VerifiedNATED courses, also called N-courses or Report 191 programmes, are national technical and business qualifications offered at TVET colleges for decades. They run from N1 to N6. The name comes from the policy document that set them up, Report 191 of the national education department, and the courses are examined nationally by DHET.
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The two streams
| Stream | Levels | Structure | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Studies | N1 to N6 | Four subjects per level, one trimester each | Electrical, mechanical, civil engineering |
| Business and Utility Studies | N4 to N6 | Four subjects per level, one semester each | Financial management, human resources, marketing, management assistant |
Certificates and the diploma
- Each level passed earns a certificate (or, after 30 June 2026, a Statement of Results).
- N4 to N6 theory plus workplace experience earns the National N Diploma, at NQF Level 6.
Why they are being phased out
DHET has said the old programmes favoured the classroom over the workshop and no longer matched the qualifications framework. They are being replaced by occupational qualifications, which build workplace experience into the qualification itself.
NATED N1 to N3 closed to new students on 1 January 2024. N4 to N6 are being taught out: colleges report last intakes in 2026 and 2027, students finishing theory after 30 June 2026 receive a Statement of Results, and National N Diploma requirements must be met by 30 June 2029.
Frequently asked questions
What does NATED stand for?
It refers to the national technical education programmes set out in Report 191, commonly called N-courses (N1 to N6).
Are NATED certificates still recognised?
Yes. Certificates and diplomas already awarded remain valid and recorded on the National Learners’ Records Database.