Are you a student in the North West province thinking about your next big step in education? Or maybe you’re a parent helping your child decide on their future path? Well, here’s some great news—TVET colleges in the North West are gearing up for their 2026 applications, and this could be your chance to grab hold of a future filled with skills, qualifications, and job-readiness.
In this post, we will explore everything you need to know about North West TVET Colleges open for 2026, including expected application dates, popular courses, campuses, and how to apply.
North West is home to several public TVET colleges, each with multiple campuses and a variety of course offerings. Let’s dive into each one and what they offer for the 2026 academic year.
Applications for the 2026 academic year at public TVET Colleges in South Africa are expected to open from 01 August 2025 to 30 November 2025. While official dates vary slightly from college to college, it is important to stay prepared.
Applying to a TVET college in the North West province is a fairly straightforward process, but being prepared with the right documents and information can make the experience smoother and increase your chances of acceptance.
You will need to provide a clear, certified copy of your South African ID document. If you're under 16 or don’t yet have an ID, a certified birth certificate may be accepted. Foreign nationals must provide a valid passport and study permit.
Whether it’s your final Grade 12 results, Grade 11 final report (if still awaiting matric results), or even Grade 9 results (for N1 or NC(V) programmes), make sure these are certified and recent. Colleges use your marks to determine if you meet the course entry requirements.
Most colleges ask for proof of residence — a recent utility bill, an affidavit, or a letter from a local ward councillor. This helps colleges determine your eligibility for things like NSFAS funding or accommodation (if available).
These are crucial for communication. Colleges often send confirmation emails, acceptance letters, and updates about registration or orientation via email or SMS. If you don’t have an email address yet, consider creating one before applying.
If you’re a minor, the college may require consent from your parent or legal guardian. Their contact details, a copy of their ID, and in some cases, proof of income, might also be needed.
If you’re applying for NSFAS alongside your college application, you’ll need to submit a certified copy of your parent or guardian’s ID, along with their income documentation like payslips or SASSA letters.
Each college has its own application form, which you must complete fully and honestly. Some TVET colleges in North West offer both online and walk-in applications, depending on the campus and intake period.
Some colleges require new applicants to complete a placement or readiness assessment, especially for NC(V) or Report 191 courses. This helps determine if you’re suited to the programme you’re applying for and can be done online or on campus.
If you’re applying as a person with a disability, or as an international student, or if you’re changing from another institution, additional documents may be needed. These could include medical reports, study permits, or academic transcripts from previous institutions.
Tip:
Make sure all your documents are recently certified (within the last 3–6 months), clear, and correctly labelled. Submitting incomplete or outdated documents can delay your application or result in rejection.
Orbit TVET College is one of the largest and most recognized public colleges in the province. With campuses in Rustenburg, Brits, and Mankwe, it serves thousands of students annually and is known for its strong links to industries, particularly in mining, construction, and business.
Courses Offered:
Orbit offers both National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] and NATED (Report 191) programmes in: Engineering and Related Design, Electrical Infrastructure Construction, Information Technology & Computer Science, Business Management, Financial Management, Tourism, Hospitality and Safety in Society
Taletso TVET College was formed by the merger of three former institutions and now operates in Mafikeng, Lichtenburg, and Lehurutshe. It’s well-known for producing graduates who are job-ready, especially in fields like agriculture, business, and public management.
Courses Offered:
Taletso offers NC(V) and NATED programmes in Primary Agriculture, Civil Engineering & Building Construction, Office Administration, Marketing, Public Management, Management Assistant, Farming Management and Educare.
Based in Klerksdorp, Vuselela TVET College also has campuses in Potchefstroom, Matlosana, Taung, and Jouberton. The college is known for its strong business programmes and partnerships with companies in the North West region.
Courses Offered:
Vuselela offers NC(V) and NATED courses in Business Studies, Engineering Studies, Hospitality, Tourism, Information Technology, Education and Development, Marketing and Public Relations.
If you’re still wondering whether a TVET college is right for you, here are a few reasons to consider:
College | Main Campus | Strong In | Application Month |
---|---|---|---|
Orbit | Rustenburg | Engineering, IT, Business | August 2025 |
Taletso | Mafikeng | Agriculture, Management, Educare | September 2025 |
Vuselela | Klerksdorp | Business, Hospitality, Education | September 2025 |
TVET Colleges are a great option because they focus on practical, career-focused education that prepares students directly for the workplace or entrepreneurship. With the country’s unemployment challenges, TVET colleges have become more important than ever, offering hands-on learning that leads to real jobs.
Choosing to study at a TVET college in North West could be one of the most important and empowering decisions you ever make.
With a range of practical courses, industry-relevant training, and strong student support, these colleges are shaping South Africa’s future workforce—and you could be part of that journey.
Don’t wait until the last minute—start preparing your 2026 application now, gather your documents, explore the campuses, and plan your future.
Useful Resources
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with a friend or family member who’s also thinking about college in 2026. Education is the passport to the future—grab yours now, right here in the North West.