If you are based in KwaZulu-Natal and considering your next big move after high school — or maybe you’re thinking of reskilling for a new career — now is the time to act! TVET Colleges in KZN are officially accepting applications for the 2026 academic year, and there’s a lot to be excited about.
KwaZulu-Natal isn’t just a hub for beaches, business, and culture—it’s also home to nine well-established public TVET colleges. These colleges serve communities from urban centers like Durban and Pietermaritzburg to rural areas such as Nkandla, Mandeni, and Nongoma.
TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Colleges focus on practical skills, job readiness, and industry relevance, which means they’re perfect for students who want to jump straight into the workforce, start a business, or use their qualification to apply for higher education.
Some highlights of KZN’s TVET offerings:
The following TVET Colleges are open for 2026 in Kwazulu Natal (KZN):
Thekwini TVET College: Closing Date 30 September 2025
Mthashana TVET College: Closing Date 30 September 2025
Esayidi TVET College: Closing Date 30 September 2025
Umfolozi TVET College: Closing Date 10 October 2025
Elangeni TVET College: Closing Date 30 September 2025
Public TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal will officially open applications for the 2026 academic year as of 1 August 2025. The window will remain open until late October 2025, depending on the college, so early application is strongly recommended.
Keep in mind of the key opening dates of KZN TVET Colleges for 2026:
Coastal KZN TVET College: Coastal KZN TVET College will open 2026 Applications on the 1st of September 2025.
Elangeni TVET College: 2026 applications at Elangeni TVET College will open 01 September 2025.
Esayidi TVET College: Esayidi TVET College Opens 2026 applications on the 1st of August 2025.
Majuba TVET College: Majuba TVET College 2026 applications will open on the 1st of September 2025.
Mnambithi TVET College: 2026 applications opens 01 September 2025 at Mnambithi TVET College.
Mthashana TVET College: Mthashana TVET College will open on the 15th of August 2025 for 2026 intake
Thekwini TVET College: Thekwini TVET College will open its 2026 applications on the 2nd of September 2025.
Umfolozi TVET College: Umfolozi TVET College 2026 application period is between 01-30 September 2025.
Umgungundlovu TVET College: 2026 applications opens on the 1st of September 2025 at Umgungundlovu TVET College.
Knowing the 2026 opening dates for TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is more than just staying organized — it’s about securing your future before spaces run out.
TVET colleges in KZN, such as Coastal, Elangeni, Majuba, and Umfolozi, often experience high volumes of applications, and some programmes fill up fast — especially in fields like Engineering, Business, and Hospitality.
When you know the opening dates early, you give yourself time to:
Missing these dates could mean:
Main Campus: Pinetown
Elangeni College offers both urban and rural campuses and is known for its quality engineering, hospitality, and IT programmes. If you're based around Durban and want a balance between practical learning and modern facilities, this is a solid choice.
Apply online: www.elangeni.edu.za
Main Campus: Pietermaritzburg
Situated in the heart of KZN’s capital city, Umgungundlovu is a top pick for students wanting to study business management, financial services, and tourism. They’re also known for excellent student support and a strong placement office.
Apply online: www.utvet.co.za
Main Campus: Umlazi
This college is one of the largest in KZN, with multiple campuses from Umlazi to Port Shepstone. Coastal TVET is a leader in engineering and construction programmes, making it ideal for students who want to get their hands dirty in trades like plumbing, carpentry, or electrical work.
Apply online: www.coastalkzn.co.za
Main Campus: Newcastle
Majuba is based in northern KZN and serves a wide student population with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and industrial relevance. Their Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator helps students turn their ideas into businesses.
Apply online: www.majuba.edu.za
Main Campus: Vryheid
If you’re in northern rural KZN, Mthashana is an excellent choice. The college has expanded access to higher education in rural communities with a focus on education, engineering, and farming-related programmes.
Apply online: www.mthashanacollege.co.za
Main Campus: Ladysmith
Mnambithi is known for its close partnerships with local industries and solid business and HR management courses. They also provide learnership opportunities and practical exposure in local companies.
Apply online: www.mnambithicollege.co.za
Main Campus: Port Shepstone
Located along the south coast, Esayidi provides excellent hospitality, tourism, and early childhood development programmes. It’s perfect for students who love people, travel, and service industries.
Apply online: www.esayidifet.co.za
Main Campus: Durban
With modern facilities and a youthful energy, Thekwini TVET is a favourite among Durban students. They offer everything from media studies to office administration and are well connected to the city’s job market.
Apply online: www.thekwinicollege.co.za
Before starting your application, make sure you have the following ready:
This is your official proof of identity. Make sure it’s certified within the last 3 months at your nearest police station or post office. Colleges use this to verify your age, citizenship, and personal details.
Whether you're still in matric or already completed school, your most recent results are key to determining which courses you qualify for. If you’re applying with Grade 11 results, you may still receive conditional admission — but you’ll need to submit your final Grade 12 results later.
This can be a utility bill, a letter from your local councillor, or even an affidavit. It confirms where you live and helps colleges with placing students in the correct campus or verifying eligibility for NSFAS based on location.
These are essential for communication. Colleges will use them to send you:
If you're under 18 or financially dependent on someone, this document is required. It helps the college and NSFAS confirm your household structure and verify your support system for funding applications.
Pro Tip: Make certified copies of all documents in advance and scan them clearly if you’re applying online. Poor-quality uploads can lead to rejections. It’s also smart to keep both hard and digital copies in a safe folder — you’ll likely need them again for registration or funding.
Choosing to study at a TVET college in KZN could be the most empowering decision you make in 2025. Whether you’re aiming for employment, entrepreneurship, or further studies, KZN’s nine public TVET colleges are ready to help you build your skills, shape your future, and take control of your journey.
So don’t wait — applications are now open for 2026. Take this opportunity seriously, because your future self will thank you for it.
"Success doesn't happen by accident. It begins with a choice — and this could be yours."