What are TVET Courses?

TVET or “Technical and Vocational Education and Training” courses are where a student receives both education and training towards a specific job or skill for employment. It offers a more practical route for achieving employable skills.

Why study at a TVET college?

One of the main benefits or studying a TVET course is that it will more quickly provide you with both the occupational and vocational skills required to find a career in South Africa, making you more attractive to companies looking to hire. South Africa, like many countries, has a  shortage of skilled individuals in areas such as  engineering, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, etc. TVET colleges and courses are helping to build up the skills available in these sectors, boosting the countries economy.

What courses are offered at TVET colleges?

There are over 50 TVET colleges in South Africa offering a wide variety of courses and programmes that have been developed specifically with the skills required by employers in South Africa. The length of these TVET courses vary from short courses of just a few hours to formal diploma courses of three years or longer.

Similarly, the cost of the TVET courses also varies. However, the Department of Higher Education and Training subsidise 80% of the delivery cost and only 20% is required to be paid by the student. Even with the 20%, there are many bursaries available to cover all costs, please see this link for some of the TVET Bursaries available.

The NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) exists in order to provide financial aid to eligible students at TVET colleges and public universities. Funds are provided for approved programmes but this does vary by college. The below list of programmes are generally funded at most TVET colleges:

  • Engineering Studies – This includes both the National Certificate – Vocational (NCV), NQF levels 2-4 and Engineering studies – Report 191 N1-N6
  • Engineering and Related Design; Electrical Infrastructure; Civil Engineering; Computer Science and Information Technology
  • Business and Utility Studies (NCV), NQF levels 2-4 & Report 191 N1-N6
  • Management; Marketing; Finance; Office Administration; Economics and Accounting; Education & Development; Hospitality; Tourism; Safety in Society and Transport & Logistics
  • Pre-Learning Programmes (or PLP) funding

What are the Requirements for an NSFAS Loan / Bursary:

  • Students must be South African citizens
  • Must be registered or intending to register on a Pre-Learning Programme (PLP), National Certificate – Vocational NC(V) or Report 191 programme at any of the 50 public TVET Colleges in South Africa;
  • Students must prove they are in need of financial assistance (NSFAS will have final say whether or not a student meets the financial eligibility criteria);
  • Students must fall within the maximum threshold of up to R350,000 of combined gross family income per annum
  • Returning students must be able to show proven and accepted academic performance in line with the College’s progression policy or the progression prescriptions of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines (whichever is higher);
  • Students must not enrol for a qualification that duplicates previous learning that was state-funded

When is the Application Dates for TVET Courses?

National Certificate Vocation NCV , Semester 1 and Trimester 1 – Annual – online application and walk-in assistive capture application at the beginning of each year

Trimester 2 & 3 as per DHET calendar, in May and September respectively , also walk-in assistive capture application

Semester 2 June – July walk-in, assistive capture application

Where to apply for TVET funding?

You can apply through:

  • TVET college bursary offices
  • Online
  • NSFAS head office

View a list of all TVET Colleges in South Africa

What does the NSFAS pay for?

  • Registration & Tuition Fees
  • Personal Care Allowance
  • Transport Allowance
  • Accommodation Allowance