Which TVET Colleges Are Open For 2026 Applications

By Karabo · Aug 26, 2025
Which TVET Colleges Are Open For 2026 Applications picture

Want to know which TVET Colleges are open for 2026 applications? You have come to the right place. In this article we list all TVET Colleges that are currently open for the 2026 applications. This guide pulls everything you need into one place, including what documents you need, how to apply step-by-step, funding info (NSFAS), common mistakes, and a province-by-province checklist so you don’t miss a college near you.

 

Which TVET Colleges are open for 2026 applications

These TVET Colleges are open for 2026 applications in South Africa:

 

TVET College - Application Process

Do the pre-screening

Most TVET portals include a short placement questionnaire to match you to the right programme level (especially for NC(V) or NATED). Answer honestly—this helps avoid wrong-level placement.

Create your applicant profile

Use your own email address and phone number. Verify via the OTP or confirmation link sent to you.

Select your programme and campus

Choose at least one alternative programme and a second campus if the portal allows—it boosts your chances.

Upload documents

Follow file-naming rules (e.g., ID_Name_Surname.pdf) and ensure documents are legible, certified (if required), and valid.

Submit and download your proof

Keep the application reference number and a PDF proof. This is your golden ticket for follow-ups.

Track your status

Many colleges allow you to log back in to see statuses like Submitted, Pending, Conditionally Accepted, Accepted, or Wait-listed.

Accept your offer

If you receive an offer, accept it by the deadline and complete registration steps (medical, uniform lists, tools kits for trades, class timetables).

 

Common mistakes to avoid when applying in TVET Colleges

Applying after the closing date
Don’t assume all colleges close on the same day—some programmes close earlier.

Uploading unreadable or uncertified documents
Blurry IDs and cut-off corners lead to rejections. Scan clearly; compress without destroying legibility.

Using someone else’s email/phone
You can miss OTPs, offers, and fee notices. Use your own contact details.

Ignoring placement tests
Skipping or guessing through pre-screening can place you in the wrong level and delay your acceptance.

Not applying to alternates
Always pick a second choice programme or campus if available.

Waiting for NSFAS before applying
Do both in parallel. Admission ≠ funding.

 

TVET funding for 2026

Not all students qualify for NSFAS, but there are other ways to fund your TVET studies in 2026

SETA Bursaries & Learnerships – Funded by industry sectors; cover tuition, materials, and sometimes stipends.

Government & Provincial Bursaries – Offered by DHET, provinces, and municipalities for priority fields like health, agriculture, and engineering.

Corporate Sponsorships – Companies such as Eskom, Transnet, and Sasol sponsor students in skills shortage areas.

College-Based Bursaries – Some TVET Colleges offer merit awards, hardship bursaries, or part-time work opportunities.

Apprenticeships & Learnerships – Combine study with work experience; often include monthly stipends.

Private Bursaries & NGOs – Organisations like the Motsepe Foundation or Allan Gray Orbis Foundation fund selected fields.

Bank Loans – Banks offer student loans (repayable after studies, with interest).

Self-Funding/Part-Time Study – Pay in instalments or study part-time while working.

 

Province-by-province checklist of TVET Colleges in South Africa

Don’t know which TVET Colleges are available in South Africa? Don’t stress — we’ve got you covered. South Africa has 50 registered and accredited public TVET Colleges, and they are spread across all nine provinces. Each college serves specific regions, with multiple campuses to make learning more accessible to students closer to home.

Below, we’ve broken them down province by province, so you can easily see what’s available near you. This checklist also helps you decide where to apply for your 2026 studies. Remember, even if your local college doesn’t offer your preferred programme, you can always apply to a college in another province.

Eastern Cape (8 Colleges)

The Eastern Cape has some of the largest and oldest TVET Colleges in the country, offering everything from engineering to business and hospitality.

  1. Buffalo City TVET College (East London)
  2. Eastcape Midlands TVET College (Uitenhage)
  3. Ikhala TVET College (Queenstown)
  4. Ingwe TVET College (Mount Frere)
  5. King Hintsa TVET College (Butterworth)
  6. King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) TVET College (Mthatha)
  7. Lovedale TVET College (Alice)
  8. Port Elizabeth TVET College (Gqeberha)

 

Free State (4 Colleges)

Smaller in number but strategically spread out, these colleges cover areas like Bloemfontein, Sasolburg, and Bethlehem.

  1. Flavius Mareka TVET College (Sasolburg)
  2. Goldfields TVET College (Welkom)
  3. Maluti TVET College (Bethlehem)
  4. Motheo TVET College (Bloemfontein)

 

Gauteng (8 Colleges)

Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, has the highest demand for technical and business-related studies. Its TVET Colleges are known for strong links to industry and job opportunities.

