Top 10 TVET Colleges to Apply To for 2027
by FundiConnect Editorial Team | · Last updated
Thinking about a TVET college for 2027? Good call. TVET colleges offer practical, career-focused qualifications; they usually cost far less than university, and many students can get their studies funded through NSFAS.
Below are 10 TVET colleges worth applying to for 2027, with their official websites, where things stand with 2027 applications, and exactly how to apply.
How We Chose These 10 Colleges
There's no official ranking of TVET colleges in South Africa, so we didn't invent one. Instead, this list is based on three things:
What students are looking for. These are among the TVET colleges FundiConnect readers searched for most in the last year.
A spread across provinces. The list covers seven provinces, so there's a strong option near more students.
Up-to-date official information. We checked every college's official website on 12 October 2026 and only included colleges whose sites were working and showing current information.
The best college for you is the one that offers the course you want, close enough for you to get to, so use this list as a starting point.
The 10 Colleges at a Glance
# | College | Province | Main town | 2027 applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Eastcape Midlands TVET College | Eastern Cape | Uitenhage (Kariega) | Check the college's application portal |
2 | Motheo TVET College | Free State | Bloemfontein | Check the college website |
3 | Capricorn TVET College | Limpopo | Polokwane | Check the college's application portal |
4 | Central Johannesburg TVET College | Gauteng | Johannesburg | 2027 occupational applications announced |
5 | Tshwane South TVET College | Gauteng | Pretoria | Check the college website |
6 | Western TVET College (Westcol) | Gauteng | Randfontein | Open |
7 | Thekwini TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Durban | Open |
8 | Elangeni TVET College | KwaZulu-Natal | Pinetown | Open for selected programmes |
9 | Buffalo City TVET College | Eastern Cape | East London | Check the college website |
10 | Northlink College | Western Cape | Cape Town | Check the college website |
"Open" means the college's own website says 2027 applications are open. Closing dates differ by college and course, and popular courses fill up fast, so apply as early as you can.
1. Eastcape Midlands TVET College (Eastern Cape)
Eastcape Midlands is the most-viewed college page on FundiConnect by far, and it's easy to see why. With its head office in Uitenhage (Kariega) and campuses across the region, it offers business and engineering programmes close to the Nelson Mandela Bay motor and manufacturing hub.
Official website: emcol.co.za
How to apply: use the Apply Now button on the college website, which takes you to the online application portal.
2027 applications: the website hadn't posted 2027 dates when we checked, so check the portal regularly.
Need help? Call the head office on 041 995 2000.
2. Motheo TVET College (Free State)
Based in Bloemfontein, Motheo is the go-to college for many Free State students, and one of the colleges our readers ask about most.
Official website: motheotvet.edu.za
How to apply: go to the online application section on the college website, and read the prospectus first so you choose the right course.
2027 applications: no 2027 dates were posted when we checked.
Need help? Call the central office on 051 406 9300 (weekdays, 08:00 to 16:00).
3. Capricorn TVET College (Limpopo)
Capricorn, based in Polokwane, is Limpopo's best-known TVET option and one of the most popular application guides on FundiConnect.
Official website: capricorncollege.edu.za
How to apply: use the Apply Now button on the college website to go to the online application portal.
2027 applications: no 2027 notice was posted when we checked. The portal isn't labelled for a specific year, so confirm which intake you're applying for.
4. Central Johannesburg TVET College (Gauteng)
Central Johannesburg TVET College (CJC) gives Joburg students an affordable, practical option right in the city.
Official website: cjc.edu.za
2027 applications: on 7 October 2026, CJC posted a notice on Occupational Applications 2027. Check it for which programmes are open.
How to apply: use the Apply Here menu on the website, which includes a short "How do I apply?" video.
Need help? Call 011 351 6000 or email info@cjc.edu.za.
5. Tshwane South TVET College (Gauteng)
Tshwane South serves students in and around Pretoria and is one of the most-searched Gauteng colleges on FundiConnect.
Official website: tsc.edu.za
How to apply: apply online through the college website.
2027 applications: check the website for current 2027 dates.
6. Western TVET College (Westcol) (Gauteng)
Westcol serves the West Rand. Its website has a clear, step-by-step application process.
2027 applications: open, according to a notice posted on the college website.
How to apply: follow the steps on Westcol's How to Apply page:
Complete the compulsory career guidance screening.
Complete the placement assessments (course selection, literacy and numeracy). There's no pass or fail.
Fill in the online application and upload your ID, school results and proof of residence as PDFs. Incomplete applications can't be processed.
7. Thekwini TVET College (KwaZulu-Natal)
Thekwini gives Durban students a city-based TVET option, and it's one of the first colleges on this list to confirm 2027 applications are open.
Official website: thekwini.edu.za
2027 applications: open, according to the college website.
How to apply: click Apply Now on the college website to go to the online application portal.
8. Elangeni TVET College (KwaZulu-Natal)
Elangeni serves the greater Durban and Pinetown area, with campuses across the eThekwini region.
