• 5,275 courses at 302 South African institutions

List of Public TVET Colleges in South Africa 2026

All 50 public Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges on this site, grouped by province. They teach the national NC(V) and NATED (N1 to N6) programmes, they are funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, and NSFAS covers qualifying students. Open any college for its 2027 courses, entry requirements and campuses.

Course data last updated 24 August 2026
50Public TVET colleges
835Courses you can apply for
0Campuses listed
9Provinces covered

50 TVET colleges shown

Nothing matches that search. Try a different word, or .

List of Public TVET Colleges in Gauteng

8 public TVET colleges in Gauteng, listed with the most courses first. Each one runs several campuses, so check the campus nearest you for the trade or programme you want. See every course offered in Gauteng.

List of Public TVET Colleges in Western Cape

6 public TVET colleges in Western Cape, listed with the most courses first. Each one runs several campuses, so check the campus nearest you for the trade or programme you want. See every course offered in Western Cape.

List of Public TVET Colleges in KwaZulu-Natal

9 public TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal, listed with the most courses first. Each one runs several campuses, so check the campus nearest you for the trade or programme you want. See every course offered in KwaZulu-Natal.

List of Public TVET Colleges in Eastern Cape

8 public TVET colleges in Eastern Cape, listed with the most courses first. Each one runs several campuses, so check the campus nearest you for the trade or programme you want. See every course offered in Eastern Cape.

List of Public TVET Colleges in Free State

4 public TVET colleges in Free State, listed with the most courses first. Each one runs several campuses, so check the campus nearest you for the trade or programme you want. See every course offered in Free State.

List of Public TVET Colleges in Limpopo

7 public TVET colleges in Limpopo, listed with the most courses first. Each one runs several campuses, so check the campus nearest you for the trade or programme you want. See every course offered in Limpopo.

List of Public TVET Colleges in Mpumalanga

3 public TVET colleges in Mpumalanga, listed with the most courses first. Each one runs several campuses, so check the campus nearest you for the trade or programme you want. See every course offered in Mpumalanga.

List of Public TVET Colleges in North West

3 public TVET colleges in North West, listed with the most courses first. Each one runs several campuses, so check the campus nearest you for the trade or programme you want. See every course offered in North West.

List of Public TVET Colleges in Northern Cape

2 public TVET colleges in Northern Cape, listed with the most courses first. Each one runs several campuses, so check the campus nearest you for the trade or programme you want. See every course offered in Northern Cape.

TVET College Courses by Qualification Type

Every qualification level on offer, with the number of courses listed on this site right now.

Occupational Certificate 335National Certificate (Vocational) 350NATED Certificate (N4-N6) 150

TVET College Courses by Field of Study

Choose the field you want to work in to see the careers it leads to and the courses that get you there.

Business & Management 200Engineering & Technology 100Accounting & Finance 100Information & Communication Technology 50Built Environment & Architecture 50

NC(V) or NATED: Which TVET Route Should You Take?

Public TVET colleges teach two national programmes. They lead to different places, so pick the one that matches where you are now and the job you want.

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF 2 to 4

Three years, one level a year, and you can start after Grade 9. You take seven subjects a year, including practical subjects in your chosen field. NC(V) Level 4 is equivalent to matric for further study.

NATED / Report 191, N1 to N6

Trimester or semester courses. Engineering N1 to N3 can follow Grade 9, while N4 to N6 needs matric or an N3. After N6 you need 18 or 24 months of workplace experience for the national diploma.

Becoming a qualified artisan

For a trade such as electrician, welder or millwright you combine the theory (NC(V) or N courses) with workplace training through an apprenticeship or learnership, and then write a trade test.

Where it can lead

A completed national diploma or NC(V) Level 4 can take you into a university of technology, into a learnership, or straight into work. Check the specific course page for what it articulates into.

How to Apply to a TVET College for 2027

Most colleges open applications from around August for the January intake, and NATED programmes have further intakes during the year. Apply directly to the college, at a campus or online.

What you need

A certified copy of your ID, your latest school results or certificate, proof of residence, and in some cases a small application fee. Bring the originals when you register.

Apply to the campus, not just the college

One college runs several campuses and not every campus offers every programme. Confirm that the campus nearest you runs the course before you apply.

Apply for NSFAS at the same time

NSFAS funding for TVET students is applied for separately and has its own closing date, so do it while you wait for your college outcome.

Watch out for fake colleges

All 50 public TVET colleges are listed by the Department of Higher Education and Training. A private college offering N courses must be registered with DHET and accredited by the QCTO or a SETA. Ask for the numbers.

Other Places You Can Study in South Africa

Compare your options before you apply. Every institution on this site lists its courses, entry requirements and how to apply.

Public universitiesPrivate collegesNursing collegesAll 5,275 coursesCareers directorySubject guide

TVET Colleges in South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions

How many public TVET colleges are there in South Africa?

There are 50 public TVET colleges, funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training and spread across the nine provinces, with more than 250 campuses between them. This page lists 50 of them with 835 courses for 2027.

What is the difference between NC(V) and NATED (N1 to N6)?

The NC(V) is a three-year school-equivalent qualification at NQF levels 2 to 4 that you can start after Grade 9, and it mixes theory with practical work. NATED, also called Report 191 or the N courses, runs in trimesters or semesters from N1 to N6 and is more theory-based, with N4 to N6 needing a matric or an N3 to start.

Can I study at a TVET college without matric?

Yes. You can start an NC(V) Level 2 programme or an engineering N1 after Grade 9, depending on the college and the course. A matric certificate is normally required for N4 and above and for some business programmes.

Does NSFAS pay for TVET college?

Yes. NSFAS funds qualifying students at all 50 public TVET colleges for NC(V) and NATED programmes, and the bursary can cover tuition, transport or accommodation and a small allowance. You apply through NSFAS, separately from your college application.

How long does a TVET qualification take?

An NC(V) takes three years, one year per level from Level 2 to Level 4. The NATED route takes about 18 months of study from N4 to N6, followed by 18 months of relevant practical work experience before a national diploma is issued.

What jobs can I get after a TVET college?

TVET qualifications lead to artisan and technician trades such as electrician, boilermaker, fitter and turner, motor mechanic, plumber and welder, and to office roles such as bookkeeper, HR clerk, marketing assistant and office administrator.