Technical and Vocational Education and Training, better known as TVET, is one of the major pathways available to South Africans who want to continue their education after school while gaining practical, technical or occupational skills.

TVET colleges offer programmes in areas ranging from engineering and construction to business, information technology, hospitality, agriculture, safety, transport and other vocational fields.

South Africa currently has 50 public TVET colleges, operating across approximately 364 campuses in urban, rural and other communities. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is responsible for the TVET college system.

For the 2026 academic year, the South African government said that more than 527,000 places would be available across the country's 50 public TVET colleges. Government has also highlighted TVET colleges as an important part of developing practical skills needed by the economy.

This guide explains what TVET colleges are, who can study at a TVET college, the different types of programmes available, the 50 public TVET colleges by province, admission requirements, funding, applications and what students should consider before choosing a college.

What is a TVET college?

TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

TVET colleges form part of South Africa's post-school education and training system and focus strongly on vocational, technical and occupational skills.

The South African government describes TVET as education and training that addresses the need for intermediate skills while incorporating practical training. TVET includes vocational, occupational and artisan education and training.

Unlike a traditional university degree, TVET education can place greater emphasis on practical skills, technical knowledge and preparation for particular occupations.

Depending on the programme, a student may spend significant time learning through workshops, practical activities, simulations or workplace-related training.

This makes TVET an important option for students who would like a more vocational or technical route after school.

It is also important to understand that TVET does not simply mean "education for students who did not qualify for university."

TVET colleges offer their own qualifications and occupational pathways, and many of the programmes are designed around practical skills required in the labour market.

How many TVET colleges are there in South Africa?

South Africa has 50 public TVET colleges.

These colleges are distributed across all nine provinces and operate through multiple campuses. The government currently describes the public TVET system as consisting of 50 registered and accredited public colleges with approximately 364 campuses.

The colleges are administered within the national TVET system under the Department of Higher Education and Training.

The DHET's official TVET college directory provides college names, campuses and contact information.

There are also private colleges, but students should distinguish between public TVET colleges and private institutions and verify an institution's registration status before enrolling.

List of TVET colleges in South Africa by province

Below is the list of the 50 public TVET colleges recognised in the national TVET system.


Eastern Cape TVET colleges

The Eastern Cape has eight public TVET colleges:


  1. Buffalo City TVET College
  2. Eastcape Midlands TVET College
  3. Ikhala TVET College
  4. Ingwe TVET College
  5. King Hintsa TVET College
  6. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
  7. Lovedale TVET College
  8. Port Elizabeth TVET College

The DHET's official TVET directory provides contact and campus information for these institutions.

Free State TVET colleges

The Free State has four public TVET colleges:


  1. Flavius Mareka TVET College
  2. Goldfields TVET College
  3. Maluti TVET College
  4. Motheo TVET College

These colleges serve students across different parts of the Free State through their respective campuses.

Gauteng TVET colleges

Gauteng has eight public TVET colleges:


  1. Central Johannesburg TVET College
  2. Ekurhuleni East TVET College
  3. Ekurhuleni West TVET College
  4. Sedibeng TVET College
  5. South West Gauteng TVET College
  6. Tshwane North TVET College
  7. Tshwane South TVET College
  8. Western TVET College

The Gauteng colleges operate across a large network of campuses serving Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, the West Rand and surrounding communities.

KwaZulu-Natal TVET colleges

KwaZulu-Natal has nine public TVET colleges:


  1. Coastal TVET College
  2. Elangeni TVET College
  3. Esayidi TVET College
  4. Majuba TVET College
  5. Mnambithi TVET College
  6. Mthashana TVET College
  7. Thekwini TVET College
  8. Umfolozi TVET College
  9. Umgungundlovu TVET College

Together, these colleges provide TVET opportunities across many parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Limpopo TVET colleges

Limpopo has seven public TVET colleges:


  1. Capricorn TVET College
  2. Lephalale TVET College
  3. Letaba TVET College
  4. Mopani South East TVET College
  5. Sekhukhune TVET College
  6. Vhembe TVET College
  7. Waterberg TVET College

The colleges operate campuses serving different districts and communities throughout Limpopo.

