Capricorn TVET College Courses and Requirements 2026: The Complete Guide

Key Takeaways: Capricorn TVET Essentials

Location: Limpopo (Polokwane & Surrounds).

Campuses: 4 (Polokwane, Seshego, Ramokgopa, Senwabarwana).

Specialty: Business Studies (Polokwane) and Engineering (Seshego).

Application Mode: Online Only (Coltech).

Critical Step: You MUST complete the online Placement Test before the system allows you to apply.

NSFAS: Fully funded for qualifying students.

In the bustling capital of Limpopo, Capricorn TVET College stands as a beacon for students who want a qualification that leads directly to a job. Unlike the rural colleges that focus on agriculture, Capricorn is urban, fast-paced, and heavily integrated with the Polokwane business sector.

With over 20,000 students, it is one of the largest colleges in the province. But size brings complexity. The college is split into four distinct campuses, each with its own “personality” and course focus. If you apply for Civil Engineering at the Polokwane Campus, your application will be rejected because that course is actually taught at Seshego.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the 2026 course list, explains which campus offers what, and walks you through the mandatory pre-screening test that confuses thousands of applicants every year.

1. Admission Requirements 2026

Capricorn TVET College follows the standard Department of Higher Education (DHET) streams.

A. National Certificate Vocational (NCV) – Level 2

This stream is for students who want to leave school early (after Grade 9) or who finished Matric but want a practical “do-over.”

Entry Requirement: Grade 9, 10, or 11 Report. (Grade 12s can also apply).
Duration: 3 Years (Level 2, 3, and 4).
Outcome: A practical certificate equivalent to Matric, but with trade skills.

B. Report 191 (NATED) – N4

This is the “Post-Matric” stream for students who already have a Senior Certificate.

Entry Requirement: National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Diploma or Bachelor pass preferred.
Engineering Specifics:
- You generally need Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric to enter N4 Engineering directly.
- Bridging: If you have Math Lit, you may need to start at N1 or N2 level.
Business Specifics:
- No specific subjects required, but English is critical.

2. Campus Guide: Where Must You Go?

This is the most important section. Do not apply to the wrong campus.

1. Polokwane Campus (The Business Hub)

Location: Die Meer Street, Polokwane (Right in the CBD).
Focus: Business Studies and General Utility Studies.
Vibe: Corporate. Students here study Finance, HR, and Marketing. It feels like a junior university.
Courses: Management Assistant, Financial Management, Hospitality, Tourism.
Note: NO Engineering is offered here.

2. Seshego Campus (The Engineering Hub)

Location: 1919 Freedom Drive, Seshego (Just outside Polokwane).
Focus: Engineering.
Vibe: Industrial. This is where the workshops, noise, and overalls are.
Courses: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics.

3. Ramokgopa Campus

Location: Mokomene (Rural, north of Polokwane).
Focus: Business and Primary Agriculture.
Specialty: A quieter campus serving the rural community. Great for students who want to focus without city distractions.

4. Senwabarwana Campus

Location: Bochum (Senwabarwana).
Focus: Business Studies and NCV Engineering.
Specialty: Offers a mix of trades for the Bochum community.

3. Engineering Course List (Seshego & Senwabarwana)

These courses are designed for the industrial and mining sectors.

NATED (Report 191) – N1 to N6:

Civil Engineering:
- Bricklaying, Plastering, Plumbing.
- Career: Site Foreman, Construction Manager.
Electrical Engineering:
- Heavy Current (Industrial) and Light Current (Electronics).
- Career: Electrician, Millwright.
Mechanical Engineering:
- Fitting & Turning, Automotive Repair, Welding.
- Career: Diesel Mechanic, Fitter.
Chemical Engineering:
- Water Treatment (N1-N3 only at some campuses).

