application portals colleges use
- Uploading documents
- Applying for a mid-year start
- Getting help with an application
NSFAS
- When NSFAS allowances are paid
- The transport allowance
- The NSFAS consent form
- Why NSFAS applications are unsuccessful
Qualifications and careers
- NATED or NC(V): which is better?
- What happens after N6
- The Government Certificate of Competency (GCC)
- University with an N6
- Engineering course requirements
Matric rewrites and upgrades
- Which TVET colleges offer matric rewrites
- How many times you can rewrite
- What you can study without matric
All 50 public TVET colleges by province
Each link opens our guide to applying or registering at that college. Universities of technology such as CPUT, DUT and TUT are universities, not TVET colleges; see our university guide.
Gauteng (8)
- Central Johannesburg TVET College
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College
- Sedibeng TVET College
- South West Gauteng TVET College
- Tshwane North TVET College
- Tshwane South TVET College
- Western TVET College (Westcol)
KwaZulu-Natal (9)
- Coastal TVET College
- Elangeni TVET College
- Esayidi TVET College
- Majuba TVET College
- Mnambithi TVET College
- Mthashana TVET College
- Thekwini TVET College
- Umfolozi TVET College
- Umgungundlovu TVET College
Eastern Cape (8)
- Buffalo City TVET College
- Eastcape Midlands TVET College
- Ikhala TVET College
- Ingwe TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College
- King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
- Lovedale TVET College
- Port Elizabeth TVET College
Limpopo (7)
- Capricorn TVET College
- Lephalale TVET College
- Letaba TVET College
- Mopani South East TVET College
- Sekhukhune TVET College
- Vhembe TVET College
- Waterberg TVET College
Western Cape (6)
- Boland TVET College
- College of Cape Town for TVET
- False Bay TVET College
- Northlink College
- South Cape TVET College
- West Coast TVET College
Free State (4)
Mpumalanga (3)
North West (3)
Northern Cape (2)
Frequently asked questions
When do TVET college applications for 2027 close?
The Minister of Higher Education asked applicants to apply by 30 September 2026. Colleges set their own dates: Central Johannesburg TVET College, for example, published 15 October 2026 for NC(V) Level 2.
Do TVET colleges charge an application fee?
Public TVET colleges may not charge an application, registration or admission fee on top of tuition under DHET’s admissions policy.
Can I still study N1 to N3?
No. N1 to N3 closed to new students in January 2024. The NC(V) and occupational programmes are the alternatives.
Does NSFAS pay for TVET colleges?
Yes. NSFAS funds tuition and allowances at the 50 public TVET colleges for eligible South African students. It does not fund private colleges.