Mpumalanga TVET colleges

Mpumalanga has three public TVET colleges:


  1. Ehlanzeni TVET College
  2. Gert Sibande TVET College
  3. Nkangala TVET College

These colleges serve different areas of Mpumalanga through their campus networks.

Northern Cape TVET colleges

The Northern Cape has two public TVET colleges:


  1. Northern Cape Rural TVET College
  2. Northern Cape Urban TVET College

The two colleges provide vocational and technical education across urban and rural areas of the province.

North West TVET colleges

North West has three public TVET colleges:


  1. ORBIT TVET College
  2. Taletso TVET College
  3. Vuselela TVET College

The colleges serve different areas of the province through their respective campuses.

Western Cape TVET colleges

The Western Cape has six public TVET colleges:


  1. Boland TVET College
  2. College of Cape Town for TVET
  3. False Bay TVET College
  4. Northlink TVET College
  5. South Cape TVET College
  6. West Coast TVET College

The DHET's TVET directory provides official college contact details and links to the respective institutions.

TVET colleges by province at a glance

ProvinceNumber of public TVET collegesEastern Cape8Free State4Gauteng8KwaZulu-Natal9Limpopo7Mpumalanga3Northern Cape2North West3Western Cape6Total50

The provincial distribution above is based on the DHET's official list of public TVET colleges.

What can you study at a TVET college?

One of the biggest advantages of the TVET system is the range of fields available.

Depending on the college and campus, students can find programmes in areas such as:


  • Engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Information technology
  • Computer-related studies
  • Business studies
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Hospitality
  • Tourism
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Motor mechanics
  • Fitting and turning
  • Welding
  • Plumbing
  • Carpentry
  • Hairdressing
  • Clothing production
  • Safety and security
  • Transport
  • Public services
  • Engineering-related trades
  • Artisan occupations
  • Other occupational programmes

However, not every college offers every programme.

The available programmes can differ between colleges and even between campuses of the same college.

Students should therefore check the programme list published by the particular college before applying.

The DHET maintains information about TVET colleges and programmes, including a list of colleges offering occupational programmes.

The main types of TVET programmes

Students will encounter several different types of programmes when researching TVET colleges.

The three broad categories traditionally associated with the TVET college system include National Certificate (Vocational), Report 191/NATED programmes and occupational qualifications.

Understanding the difference is important because these programmes do not all follow the same structure.

What is NC(V)?

NC(V) stands for National Certificate (Vocational).

It is a vocational qualification offered through TVET colleges.

The NC(V) pathway operates at NQF Levels 2, 3 and 4 and was designed as a vocational learning route.

A student normally progresses through the different levels.

The programme combines academic learning with vocational subjects.

Depending on the chosen field, students can study subjects that are directly related to a particular vocational area.

Examples of NC(V) fields can include areas such as:


  • Engineering and related design
  • Information technology and computer-related studies
  • Finance, economics and accounting
  • Office administration
  • Hospitality
  • Tourism
  • Safety in society
  • Civil engineering and building construction
  • Primary agriculture

The exact programme and subject combination depends on the qualification and college.

Who can study NC(V)?

NC(V) is particularly relevant to students who want a vocational pathway at college level.

The DHET has historically described TVET colleges as providing opportunities to learners who have completed at least Grade 9, while also providing opportunities for students who have completed Grade 12.

Specific admission requirements can vary according to the qualification, level and institution.

Students should therefore always check the latest admission requirements published by their chosen TVET college.

What are NATED programmes?

Another major category associated with TVET colleges is the Report 191, commonly called NATED, programme system.

Engineering studies traditionally use N-levels from N1 to N6.

Business and general studies may use an introductory level and N4 to N6, depending on the programme.

The structure is different from NC(V).

A student may progress through several levels before meeting the academic requirements for a National N Diploma.

However, the academic qualification is not necessarily the entire journey.

For certain NATED programmes, practical workplace experience is required for the National N Diploma.

