VerifiedPublic TVET colleges start their academic year in January. For 2027, most colleges will run registration in early January and start NC(V) classes shortly after, but each college sets its own dates. By mid-September 2026, colleges were still taking applications and had not published 2027 opening dates.
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What happened in January 2026 (a guide)
| Event | 2026 date |
|---|---|
| CJC new student registration | 7 to 9 January |
| SWGC NC(V) classes start | 12 January |
| NSFAS first registration cut-off for TVET colleges | 27 January |
| First NSFAS TVET allowance payment | 7 February |
Intakes during the year
- NC(V): January only.
- NATED business studies: January and July, while intakes remain.
- NATED engineering: trimesters, often January, May and September.
- Occupational programmes: set by each college.
What to do now
- Apply before your college’s closing date; several closed at the end of September or in October 2026.
- Apply for NSFAS before its 2027 window closes on 31 October 2026.
- Watch for offer SMS messages and registration dates from November.
- Prepare certified documents for registration.
The Minister of Higher Education urged young people on 10 September 2026 to apply to TVET colleges before 30 September 2026.
See which colleges have opened 2027 applications and what you need to register.
Frequently asked questions
When do TVET colleges open in 2027?
In January 2027. Each college publishes its own registration and class start dates.
Can I start at a TVET college in July?
Only for some programmes, mainly NATED business studies while intakes remain. NC(V) starts in January.