If you have finished school or you are looking to learn a skill that can get you a job, you have probably heard about TVET colleges. But the big question is always the same. What TVET college courses can you actually study? And which courses will help you find work after you finish?
This guide answers those questions. You will learn about the different types of courses, what each course costs, how much money you can earn, and where to find these courses at TVET colleges near you. All the information is focused on South Africa.
We have listed all 50 public TVET colleges in South Africa on this site to help students easily find colleges, campuses, and courses in their area. Each college profile includes campus locations, contact details, courses offered, and other important information you may need before applying. You can use the map on our homepage or browse by province to quickly find a TVET college near you.
What Types of Courses Do TVET Colleges Offer?
TVET colleges in South Africa offer two main types of qualifications. The first is the National Certificate Vocational, also called NCV. The second is the NATED programme, also known as Report 191.
Both are good. Both can lead to jobs or further study. But they work differently.
The NCV programme takes three years. You start at Level 2, then go to Level 3, then Level 4. It is for students who have completed Grade 9 or higher. You learn theory and practice at the same time. For example, if you take Hospitality, you will learn about cooking and also spend time in a kitchen. The NCV programme was introduced in 2007 to give students an alternative to an academic matric.
The NATED programme is different. You study theory for 18 months, going from N4 to N6. Then you do 18 months of practical work experience. After that, you get your National N-Diploma. This programme is for students who have a Matric certificate or an NCV Level 4 pass.
What NCV Courses Can You Study?
The NCV programme covers many fields. Here are the main ones you will find at TVET colleges across South Africa.
Business Studies
These courses prepare you for office and management jobs. You will find Finance, Economics and Accounting at many colleges. This teaches you to work with money, budgets, and financial records. Marketing is another option. It teaches you how to promote products and reach customers. Office Administration is for people who want to work as receptionists, secretaries, or administrative assistants. Management teaches you how to lead teams and run departments. Transport and Logistics is for those interested in supply chains, deliveries, and warehouse management.
Engineering Studies
This is a popular choice for students who like working with machines and building things. Civil Engineering and Building Construction teaches you about roads, buildings, and bridges. Electrical Infrastructure Construction is for future electricians. Engineering and Related Design covers mechanical work like fitting and turning, welding, and boiler making. Mechatronics combines mechanics and electronics, which is useful in modern factories.
Information Technology
If you like computers, IT and Computer Science is a good option. You learn about software, hardware, and basic programming. Some colleges also offer certificates in web development or robotics.
Utility Studies
Hospitality teaches you cooking, serving, and hotel management. Tourism prepares you for work in travel agencies, tour guiding, and airlines. Education and Development is for students who want to work with children in early childhood development centres. Primary Health teaches basic healthcare skills.
What NATED Courses Can You Study?
The NATED programme is split into Business Studies and Engineering Studies. Here is what you can expect.
Business Studies N4 to N6
Management Assistant prepares you for office administration careers. You can become an office administrator, personal assistant, or receptionist. Public Management is for students who want to work in government. This leads to jobs in municipal offices, provincial departments, and national government agencies. Human Resource Management teaches you how to hire staff, manage payroll, and handle employee relations. Business Management covers running a business, including finance, marketing, and operations.
Engineering Studies N1 to N3
These are the foundation courses for artisans. Mechanical Engineering covers diesel mechanics, fitting and turning, and boiler making. Electrical Engineering covers electrical work, millwright, and heavy current systems. Civil Engineering covers plumbing, bricklaying, and construction work.
How to Choose the Right Course for You
Choosing a course is personal. But here are some questions to help you decide.
What do you enjoy doing? If you like fixing things, engineering might be for you. If you like helping people, hospitality or primary health could work. If you like organising, office administration is a good fit.
What jobs are available? Look around your area. Are there factories that need welders? Are there hotels that need cooks? Are there government offices that need administrators? Choose a course that leads to jobs near you.
Do you want to study further? Some courses lead to university. Others lead straight to work. NCV Level 4 can sometimes get you into university if your marks are good. NATED N6 plus work experience gives you a diploma that is recognised nationally.
Funding and Financial Help
Most TVET students need financial help. We have written a separate guide that covers everything about NSFAS. It explains who qualifies, what documents you need, when to apply, and how to check your application status. Read the full NSFAS application guide here.
How to Apply for a TVET College Course
Applying to a TVET college in South Africa is usually straightforward, but it is important to apply early because some courses fill up quickly.
The first step is to check the college’s application dates. Most public TVET colleges have two intake periods each year. The main intake usually opens for the beginning of the academic year, while some colleges also accept mid-year applications around May or June for a second-semester intake.
Once applications are open, gather all the required documents. Most colleges will ask for:
- A certified copy of your ID
- Your latest school results
- Proof of address
If you are applying online, make sure your documents are scanned clearly and saved in the correct format.
After preparing your documents, complete the online application form on the college website. Most TVET colleges now use digital application systems where you create a student profile, choose your preferred campus, and select the course you want to study.
Before submitting, double-check that all your information is correct. Once your application is submitted, save your reference number or confirmation email. The college will use your phone number and email address to contact you about your application status, placement, or registration details.
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Find TVET Colleges Near You on the Map
Use the map below to find TVET colleges in your province or city. Click on any marker to see the college name, address, and available courses.
Found a college you like? Click through to the college profile to see contact details, application dates, and course offerings. Then read our NSFAS guide to check if you qualify for funding.
Work Experience and Jobs After Your Course
One of the biggest advantages of studying at a TVET college is that the courses are designed to prepare students for real jobs. Unlike purely academic programmes, many TVET qualifications include practical training, workshops, simulations, or workplace experience that help students build skills employers are actively looking for.
The South African government is also investing heavily in vocational training and artisan development because skilled workers remain in high demand across the country.
For example, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has partnered with several TVET colleges in the Eastern Cape to help students gain practical work experience through real government projects. These colleges include:
- Buffalo City TVET College
- Eastcape Midlands TVET College
- Ingwe TVET College
- Ikhala TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College
- King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
- Lovedale TVET College
- Port Elizabeth TVET College
These partnerships give students valuable exposure to real working environments while improving their chances of finding employment after graduation.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works is also supporting the training of more artisans and technical workers. There is continued demand for skills such as:
- Electrical work
- Diesel mechanics
- Welding
- Boiler making
- Construction and infrastructure development
This growing focus on vocational skills shows that industries across South Africa still need trained artisans, technicians, administrators, hospitality workers, and other practically skilled professionals. For many students, TVET colleges provide a direct pathway into the workplace, apprenticeships, internships, or further career development opportunities.
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