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It’s TVET College Month! Here’s Why Everyone’s Talking About It

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Makhosazane Jiyane
ByMakhosazane Jiyane
As a Content Editor with a background in journalism and digital media, I specialise in creating engaging, high-quality content that connects with audiences and ranks on...
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TVET College Month 2025

August is TVET College Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the powerful role that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges play in shaping South Africa’s workforce future.

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TVET colleges are more than just an alternative to university; they are career launchpads offering practical, job-ready skills in sectors that drive our economy. From engineering to hospitality, agriculture to ICT, these institutions are helping thousands of South Africans build meaningful, in-demand careers.

Whether you’re a high school student weighing your options, a parent researching opportunities, or a jobseeker looking to upskill, this all-in-one guide will walk you through everything you need to know including how colleges work, how to apply, what courses are available, and how to access funding like NSFAS.

Let’s celebrate TVET College Month by empowering more South Africans with knowledge, opportunities, and a clear path to success.

TVET College Month Is Here — Let’s Break It Down

TVET College Month is an annual campaign celebrated throughout August in South Africa, dedicated to raising awareness about Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges and their critical role in empowering young people with skills that lead directly to employment, entrepreneurship, or further education.

Government & DHET Involvement

The campaign is championed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in collaboration with public TVETs across all provinces. It forms part of the government’s broader commitment to solving South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis by building a strong, inclusive skills pipeline that aligns with the country’s economic and social development needs.

Each year, the DHET uses TVET Month to:

  • Showcase the value of vocational education as an alternative to university
  • Promote college registrations, bursary opportunities, and partnerships
  • Host career expos, college open days, and skills showcases
  • Engage stakeholders from industry, education, and government to support work-integrated learning and job placement for TVET students

Learn more: Occupational Qualifications Are Here — Real Skills, Real Jobs, Real Growth!

TVET Colleges 101: What They Are and Why They Matter

TVETs are often the unsung heroes of the education system quietly equipping thousands of South Africans every year with practical, job-ready skills that the economy desperately needs.

The focus? Hands-on learning, real-world experience, and employability. Whether you’re aiming to get hired, start a business, or continue your studies, a TVET qualification can open that door.

Let’s break down what they are, how they work, and how they’re different from other post-school institutions.

TVET Colleges vs Universities vs Private Colleges

Let’s break it down:

TVETsUniversitiesPrivate Colleges
Focus on practical and vocational skillsFocus on theoretical academic degreesVary widely some offer legit skills training, others are not accredited
Typically 1–3 years in duration3–4 years for most degreesCourse length varies
Affordable & NSFAS-fundedNSFAS support available, but entry is competitiveOften privately funded (can be costly)
Nationally standardised & regulatedNationally accreditedMust be checked for registration & accreditation

TVETs are ideal if you want to:

  • Enter the workforce quickly
  • Start your own business
  • Get practical training in a trade or skill

Learn more: College vs University: Which Qualification Secures Better Jobs 2026

Qualifications Offered by TVET Colleges

TVETs offer a variety of nationally recognised qualifications, including:

  • NC(V) – National Certificate (Vocational)
    A 3-year qualification starting at NQF Level 2, aimed at learners who’ve completed Grade 9 or higher. It combines academic learning with industry-specific skills.
  • NATED / Report 191
    These are post-matric programmes in Engineering, Business Studies, Hospitality, etc., offered in N1 to N6 levels. Once you’ve completed your N6 and work experience, you can apply for a National Diploma.
  • Learnerships
    Structured programmes that combine theory and workplace learning. Often run in partnership with employers and SETAs.
  • Skills Programmes / Short Courses
    Focused on specific job skills (like welding, hairdressing, or bookkeeping). Great for upskilling or reskilling.

Learn more: TVET Colleges That Accept Students Without Matric

Accreditation & Quality Assurance

TVETs aren’t just “skills factories” they’re nationally regulated institutions, held to high standards to ensure quality and relevance.

  • DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training): Oversees public colleges and sets national policy.
  • Umalusi: Accredits qualifications like NC(V) and NATED.
  • QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations): Accredits occupational qualifications, including learnerships and skills programmes.
  • SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities): Support specific industries and fund skills development through learnerships and workplace training.

So when you study at a registered college, your qualification counts and your skills are recognised by both the private sector and the state.

Learn more: How to Spot Fake Colleges and Avoid Falling Victim in 2025

List of Public TVET Colleges in South Africa (By Province)

South Africa has 50 public TVET colleges, operating on more than 260 campuses across the country. These colleges are registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offer accredited qualifications across a range of industries.

Here’s a quick look at all of them, province by province:

Eastern Cape

Free State

Gauteng

KwaZulu-Natal

Limpopo

Mpumalanga

Northern Cape

North West

Western Cape

Funding & Financial Aid Options for TVET Students

Worried about how to pay for your studies? Don’t be. One of the best things about studying at a public college is that there are several funding options available and many students qualify for free education, accommodation, meals, and even transport.

Here’s how to get the financial support you need.

1. NSFAS: Your First Stop for Funding

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is the most common form of funding for TVET students. NSFAS covers:

  • Tuition fees
  • Accommodation or transport
  • Meal allowances
  • Learning materials (e.g. textbooks)

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Be registered (or intending to register) at a public college
  • Have a combined household income of R350,000 or less per year
  • Be accepted into an NSFAS-approved programme

How to apply:

  • Apply online via the NSFAS portal at www.nsfas.org.za
  • Or apply directly at your college’s financial aid office
  • Make sure you have your certified documents ready: ID, proof of income, latest school results, etc.