  1. Central Johannesburg TVET College (Johannesburg)
  2. Ekurhuleni East TVET College (Springs)
  3. Ekurhuleni West TVET College (Germiston)
  4. Sedibeng TVET College (Vereeniging)
  5. South West Gauteng TVET College (Roodepoort/Soweto)
  6. Tshwane North TVET College (Pretoria)
  7. Tshwane South TVET College (Pretoria South)
  8. Western TVET College (Westcol) (Randfontein)

 

KwaZulu-Natal (9 Colleges)

KZN has the largest number of TVET Colleges in one province. From Durban to rural Zululand, these colleges give students access to a wide range of programmes.

  1. Coastal KZN TVET College (Durban South)
  2. Elangeni TVET College (Pinetown)
  3. Esayidi TVET College (Port Shepstone)
  4. Majuba TVET College (Newcastle)
  5. Mnambithi TVET College (Ladysmith)
  6. Mthashana TVET College (Vryheid)
  7. Thekwini TVET College (Durban Central)
  8. Umfolozi TVET College (Eshowe/Richards Bay)
  9. Umgungundlovu TVET College (Pietermaritzburg)

 

Limpopo (7 Colleges)

Limpopo is known for its strong engineering and agriculture-focused TVET Colleges.

  1. Capricorn TVET College (Polokwane)
  2. Lephalale TVET College (Lephalale)
  3. Letaba TVET College (Tzaneen)
  4. Mopani South East TVET College (Phalaborwa)
  5. Sekhukhune TVET College (Motetema)
  6. Vhembe TVET College (Thohoyandou)
  7. Waterberg TVET College (Mokopane)

 

Mpumalanga (3 Colleges)

Though fewer in number, Mpumalanga’s TVET Colleges serve a large student population across major towns.

  • Ehlanzeni TVET College (Mbombela/Nelspruit)
  • Gert Sibande TVET College (Ermelo)
  • Nkangala TVET College (Middelburg)

 

North West (3 Colleges)

These colleges provide opportunities mainly in towns like Klerksdorp, Rustenburg, and Mahikeng.

  • Orbit TVET College (Rustenburg)
  • Taletso TVET College (Mahikeng)
  • Vuselela TVET College (Klerksdorp)

 

Northern Cape (2 Colleges)

The largest province by land size but with only two public TVET Colleges. Both serve vast areas with multiple campuses.

  • Northern Cape Rural TVET College (Kuruman)
  • Northern Cape Urban TVET College (Kimberley)

 

Western Cape (5 Colleges)

The Western Cape boasts modern, well-resourced TVET Colleges, particularly in Cape Town and surrounding towns.

  • Boland TVET College (Stellenbosch)
  • False Bay TVET College (Muizenberg)
  • Northlink TVET College (Bellville)
  • South Cape TVET College (George)
  • West Coast TVET College (Vredenburg)

 

Here's Why this list is Useful:

  • You don’t have to limit yourself to the college in your immediate town. Many students apply across provinces if their programme of choice isn’t available locally.
  • Each college specialises in certain fields—so knowing all 50 helps you match your career goals with the right campus.
  • Having this checklist makes it easier to compare options before the 2026 applications officially open.

 

TVET 2026 application timeline 

  • June–July 2025: Research programmes, shortlist colleges, prepare documents, get certifications ready.
  • 1 August 2025: Primary opening window begins for many TVETs (for 2026).
  • August–October 2025: Submit applications. Track every submission.
  • October–December 2025: Offers released for NC(V) and first semester/trimester cohorts. Accept and prepare for registration.
  • Jan/Feb 2026: Registration/Orientation for first cohorts (varies by programme).
  • 2026 year-round: Additional intakes for NATED trimesters/semesters.

 

TVET Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1) Can I apply to more than one college?

Yes, and it’s smart to do so. Capacity limits and programme popularity vary by campus.

2) Do I need Grade 12 to study at a TVET College?

Not always. NC(V) Level 2 accepts students with at least Grade 9. NATED N4 generally requires Grade 12 or relevant NC(V) Level 4. Engineering N1–N3 often accepts Grade 10/11 with Maths/Science (varies by college).

3) Are TVET applications free?

Many colleges do not charge an application fee for online submissions; some may charge a small registration fee upon acceptance. Always confirm on the official site—avoid third-party “payment” requests.

4) When should I apply for NSFAS?

As soon as the NSFAS window opens for the 2026 academic year. Apply even if your college application is still pending.

5) What if I miss the NC(V) window?

Look at NATED trimesters/semesters or short skills—these often have additional windows in the same year.

 

Bottom line

Most TVET Colleges open August–October 2025 for 2026. Because dates shift by programme and campus, verify directly on each college’s official site and apply early. With your documents ready, a smart shortlist, and a simple tracking system, you’ll glide through the process and secure your place for 2026.

 

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