Head office
Durban
KwaZulu-Natal
NB
Published Verified against DHET TVET register & nationalgovernment.co.za (2026)Higher Education Content
What is Thekwini TVET College?
Thekwini TVET College is one of South Africa's 50 public TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges. Its head office is in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. It is registered and accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offers NCV, NATED N1-N6 and Occupational Programmes. Eligible students are funded through NSFAS.
What you can study at Thekwini
Like all public TVET colleges, Thekwini offers three programme streams.
National Certificate Vocational (NCV)
3-year, full-time programme at NQF Levels 2-4. Equivalent to matric. Subject fields include Engineering, IT, Hospitality, Office Administration, Civil Engineering and Building Construction. Entry usually requires Grade 9.
NATED (Report 191) N1-N6
Trimester-based occupational programmes at NQF Levels 2-6. Engineering Studies (N1-N6), Business Studies (N4-N6) and Utility Studies. N1 requires Grade 9 plus relevant subjects; N4 requires matric or equivalent.
Occupational Programmes
Specific trade qualifications: boilermaker, electrician, fitter and turner, plumber, IT technician, motor mechanic. Lead to a trade test through the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB).
Confirm exact programmes and subject availability on the Thekwini official site.
How to apply to Thekwini
Applying to a TVET college can feel confusing the first time, but the steps below are the same at every public TVET. Take them one at a time and keep certified copies of your documents ready.
- 1
Choose your programme
Browse the Thekwini prospectus to find the NCV, NATED or Occupational Programme that fits your interests. Confirm subject requirements, duration and campus.
- 2
Gather your documents
Certified copy of your South African ID, latest school report (Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 depending on the programme), proof of residence.
- 3
Submit your application
Apply on the official Thekwini website or in person at the nearest campus. Applications usually open early in the year and are accepted on a rolling basis until the trimester or semester starts.
Open www.thekwini.edu.za → - 4
Apply for NSFAS funding
NSFAS funding is a separate process. Apply at www.nsfas.org.za between September and January if your combined household income is R350 000 or less.
Frequently asked questions
What is Thekwini TVET College?
Thekwini TVET College is one of South Africa's 50 public TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges, with its head office in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. It is registered and accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offers NCV, NATED N1-N6 and Occupational Programmes.
What courses does Thekwini offer?
Like every SA public TVET, Thekwini runs three main streams. NCV sits at NQF Levels 2-4, full-time over 3 years, and is equivalent to matric. NATED (Report 191) covers N1 to N6 trimester-based occupational programmes. Occupational Programmes lead to specific trade qualifications. Subjects usually include Engineering Studies, Business Studies, IT, Hospitality, Office Administration and Education and Development. Check the official Thekwini site for exact programmes.
How do I apply to Thekwini?
Applying for the first time feels confusing, but the steps are short. Apply directly on the Thekwini official site (www.thekwini.edu.za), an online application portal or in person at the nearest campus. Bring a certified copy of your ID, your latest school report and proof of residence. Applications roll through the year, but popular programmes fill early.
Does Thekwini accept NSFAS?
Yes. Thekwini is a public TVET and fully NSFAS-funded. If your combined household income is R350 000 or less, you get free tuition plus accommodation, transport and learning materials. Apply for NSFAS at www.nsfas.org.za between September and January each year.
Does Thekwini require APS?
Most TVET programmes don't use the standard university APS. NCV needs Grade 9 or higher. NATED N1 needs Grade 9 or relevant subjects; N4 needs matric or equivalent. Some Occupational Programmes have specific subject requirements. Check the Thekwini prospectus for exact details on the programme you want.