DHET documentation describes work-experience requirements for the conferment of the N Diploma, including requirements of 24 months for engineering studies and 18 months for business and general studies in the framework referenced by the Department.

Is NATED being phased out?

Students researching TVET programmes in 2026 should pay attention to developments in the TVET curriculum.

The South African government announced that it is moving toward the progressive phasing out of certain outdated NATED programmes while occupational qualifications and part-qualifications are progressively introduced.

This is an important development for students and parents.

It does not mean that every NATED programme suddenly disappears or that existing students should abandon their studies.

Instead, the government has described this as a transition in the TVET curriculum.

Anyone applying for a new programme should therefore check the latest programme availability directly with the college.

What are occupational qualifications?

Occupational qualifications are designed around specific occupations and workplace skills.

They are intended to connect education and training more closely with the requirements of particular jobs and industries.

The government has identified occupational qualifications as part of the ongoing development of the TVET system.

Depending on the programme, an occupational qualification may combine theoretical learning, practical training and workplace experience.

This can make occupational programmes particularly relevant to students who already have a clear idea of the type of occupation or industry they want to enter.

TVET college vs university

A common question is whether students should attend a TVET college or university.

The answer depends largely on the student's career plans.

Universities generally focus on academic and professional qualifications such as degrees, while TVET colleges focus strongly on vocational and technical education.

For example, someone who wants to become an engineer may need to follow a university route for a professional engineering qualification.

Another person who wants to develop practical skills in an engineering trade may find a TVET pathway more appropriate.

Neither route should automatically be viewed as better than the other.

The important question is:

Which education and training pathway matches the career you want?

Students should investigate the qualification requirements for their intended occupation before choosing an institution.

Can you go to university after TVET college?

A TVET qualification does not automatically mean that a student cannot continue studying.

There can be progression and articulation opportunities between different parts of the post-school education system.

However, progression depends on the qualification, institution, admission requirements and the specific university or programme.

Students should never assume that completing a particular TVET programme automatically guarantees university admission.

If university is part of your long-term plan, check the university's published admission requirements before choosing your TVET programme.

Can you become an artisan through a TVET college?

Yes.

TVET colleges are an important part of South Africa's technical and artisan training environment.

Students interested in practical occupations can investigate pathways connected with trades such as:


  • Electrician
  • Plumber
  • Welder
  • Fitter and turner
  • Boilermaker
  • Motor mechanic
  • Carpenter
  • Other technical trades

The exact route varies depending on the occupation and programme.

Students should investigate the relevant occupational qualification, practical training and trade-testing requirements rather than assuming that simply completing a college course automatically makes them a qualified artisan.

What are the admission requirements for TVET colleges?

There is no single admission requirement that applies to every TVET programme.

Requirements depend on:


  • The college
  • The campus
  • The qualification
  • The programme
  • The level of study
  • Previous qualifications
  • Available places

Some programmes may accept students with lower school grades, while others require Grade 12 or specific subjects.

For example, an engineering-related programme may have particular mathematics or science requirements.

A business programme may have different admission criteria.

This is why prospective students should check the specific programme requirements rather than simply searching for the general admission requirements of the college.

Can Grade 12 learners apply to TVET colleges?

Yes.

Completing Grade 12 does not mean that university is the only post-school option.

Grade 12 learners can apply for suitable TVET programmes where they meet the programme's admission requirements.

TVET colleges can therefore be an option for matriculants who want to develop practical, technical or occupational skills.

They can also be relevant to students who have decided that a vocational pathway is better suited to their career goals.

Can you study at a TVET college after Grade 9?

TVET colleges have historically provided opportunities for learners who have completed at least Grade 9, although requirements differ according to the programme.

This makes TVET different from a university system where applicants generally need a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification for undergraduate admission.

However, students should always check the current requirements for the specific programme they want to study.

How much does TVET college cost?

TVET college fees vary depending on:


  • The college
  • The programme
  • The level
  • The campus
  • The student's circumstances
  • The funding arrangements available

Students should not rely on a single national "TVET college fee".

