VerifiedTVET courses are the vocational and occupational programmes offered by technical and vocational education and training colleges. They teach skills for particular jobs and trades, with practical work, and range from entry-level programmes for Grade 9 leavers to occupational certificates at NQF Level 5.
Check Your Personalized Bursary Options
Step 1: Choose Study Level
Step 2: Choose Field of Study
Step 3: Describe Your Interest
Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?
Types of TVET courses
| Course type | Length | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| National Certificate (Vocational) | Three years, Levels 2 to 4 | Electrical Infrastructure Construction, Hospitality, IT and Computer Science, Tourism, Safety in Society |
| Occupational certificates | One to three years | Electrician, Plumber, Chef, Hairdresser, Bookkeeper, Computer Technician, ECD Practitioner |
| Report 191 (NATED) N4 to N6 | Semesters or trimesters | Business and engineering studies, being phased out |
| Pre-Vocational Learning Programme | One year | Foundation course before NC(V) Level 2 |
| Skills programmes and short courses | Weeks to months | Welding, AutoCAD, trade test preparation |
Newer course areas
- Digital: cybersecurity analyst, cloud administration, AI software developer.
- Energy: solar photovoltaic service technician.
- Logistics: freight handler, supply chain practitioner.
Courses being closed or phased out
- NATED N1 to N3 closed to new students in 2024; N4 to N6 is being phased out.
- Six NC(V) programmes take no new Level 2 students from 2027 under DHET circular TC 0153: Finance, Economics and Accounting; Management; Marketing; Education and Development; Office Administration; Process Plant Operations.
Course names are the same nationally, but each college offers only some of them, often at specific campuses.
Find a college in our directory of all 50 public TVET colleges, and see which courses NSFAS funds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between NC(V) and occupational courses?
NC(V) programmes are broad three-year vocational qualifications. Occupational certificates train you for one specific job or trade.
Are TVET courses recognised?
Yes. NC(V) is quality-assured by Umalusi and occupational qualifications by the QCTO, and both are on the NQF.