TVET courses

TVET college courses in South Africa

Every NC(V) programme and the NATED N1 to N6 fields, with what you study, the requirements, how long they take, NSFAS funding, and the careers they lead to.

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Which courses do TVET colleges offer?

South African public TVET colleges offer two national streams set by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). NC(V) programmes run over 3 years (NQF 2 to 4) and you can start from Grade 9. NATED (Report 191) offers N1 to N6 in Engineering Studies and Business Studies. Both are NSFAS funded at public colleges.

NC(V) programmes

NQF 2 to 4, three years, entry from Grade 9. Tap one for the full details.

Civil Engineering and Building ConstructionLearn to build. This programme covers construction, bricklaying, plumbing, carpentry and how buildings and roads are made.Electrical Infrastructure ConstructionLearn how electricity is wired, installed and kept safe in homes, factories and the power network.Engineering and Related DesignThe base for the mechanical trades: fitting, turning, welding and how machines are designed and made.Information Technology and Computer ScienceLearn computers, coding, networks and how software and IT systems work.Finance, Economics and AccountingLearn how money and business work: bookkeeping, accounting, and basic economics.ManagementLearn to run a team or a small business: planning, people and operations.MarketingLearn how businesses sell and advertise: promotion, sales and customer service.Office AdministrationLearn the skills to run an office: admin, communication and computer work.HospitalityLearn to cook and to run kitchens, restaurants and hotels.TourismLearn the travel and tourism business: guiding, travel and looking after visitors.Primary AgricultureLearn farming: crops, animals and running an agricultural business.Education and DevelopmentThe base for working with young children and communities, like early childhood development.Safety in SocietyThe base for policing, law enforcement and keeping communities safe.Transport and LogisticsLearn how goods move: transport, warehousing and the supply chain.Process InstrumentationLearn the instruments and controls that run factories and processing plants.MechatronicsA mix of mechanical, electrical and computer skills for modern automated machines and robotics.Process Plant OperationsLearn to run the plants that process chemicals, minerals and other materials.Drawing Office PracticeLearn technical and computer-aided design (CAD) drawing for engineering and building.Primary HealthThe base for health and care work in clinics and communities.

NATED (Report 191) N1 to N6

NATED runs trimester courses from N1 to N6. Engineering Studies pairs with a workplace to lead to a trade, and Business Studies leads to office and management roles. DHET is replacing the older NATED programmes with new occupational qualifications over time, so confirm the stream with your college.

Engineering Studies (N1 to N6)

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Fitting and Machining
  • Motor and Diesel Mechanic
  • Boilermaking and Welding
  • Instrumentation

Business Studies (N4 to N6)

  • Financial Management
  • Business Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Management Assistant
  • Public Management
  • Educare
  • Hospitality and Catering

Where to study and how to pay

These courses are offered across South Africa's 50 public TVET colleges, and they are NSFAS funded if you qualify.

Find a TVET college →Apply for NSFAS →Explore careers →

Questions people ask

Which courses do TVET colleges offer?

Public TVET colleges offer two national streams set by DHET. NC(V) programmes run over 3 years (NQF 2 to 4) in fields like engineering, IT, finance, hospitality and agriculture. NATED (Report 191) offers N1 to N6 in Engineering Studies and Business Studies. Many colleges also run short skills and occupational programmes.

What is NC(V) equivalent to?

NC(V) Level 4 is at the same NQF level as a matric (NQF 4), so it is an alternative to Grade 12 with a practical, job-focused subject mix. You can enter NC(V) from Grade 9.

How long do NC(V) courses take?

Each NC(V) programme takes 3 years, one year each at Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. NATED N courses are shorter, each N level is a trimester (about 3 months) of study plus workplace time.

Which TVET courses can I do without matric?

You can start NC(V) from Grade 9, so you do not need matric. NATED N1 to N3 also take learners without matric. For NATED N4 to N6 you usually need matric or the N3.

Which TVET courses does NSFAS fund?

NSFAS funds NC(V) and NATED programmes at public TVET colleges if your household income is R350,000 or less a year. It covers tuition plus allowances. Private college courses are not NSFAS funded.

Are NATED courses being phased out?

DHET has said the older NATED (Report 191) programmes are being replaced over time with new occupational qualifications. NATED is still offered during the change, so check with the college which stream your programme falls under.

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