Instead, check the latest fee information published by the specific college.

Financial support may also be available for qualifying students through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

Can NSFAS fund TVET college students?

NSFAS provides financial support to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges, subject to the applicable rules and eligibility requirements.

Funding arrangements can cover approved costs depending on the student's circumstances and the applicable funding rules.

Students should use official NSFAS information when checking eligibility, application dates and funding requirements.

It is also important not to assume that applying for a TVET college automatically means that funding will be approved.

Students should complete the relevant funding application and provide the required information.

How do you apply to a TVET college?

The application process differs between colleges.

Generally, prospective students should:


  1. Choose a career or field of study.
  2. Identify TVET colleges offering the relevant programme.
  3. Check the admission requirements.
  4. Check whether the programme is available at a nearby campus.
  5. Check the application opening and closing dates.
  6. Complete the college's application process.
  7. Submit the required documents.
  8. Complete any placement or assessment process required by the college.
  9. Apply for NSFAS separately if eligible and required.
  10. Wait for the college's official admission outcome.

Students should apply through the official college website or official application system.

Be particularly careful with people or websites asking for money in exchange for a guaranteed TVET college admission.

No legitimate person can guarantee admission simply because they claim to have connections at a college.

What documents do you need when applying?

The exact requirements vary, but students may be asked for documents such as:


  • South African identity document
  • Birth certificate where applicable
  • School report
  • Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11 or Grade 12 results, depending on the programme
  • National Senior Certificate where applicable
  • Proof of residence
  • Other supporting documents required by the institution

Students should check the current application instructions of their chosen college.

Do not send identity documents to unofficial individuals claiming to process college applications.

How do I choose the right TVET college?

Choosing a TVET college should involve more than selecting the institution closest to home.

Consider the following.


1. Does the college offer your programme?

This should be the first question.

There is no point choosing a college based solely on its reputation if it does not offer the programme you want.


2. Which campus offers the programme?

A college may have several campuses, but a particular programme may only be available at one or a few campuses.


3. What are the admission requirements?

Make sure you qualify before applying.


4. Is the programme aligned with your career?

Think about what you want to do after completing the qualification.


5. What practical training is included?

Practical experience can be particularly important for vocational students.


6. What are the costs?

Look at tuition, accommodation, transport, food, books and other expenses.


7. Is financial assistance available?

Investigate NSFAS and other legitimate funding opportunities.


8. How far is the campus?

A campus that requires several hours of daily travel can create additional costs and difficulties.


9. Does the college have suitable facilities?

For technical programmes, workshops, laboratories, equipment and practical facilities can be important considerations.

TVET colleges and practical skills

One of the defining features of TVET education is its emphasis on practical and occupational skills.

This can be particularly valuable in areas where employers require people who can perform technical tasks rather than only demonstrate theoretical knowledge.

For example, a learner interested in electrical work may benefit from practical exposure to electrical systems and equipment.

A hospitality student may need practical experience in food preparation, accommodation or service environments.

An engineering student may need workshop-based technical training.

The exact balance between theory and practical work depends on the programme.

Are TVET colleges only for people who want to become artisans?

No.

Although artisan and technical training is an important part of TVET, the system covers much more than traditional trades.

TVET colleges also offer programmes related to:


  • Business
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Information technology
  • Hospitality
  • Tourism
  • Agriculture
  • Administration
  • Construction
  • Engineering
  • Safety
  • Transport
  • Other vocational and occupational fields.

The government has described TVET colleges as providing training across areas including artisanship and trades, hospitality, ICT, health and business studies.

Why are TVET colleges important in South Africa?

South Africa has a significant need for practical and technical skills.

TVET colleges are intended to help address this need by providing vocational and occupational education.

The government has described TVET colleges as central to its strategy for developing skills needed by the economy and has highlighted their role in industrialisation, entrepreneurship and community development.

The system is also important because it provides an alternative route for young people who may not want to follow a traditional university degree.

TVET colleges and the future of vocational education

The TVET system is undergoing changes.

