Key Takeaways: EWC Essentials
- Location: East Rand, Gauteng (Germiston, Kempton Park, etc.).
- Campuses: 6 (Alberton, Boksburg, Germiston, Kathorus, Kempton Park, Tembisa).
- System: Online Only (i-Enabler). No walk-ins.
- Pre-Requisite: You MUST complete the “Pre-Entry Placement Assessment” before applying.
- Status: Applications for Trimester 1 (Engineering) usually close mid-January.
In the industrial heart of Gauteng, Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC) is a giant. With six campuses stretching from the logistics hub of Kempton Park to the manufacturing center of Germiston, it is the primary training ground for the artisans who keep South Africa’s economy moving.
However, EWC is strictly digital. They do not accept paper forms at the gate. If you show up with an envelope of documents, security will simply point you to the nearest internet café.
This strict digital policy catches many students off guard. Furthermore, the confusion between Ekurhuleni West (EWC) and Ekurhuleni East (EEC) often leads to students applying to the wrong institution entirely.
This guide clarifies the difference, breaks down the unique specializations of the 6 EWC campuses, and walks you through the 2026 online application wizard step-by-step.
1. EWC vs. EEC: Do You Know the Difference?
Before you apply, check your geography.
- Ekurhuleni WEST (EWC): Covers Germiston, Alberton, Boksburg, Kempton Park, Tembisa, and Kathorus. (This guide covers EWC).
- Ekurhuleni EAST (EEC): Covers Benoni, Brakpan, Springs, and Daveyton. (Different college, different website).
2. Campus Guide: Choosing the Right Home
EWC is massive. You must apply to the specific campus that offers your course.
1. Germiston Campus (The Head Office)
- Location: Cnr Driehoek & Sol Roads, Germiston.
- Focus: Engineering and Business.
- Vibe: This is the administrative hub. It is centrally located near the Golden Walk mall and taxi rank, making it highly accessible.
- Specialty: Strong focus on Civil and Mechanical Engineering.
2. Kempton Park Campus (The Aviation Hub)
- Location: Partridge Avenue, Kempton Park.
- Focus: Engineering (specifically Aviation/Avionics) and Business.
- Specialty: Because it is next to O.R. Tambo International Airport, this campus is famous for Aircraft Maintenance and Avionics (N-Stream).
3. Tembisa Campus
- Location: 9 Esiqongweni Section, Tembisa.
- Focus: NCV Engineering and Business.
- Importance: Serves the massive Tembisa community. It focuses heavily on NCV Level 2-4 courses to bridge high school dropouts into trades.
4. Boksburg Campus
- Location: 49 North Street, Plantation.
- Focus: Business Studies and Services.
- Specialty: Known for Hospitality and Professional Cookery facilities.
5. Alberton Campus
- Location: 25 Lake Arthur Street, Brackendowns.
- Focus: Business Studies and Information Technology.
- Specialty: A quieter, suburban campus with a strong IT/Computer Science department.
6. Kathorus Campus
- Location: 782 Palime Section, Katlehong.
- Focus: Construction and Engineering.
- Specialty: Offers Civil Engineering and Building Construction (Masonry, Plumbing).
3. Admission Requirements 2026
EWC follows the standard DHET entry requirements.
A. National Certificate Vocational (NCV) – Level 2
- For: Grade 9, 10, or 11 learners.
- Requirement: Passed Grade 9.
- Duration: 3 Years (Full-time).
- Why choose this? If you struggled in high school, this is a fresh start with practical subjects.
B. Report 191 (NATED) – N4
- For: Matriculants.
- Requirement: National Senior Certificate (NSC) or NCV Level 4.
- Engineering N4: Requires Matric Maths and Science. (Math Lit students usually have to start at N2 or N3).
- Business N4: Requires Matric (Accounting is a bonus for Financial courses).
4. How to Apply Online (The i-Enabler System)
EWC uses the Coltech / i-Enabler platform. It is complex, so follow these steps exactly.
Step 1: The Compulsory Pre-Entry Assessment
You cannot skip this.
- Go to the EWC website (www.ewc.edu.za).
- Click on “Online Applications”.
