Head office
Empangeni
KwaZulu-Natal
NB
Published Verified against DHET TVET register & nationalgovernment.co.za (2026)Higher Education Content
What is Umfolozi TVET College?
Umfolozi TVET College is one of South Africa's 50 public TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges. Its head office is in Empangeni, 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 Umfolozi
Like all public TVET colleges, Umfolozi 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 Umfolozi official site.
How to apply to Umfolozi
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 Umfolozi 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 Umfolozi 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 umfolozicollege.co.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 Umfolozi TVET College?
Umfolozi TVET College is one of South Africa's 50 public TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges, with its head office in Empangeni, 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 Umfolozi offer?
Like every SA public TVET, Umfolozi 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 Umfolozi site for exact programmes.
How do I apply to Umfolozi?
Applying for the first time feels confusing, but the steps are short. Apply directly on the Umfolozi official site (umfolozicollege.co.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 Umfolozi accept NSFAS?
Yes. Umfolozi 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 Umfolozi 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 Umfolozi prospectus for exact details on the programme you want.