NCV Engineering (Level 2-4):

Electrical Infrastructure Construction.
Civil Engineering & Building Construction.
Engineering & Related Design (Automotive/Fitting).
Mechatronics: (Robotics and Automation – Highly Specialized).
Process Plant Operations: (For the mining/smelting industry).

4. Business & Utility Course List (Polokwane & Ramokgopa)

These courses are for the corporate world.

NATED (Report 191) – N4 to N6:

Management Assistant:
- Office Admin, Information Processing (Typing).
- Career: Personal Assistant, Office Manager.
Financial Management:
- Computerized Financial Systems (Pastel), Cost Accounting.
- Career: Bookkeeper, Payroll Clerk.
Human Resource Management:
- Labour Relations, Personnel Training.
Public Management:
- Government administration.
Marketing Management:
- Sales, Advertising.

Utility Studies:

Hospitality: (Polokwane Campus has industrial kitchens).
Tourism: Travel services and event management.
Educare: Early Childhood Development (Teaching Grade R).

5. How to Apply Online (The “Placement Test” Rule)

Capricorn TVET uses the Coltech system, but they have a strict pre-application rule.

Step 1: The Compulsory Placement Assessment

You cannot access the application form until you complete the “Career Guidance / Placement Test”.
Why? The college wants to ensure you don’t apply for “Electrical Engineering” if your Math skills are poor.
How:
1. Go to capricorn.coltech.co.za.
2. Click on the “Placement Test” link.
3. Answer the questions honestly (there is no pass/fail, but it recommends a stream).
4. Save the Result Page. You need to upload this.

Step 2: The Online Application

Once the test is done, click “Apply Now”.
Select “New Application”.
Create a profile (ID Number and Password).

Step 3: Choose Your Campus & Course

Be specific. Select “Report 191 N4 Financial Management – Polokwane Campus”.
Warning: If the campus doesn’t appear in the dropdown, the course is full or not offered there.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Certified ID Copy.
Latest Results (Grade 11 or 12).
Proof of Residence.
Placement Test Result.

6. Fees and NSFAS

Capricorn is a public college, so it is affordable and NSFAS-funded.

Business Studies (Semester): Approx. R3,000 – R5,000 per semester.
Engineering (Trimester): Approx. R2,500 – R4,000 per trimester.
NCV (Year): Approx. R10,000 – R15,000 per year.
Hostels:
- The Polokwane Campus has a large hostel (The “Res”).
- Seshego also has student accommodation.
- Cost: Approx. R25,000 per year (meals included/excluded varies).
- NSFAS: Fully covers tuition and accommodation for eligible students.

7. Registration Dates 2026

Semester 1 (Business): Applications usually open September and close 30 November of the previous year. Late applications open January if space is available.
Trimester 1 (Engineering): Applications open January.
NCV: Applications close 30 November.

Late Enquiries:

In January, Capricorn usually puts a notice on their Facebook page regarding “Walk-Ins” or “Late Online Applications” for specific unfilled courses. Watch their social media closely.

FAQ: Capricorn TVET College

Q: Can I study part-time?

A: Yes. Polokwane Campus offers afternoon/Saturday classes for NATED Business courses. This is popular for working people in the CBD.

Q: Do they offer IT?

A: Yes. The NCV Information Technology & Computer Science course covers Programming and Robotics. It is a full-time 3-year course.

Q: I have Grade 10. Can I do Boilermaking?

A: Yes. Apply for NCV Engineering & Related Design (Level 2). This will teach you the trade from scratch.

Conclusion: The City College

Capricorn TVET College is the engine room of Polokwane. Whether you want to manage an office in the city center or fix machines in the industrial zone, this college offers the training.

Crucial Tip: Do not skip the Placement Test. Attempting to bypass it will result in your application being “Pending” forever. Complete the test, save the PDF, and secure your spot in Limpopo’s premier college.

Disclaimer: Course offerings and campus locations are subject to change. Always verify the latest 2026 Prospectus on the official Capricorn TVET website.