Learn more: Apply for NSFAS Semester 2 Funding 2025

2. SETA Bursaries & Learnership Stipends

SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority these organisations work with employers and colleges to build sector-specific skills.

Some SETAs offer:

  • Bursaries for full-time TVET students
  • Learnerships (where you earn a monthly stipend while gaining workplace experience)
  • Internships and apprenticeships linked to specific industries

Each SETA covers a different sector like agriculture, finance, transport, or construction so funding depends on your course and the college’s partnerships.

Ask your college about:

  • Which SETAs they’re affiliated with
  • Upcoming learnership or internship opportunities

Learn more: Comprehensive Guide to All SETAs in South Africa and Their Offerings

3. College-Specific Bursaries

Many public colleges have their own internal bursary schemes, funded by government, donors, or private companies. These bursaries might:

  • Top up your NSFAS allowance
  • Cover registration or admin fees
  • Support students with exceptional academic performance
  • Be awarded for specific fields (e.g. engineering, hospitality)

Tip: Always ask the college’s student support office or financial aid unit about:

  • Bursaries available
  • Application deadlines
  • Required supporting documents

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Whether you’re applying for NSFAS or another type of funding, here’s a basic checklist to help you get started:

What You’ll NeedExamples
Certified copy of IDYour ID or Smart Card
Proof of incomePayslips or SASSA grant receipt
Academic resultsLatest school or college results
Proof of addressUtility bill or affidavit
Bank accountIn your name (for allowances)

Apply early! Funding is limited and processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn more: Free Short Skills Courses You Can Do at TVET Colleges (2025)

Not sure what to study? No stress! TVETs offer a wide range of career-focused programmes that are designed to get you working, earning, or building your own business fast. Whether you’re a hands-on problem solver, a tech-savvy creative, or someone who loves working with people, there’s something here for you.

Here are some of the most popular courses offered across public TVETs in South Africa:

Engineering & Related Design

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Fitting & Turning
  • Welding

Business Studies

  • Business Management
  • Financial Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Public Management
  • Marketing

Hospitality & Tourism

  • Hospitality Services
  • Professional Cookery
  • Travel & Tourism

Information Technology & Computer Science

  • IT & Computer Science
  • End-User Computing
  • Systems Development

Health & Safety

  • Safety in Society
  • Community Health Work
  • Occupational Health and Safety

Agriculture & Environmental Studies

  • Primary Agriculture
  • Forestry & Nature Conservation

Artisan Trades & Technical Skills

  • Plumbing
  • Bricklaying
  • Carpentry
  • Electrical Installation
  • Motor Mechanics

Education, Beauty & Social Services

  • Educare (Early Childhood Development)
  • Cosmetology
  • Hairdressing
  • Beauty Therapy

NC(V) and NATED Subjects

Most of the above courses are offered as part of:

  • NC(V) (National Certificate Vocational) programmes perfect for those starting after Grade 9
  • NATED/Report 191 courses ideal for students who have completed Matric

Learn more: TVET College NATED Course Levels Explained: N4, N5, and N6

Tip: Not every college offers every course, so always check the programme list on the college’s website or ask for their latest prospectus.

FAQs: Everything You Still Want to Know

Q: Can I go to a TVET without Matric?
A: Yes! Many TVETs offer NC(V) programmes that accept students from Grade 9 onwards. You don’t always need Matric to get started just the right attitude and a willingness to learn.

Q: Can I get a job straight after finishing a TVET qualification?
A: Absolutely. That’s the whole point! Most TVET programmes are designed with employability in mind. Many include practical workplace training, and courses are aligned with high-demand sectors like engineering, IT, hospitality, and more.

Q: Are TVETs only for young people?
A: Nope! While they’re especially popular among school leavers, anyone looking to gain new skills whether you’re 18 or 38 can apply. Upskilling is for everyone.

Q: Can I study part-time at a college?
A: Some colleges do offer part-time, weekend, or evening classes, especially for working adults. Check directly with the campus you’re interested in.

Q: Is online learning available at TVET Colleges?
A: Limited, but growing. Some TVET Colleges now offer blended learning, combining in-person with online classes. This varies by institution and course.

Q: How do I know if a TVET College is legit?
A: Always check if it’s registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and accredited by bodies like Umalusi and QCTO. We’ve got a full list of public colleges in this guide and a download too!

Q: Can I transfer from a TVET College to a university later?
A: Sometimes depending on your qualification and the university’s requirements. Some TVET courses are designed to articulate into higher education, especially in fields like business or engineering.

South Africa’s youth face a tough job market but TVETs offer real solutions to a very real crisis.

By focusing on practical, in-demand skills, these institutions are bridging the gap between school and work, theory and practice, ambition and action. Whether it’s engineering, business, agriculture, or IT, TVET Colleges equip students with the tools to build careers, support families, and grow local economies one qualification at a time.

And here’s the truth: TVET isn’t a “backup plan.” It’s a powerful first choice for anyone who wants to get job-ready, fast.

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ByMakhosazane Jiyane
As a Content Editor with a background in journalism and digital media, I specialise in creating engaging, high-quality content that connects with audiences and ranks on search engines. At Nasi Ispani, I oversee content creation and editorial direction, ensuring South Africans have access to valuable insights on careers, education, government grants, and NSFAS funding.
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