Official website: elangeni.edu.za
2027 applications: open for selected programmes, according to the college website. Check whether your course is included.
How to apply: use the online applications link on the college website.
9. Buffalo City TVET College (Eastern Cape)
Based in East London, Buffalo City is a strong option for students in the eastern part of the Eastern Cape.
Official website: bccollege.co.za
How to apply: use the Apply Now button on the college website.
Good to know: the college notes that NATED N4 to N6 qualifications are being phased out and replaced by occupational qualifications. If you're thinking about an N4 to N6 course, ask which qualification you'll be registered for.
Need help? Call 043 880 0177.
10. Northlink College (Western Cape)
Northlink is one of the Western Cape's largest TVET colleges, with campuses across Cape Town's northern suburbs.
Official website: northlink.co.za
How to apply: Northlink suggests choosing your course and checking the fees first, then applying online through its student profiler.
2027 applications: check the college website for current 2027 dates.
Need help? Call the applications office on 021 970 9090.
Why Aren't Some Popular Colleges on This List?
Colleges like Umfolozi, Lovedale and Coastal KZN are popular with FundiConnect readers, but when we checked on 12 October 2026, their official websites weren't loading properly or weren't showing current information. We only include colleges where we could confirm the official details. If you want to apply to one of them, contact the college directly or visit a campus, and never pay a third-party website to apply for you.
How to Apply to a TVET College for 2027
Every public TVET college runs its own applications. There's no single form for all colleges, so apply to each one separately.
Choose your course first. Check what the course leads to and its entry requirements. Many NC(V) courses accept learners from Grade 9, while most N4 courses and higher need a matric certificate.
Get your documents ready. You'll usually need a certified copy of your ID, your latest school results and proof of residence. Scan them as PDFs so they're ready to upload.
Apply on the official website only. Use the links in this article. Applying is done through the college's own site or portal.
Apply to more than one college. Popular courses fill up fast, so give yourself a back-up.
Keep your reference number and check your email and SMS for updates.
Apply for funding at the same time. Don't wait to be accepted (see below).
Watch out for scams. Some websites pretend to be official application portals or charge "processing fees". Only apply through the college's official website, and never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
How to Pay for TVET College
NSFAS: if your household income is low enough, NSFAS can fund your TVET studies. Applications for 2027 are open now and close on 31 October 2026, according to the NSFAS website. Here's how to apply for NSFAS.
Learnerships: some learnerships let you earn and learn at the same time. See learnerships open for 2027.
A Fundi student loan: if you don't qualify for NSFAS, or need help with costs it doesn't cover, a Fundi loan can help (see below).
Frequently Asked Questions
When do TVET applications for 2027 open?
Each college sets its own dates. Some, like Westcol, Thekwini and Elangeni, have already opened 2027 applications. Check each college's website regularly.
Can I apply to more than one TVET college?
Yes. Applications are separate, so you can apply to as many colleges as you like. It's a good idea to have a back-up.
Do I need matric to study at a TVET college?
Not always. Some NC(V) programmes accept learners who have passed Grade 9, but many courses, including most N4 programmes and higher, require matric. Check the entry requirements for your course.
Does NSFAS fund TVET college students?
Yes. NSFAS funds qualifying students at public TVET colleges, but you need to apply to NSFAS separately from your college application.
Can I still apply if I'm thinking about university too?
Yes. Many students apply to both. See which universities are still open for 2027 applications, and use our APS calculator to check what you qualify for.
Fund Your TVET Studies With Fundi
Getting a place at college is step one. Paying for it shouldn't hold you back. Fundi has been helping South African students pay for their studies since 1996. You can apply for a Fundi study loan to cover tuition, accommodation and other study costs. Use the Fundi loan calculator to see what your monthly repayments would look like. And if you need a laptop for your course, the Fundi Shop lets you finance one alongside your other costs.
Visit loans.fundi.co.za, fill in the form, and someone will get back to you.
For more on TVET colleges, applications, bursaries and career planning, visit www.fundiconnect.co.za.
You can also follow FundiConnect on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
The FundiConnect Editorial Team researches, writes, and maintains comprehensive guides on South African higher education, bursaries, NSFAS funding, and career development. Our content is verified against official institutional sources, DHET publications, and direct admissions office communications to ensure accuracy for students navigating their post-school journey.
Prefer FundiConnect on Google
Add us as a preferred source and see more of our guides in your Search results.
How to Apply to UJ for 2027
UJ's 2027 applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00, with no late applications. Here's how to apply for free, step by step.
How to Calculate Your APS Score at UJ (2027)
UJ leaves out Life Orientation and counts six subjects, up to a maximum APS of 42. Here's how to work out your score, with two worked examples.
Matric Past Papers: Maths, Physical Sciences, Accounting & Life Sciences (With Memos)
Revising for Maths, Physical Sciences, Accounting or Life Sciences? Here is where to download free official past papers and memos, and how to use them properly before your exams.
