While looking at institutions to study at next year, you may be considering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as an option for your 2026 academic studies.
These colleges are a great choice for students seeking expert training in a certified field or skill. With that said, if this is your first time researching TVET colleges, you likely have quite a few questions you’d like answered before you apply.
This is where we come in. In this article, we answer 10 of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about TVET colleges in South Africa:
Table of Contents
1. What is a TVET College?
A Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college is an alternative to public universities. These institutions offer both theoretical and practical training for students who would like to specialise in a particular trade.
With TVET colleges, you’ll be trained to excel in the career you’ve chosen. Although you won’t leave this type of institution with a degree, you’ll be taught to master the skills required to succeed through intensive training and theoretical knowledge.
To learn more about what a TVET college is, be sure to check out our article, TVET Colleges Explained.
2. What is the Role of a TVET College?
TVET colleges were originally designed to address youth unemployment by diminishing the skills gap in South Africa. Because these are essentially trade schools or vocational institutions, the role of a TVET college is to teach you the essential skills required by employers in the current job market.
For example, if you would like to become a nurse in South Africa, you’ll undergo hands-on training that will get you exactly where you need to be.
3. What is a TVET Programme?
A TVET programme refers to the courses available at the numerous colleges throughout the country. Each TVET has specific programmes available, so you’ll need to check your chosen college’s website to see what they have to offer.
4. Do TVET Colleges offer NSFAS?
Yes, they do! The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds 26 universities and 50 TVET colleges.
To put it simply: NSFAS provides funding to all TVET colleges in South Africa.
5. Which TVET Colleges are Open for 2026 Admission?
TVET colleges normally open up for applications on 1 April of each academic year. There are multiple colleges currently open. If you’d like to learn more, you can view the full list in our article, Top 10 TVET Colleges to apply to for 2026.
Certain TVETs are open all year round, including the below:
6. Are TVET Colleges a Good Substitute for Universities?
Yes. TVET colleges are a great, affordable option if you would like to further your education or employment. This is because they provide practical, career-driven programmes or courses that give you the skills you need to confidently enter the workforce or even start your very own business!
Added to that, the qualifications you get from a TVET college will prepare you for the career you’re looking to enter. Some of the qualifications offered by these institutions are:
- NCV programmes
- NATED Report 191 programmes (N1–N6)
- Apprenticeships and artisan training
- Occupational programmes
7. Can You Do a Matric Rewrite at TVET Colleges?
Certainly! There are plenty of TVETs that will offer you a second chance at matric. You’ll just need to check on the college’s website to find out which ones offer this qualification. You can also contact a TVET college near you to acquire this information.
Some of these colleges even offer additional skills-centric courses while you rewrite your matric so that you are employable the moment you complete your grade 12 certificate.
8. What Are the Entry Requirements for TVET Colleges?
Entry requirements are subject to the TVET you’re looking to apply to. However, there are general requirements that you need to take note of before you send your application. They are:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You need to be registered, or in the process of registering, on a PLP for an NC(V) programme or Report 191 programme.
- You have to be in need of financial support (NFSAS will determine whether you meet the criteria for this).
- Applicants who come from households earning less than R350,000 per annum automatically qualify and will receive an offer from their chosen TVET college.
9. What Programmes Are Available at TVET Colleges?
Generally, the courses at TVET colleges include the following fields and industries:
- Engineering
- Hospitality
- Food service
- Tourism
- Management (financial, marketing, admin, etc.)
10. How Do I Apply to TVET Colleges?
In order to apply to a TVET College, you’ll need to follow the steps below:
- Visit your chosen TVET college’s website online.
- Click on a link that says ‘Apply Now,’ ‘New Students,’ or ‘Online Application.’
- Complete the online career guidance assessment.
- Create your profile by registering online.
- Fill out your application form.
- Gather your supporting documents (your South African ID, proof of your latest school results and your proof of residence)
- Submit your application.
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Now that you know what TVET colleges entail, you may have decided that this is the route to take. If you’re eager to study via TVET colleges but are concerned about where to get funding, Fundi can help!
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