The government has announced a move toward expanding occupational qualifications while progressively transitioning away from certain older NATED programmes.

This means prospective students should pay attention to current programme information rather than relying on old lists found online.

A course that was widely available several years ago may not necessarily be offered in exactly the same form today.

The best approach is to confirm the current programme offering directly with the college and, where appropriate, consult the DHET's official information.

Official TVET college information

The Department of Higher Education and Training maintains official information about the public TVET college system.

The DHET's TVET college directory provides college names, campuses, contact numbers, addresses and website information.

This makes it a useful starting point when checking whether a college is part of the public TVET college system.

The DHET also provides a dedicated TVET Colleges section containing information about programmes and qualifications, examinations and assessments, student development, institutional funding and public TVET colleges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public TVET colleges are there in South Africa?

There are 50 public TVET colleges in South Africa. They operate across approximately 364 campuses.


Which province has the most TVET colleges?

KwaZulu-Natal has the largest number of public TVET colleges, with nine colleges according to the DHET's national list.


How many TVET colleges are there in Gauteng?

Gauteng has eight public TVET colleges.

These include Central Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni East, Ekurhuleni West, Sedibeng, South West Gauteng, Tshwane North, Tshwane South and Western TVET College.


How many TVET colleges are there in KwaZulu-Natal?

KwaZulu-Natal has nine public TVET colleges.


Can I study at a TVET college after matric?

Yes. TVET colleges provide programmes for students who have completed Grade 12, subject to the admission requirements of the programme and institution.


Can I study at a TVET college after Grade 9?

There are TVET pathways available to learners who have completed at least Grade 9, although individual programme requirements vary.


What does NC(V) mean?

NC(V) means National Certificate (Vocational). It is a vocational qualification offered through TVET colleges at NQF Levels 2, 3 and 4.


What does NATED mean?

NATED commonly refers to the Report 191 programme system offered by TVET colleges, including N-level programmes in engineering and business/general studies.


Can TVET students get NSFAS funding?

Qualifying students at public TVET colleges can apply for NSFAS funding, subject to the applicable eligibility and funding rules.


Are TVET colleges free?

Not automatically. Fees vary by programme and institution. However, eligible students may receive financial assistance through NSFAS.


Can TVET students go to university?

Further study may be possible depending on the qualification and the admission requirements of the university and programme. Students should check the relevant university's requirements before choosing their TVET qualification.


Are TVET colleges government institutions?

Public TVET colleges form part of South Africa's public post-school education and training system and fall under the Department of Higher Education and Training.


Are there private TVET colleges?

Yes. South Africa also has private colleges, but students should verify that a private institution is properly registered and that the specific qualification is recognised before paying fees.

Final thoughts

TVET colleges provide an important education and training pathway for South African students who want practical, technical, vocational or occupational skills.

With 50 public TVET colleges and hundreds of campuses across the country, students have options in every province.

The most important thing is not simply choosing a college. It is choosing the right programme for the career you want to pursue.

Before applying, check the current programme offering, admission requirements, campus location, fees, funding options and practical training arrangements.

Students should also remember that the TVET sector is changing, particularly with the government's transition toward occupational qualifications. The programme information available several years ago may therefore not be identical to what colleges offer today.

For the latest information, use the Department of Higher Education and Training and the official website of the TVET college you intend to attend.


Official references


๏ปฟDepartment of Higher Education and Training โ€” TVET Colleges

The DHET's official TVET section contains information about programmes, qualifications, examinations, funding and public TVET colleges.

DHET โ€” List of TVET Colleges

The official national directory provides college names, campuses, contact details and websites.

South African Government โ€” Education

The government's education information explains the role of TVET, including the 50 public colleges and approximately 364 campuses.

South African Government โ€” State of Readiness for the 2026 Academic Year

Provides 2026 information about TVET college capacity and the government's direction for occupational qualifications and NATED programmes.

DHET โ€” TVET Programme Information

DHET material explains NC(V), Report 191/NATED and other TVET programme structures.

DHET โ€” Official TVET College Directory

The department's directory provides provincial listings and official college websites.