| Table of Contents |
|---|
| 1. Introduction |
| 2. What NATED Programmes Are |
| 3. Why NATED Programmes Are Being Phased Out |
| 4. The New Courses Replacing NATED (Occupational Certificates, QCTO Qualifications, etc.) |
| 5. A Detailed Comparison Between NATED and New Programmes |
| 6. How This Affects Current Students |
| 7. Career and Study Opportunities With the New Courses |
| 8. Conclusion |
The Department of Higher Education and Training has made a huge decision to phased out NATED courses across TVET Colleges in South Africa. The NATED Courses will no longer be offered in TVET Colleges and by 2027 all TVET Colleges should have concluded NATED courses with the existing students.
Current TVET College students already enrolled in NATED need to ensure that they finish their qualifications before the year 2027.
This guide explains exactly which courses will replace NATED, what students need to know, and what are the career opportunities for the new programmes introduced.
NATED programmes, also known as National Accredited Technical Education Diploma courses are nationally recognised qualifications that offer both practical and theoretical learning.
NATED courses are courses mainly for learners who have passed grade 11 - 12. These programmes are divided into different levels; N1, N2, N3, N4, N5 and N6.
Majority of NATED programmes require a Grade 12 certificate, specifically N4. Some N1–N3 courses accept learners who have completed Grade 10 or Grade 11
The reason why NATED programmes are being phased out is because they no longer align with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) standards. The QCTO recognises programmes that focus on skills and practical tasks to meet current labour market demands.
At some point NATED courses became confusing for both students and the colleges. What created the most confusion was the N1-N3, which was unclear if it was for learners who have completed matric or not. The clash created inconsistency.
Another important reason why NATED Courses are being phased out is because most students after completing N6 they struggle to get placed in workplace for their in service training. The new courses that will replace NATED will bridge that gap.
The new qualifications system allows for easier recognition of previous work experience and prior learning. This was more difficult under the NATED system.
NATED programmes are being replaced mainly by Occupational Programmes, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) aligned courses, and QCTO-accredited programmes. You might asking yourself which courses will replace NATED?
The following courses will replace the NATED courses in TVET Colleges across South Africa:
| Aspect | NATED | Replacement Programmes (Occupational/QCTO) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years | 1–3 years |
| Recognition | Limited industry recognition | Nationally recognized |
| Practical Training | Workshop-based | Workplace readiness and practical projects |
| Flexibility | Fixed progression (N1–N6) | Flexible entry and progression |
| Employment Focus | Less direct | Strong employment focus |
| Academic Recognition | Can lead to higher certificates | Can lead to higher certificates or diplomas |
Current NATED TVET College students should not panic, they will not be left behind. Current students are advised to finish their NATED courses by 2027.
Full support such as extra classes will be implemented to ensure that current students pass their levels. Failing a level for example N5 will mean that a student will be left behind by 6 months.
Some TVET Colleges plan to offer bridging courses so that NATED graduates can transition into QCTO-aligned qualifications. Please check with your college if that is the case.
Below are some of the career opportunities of the new occupational programmes:
Now that you know which courses will replace NATED courses it is time to plan and and discover which new occupational programmes align with you and your goals. Remember the new courses that are replacing NATED are more powerful and will put you in a better position to score employment after completing your programme.