- You will see a link for the “Pre-Entry Placement Assessment” (sometimes called “Career Guidance”).
- Register specifically for this test.
- Complete the test: It takes about 30 minutes. It asks about your interests and basic math/English skills.
- The Result: It will recommend a stream (e.g., “You are suited for Engineering”).
- Save the Proof: You do not always need to upload the result, but the system logs that you did it. Without this “flag” on your ID number, the application portal will block you.
Step 2: Create Your Profile
- Return to the “Online Application” page.
- Select “New Applicant” (if you have never studied at EWC).
- Enter your ID Number.
- Create a 5-digit PIN.
- Tip: Write this PIN down. You will need it to check your status later.
Step 3: The Application Wizard
- Log in with your new Student Number (generated by the system) and PIN.
- Click on “Submit Application”.
- Select Year: 2026.
- Select Campus: Be careful. If you select “Alberton” for “Boilermaking,” the system will show “No Courses Available” because Alberton doesn’t offer it. Check the prospectus first.
- Select Course: e.g., “Report 191 N4 Electrical Engineering.”
Step 4: Upload Documents
All documents must be scanned as PDFs.
- Certified ID Copy.
- Certified School Results (Grade 11 or 12).
- Proof of Residence.
- Next of Kin ID.
Step 5: Final Submit
- Click “Submit Application”.
- You should receive an SMS confirmation.
5. Course List: What Can You Study?
Engineering Studies (Trimester)
- Electrical Engineering: Heavy Current (Power) & Light Current (Electronics).
- Mechanical Engineering: Fitting & Turning, Machining, Automotive.
- Civil Engineering: Bricklaying, Plumbing, Woodworking.
- Aircraft Maintenance / Avionics: (Kempton Park only).
- Boilermaking: (Germiston & Tembisa).
Business Studies (Semester)
- Financial Management: Accounting, Cost & Management Accounting.
- Human Resource Management.
- Management Assistant: Office Admin.
- Marketing Management.
- Business Management.
- Public Management.
Utility Studies
- Hospitality: Catering & Hotel Management.
- Tourism.
- Educare: Early Childhood Development.
6. Fees and NSFAS
EWC is a public college.
- Tuition: Ranging from R2,500 (Business) to R4,500 (Engineering) per cycle.
- NSFAS:
- If you come from a home earning less than R350k/year, NSFAS pays 100% of tuition.
- Allowances: NSFAS provides transport and personal care allowances.
- How to Apply: You must apply for NSFAS directly via myNSFAS. Do not wait for the college to do it for you.
7. Registration Dates 2026 (Estimates)
- Trimester 1 (Engineering):
- Opens: September 2025.
- Closes: Mid-January 2026.
- Semester 1 (Business):
- Opens: September 2025.
- Closes: End of January 2026.
- NCV (Year Courses):
- Closes: End of November 2025 (Usually full by January).
Late Applications:
EWC rarely opens a general “Late Application” portal. However, they sometimes have “Walk-In” days for placement testing only at specific campuses if they have unfilled seats in NATED courses. Check the EWC Facebook page daily in January.
FAQ: EWC
Q: I forgot my student number/PIN.
A: Click “Forgot Student Number” on the i-Enabler login screen. It will email it to you. If that fails, call the Call Centre at 011 323 1600.
Q: Does EWC have hostels?
A: No. Unlike rural colleges, EWC does not have on-campus hostels. You must find private accommodation in Germiston, Kempton, or Boksburg. NSFAS provides an accommodation allowance for private accredited providers.
Q: Can I change campuses later?
A: It is difficult. Each campus manages its own headcount. You usually have to re-apply if you want to move from Germiston to Kempton.
Conclusion: The Industrial Choice
Ekurhuleni West College is the engine room of the East Rand. If you want a qualification that is respected by the factories in Isando, the logistics firms in Kempton, and the workshops in Germiston, this is the place to be.
But remember: The digital door closes fast. Complete your Pre-Entry Assessment today, scan your documents, and get into the system before the “Class Full” sign goes up.
Disclaimer: Campus course offerings are subject to change. Always check the official EWC 2026 Prospectus for the most up-to-date locations.