When Will TVET Colleges Reopen in 2024?

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges play a major role in equipping South Africans with the skills necessary to thrive in various industries.

If you’re planning to enroll in a TVET College program in 2024, you will have to understand the academic calendar.

When is the general reopening date for TVET Colleges in 2024?

There isn’t one reopening date for all TVET Colleges in South Africa.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) releases a national academic calendar outlining the broad structure for the year.

Individual TVET Colleges have some flexibility to adjust this calendar within specific parameters.

However, the general reopening for most TVET Colleges typically falls in mid-January.

This is a brief look at the typical TVET College academic year:

  1. Semester 1:
    • Term 1: Classes commence mid-January and conclude in late March.
    • Term 2: Classes resume in early April and end in mid-June.
  2. Semester 2:
    • Term 3: Classes begin in mid-July and conclude in late September.
    • Term 4: Classes resume in early October and conclude in early November.

You must note that this is a general structure, and specific dates may vary slightly depending on the TVET College.

How to find the exact reopening date for a specific TVET College

The most accurate way to determine the reopening date for your chosen TVET College is to consult their official website or contact their admissions office directly.

Most TVET College websites have a dedicated “Academic Calendar” section that outlines the specific term dates, exam periods, and holidays.

These are some resources to help you find your TVET College’s website:

  1. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) website: https://www.dhet.gov.za/
  2. The South African Council for TVET (SAC TVET) website: https://www.dhet.gov.za/

Are there any upcoming deadlines for TVET College applications in 2024?

The application deadlines for TVET Colleges can vary depending on the institution and the program you’re interested in.

However, many colleges accept applications throughout the year, with specific deadlines for each semester.

You should visit their website or contact their admissions office to inquire about application deadlines for specific programs.

Don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Aim to submit your application well before the deadline to ensure you have enough time to gather all the necessary documents.

If you’re unsure which college you’ll be accepted into, consider applying to a few institutions to increase your chances.

Are TVET Colleges open during the mid-year break (June/July)?

TVET Colleges are closed during the mid-year break, which usually falls between mid-June and mid-July.

This period allows students and staff time to rest and recharge before the second semester begins.

This is what you can expect during the mid-year break:

  1. No classes: There will be no scheduled lectures, tutorials, or practical sessions.
  2. Limited administrative services: Some administrative offices may operate with reduced hours during this period.
  3. Online resources: Some colleges may offer access to online learning resources during the break.

What if I need to register for a TVET College program after the official reopening date?

While it’s generally recommended to apply before the deadline, some TVET Colleges may allow for late applications under specific circumstances.

However, late applications are not guaranteed to be accepted, and you may miss out on important introductory sessions.

Do public holidays affect TVET College reopening dates?

Yes, public holidays can sometimes cause slight shifts in reopening dates.

South Africa observes various national holidays throughout the year, some of which might fall within typical reopening windows.

When this happens, TVET Colleges may adjust their schedules accordingly, with reopenings occurring after the holiday.