Buffalo City TVET College (BCC) Online Application 2026: The Complete Guide

Key Takeaways: BCC Essentials

Location: East London & Mdantsane (Eastern Cape).

Campuses: 4 (East London, John Knox Bokwe, St Marks, King Street).

Specialty: Mechatronics, Automotive Repair, and Safety in Society.

Math Rule: Engineering courses strictly require Pure Maths (No Math Lit).

Application Mode: Online (ITS i-Enabler).

Status: Trimester 1 applications usually close mid-January.

Situated in the heart of South Africa’s automotive manufacturing hub (home to Mercedes-Benz), Buffalo City TVET College (BCC) is the premier technical training institution in the Eastern Cape.

With over 20,000 students, BCC is distinct because it splits its focus sharply between the “City” and the “Township.” The East London campus serves the corporate business sector, while the massive John Knox Bokwe campus in Mdantsane is an engineering powerhouse.

However, BCC is known for being strict. Unlike some colleges that allow Math Literacy students into Engineering bridging courses, BCC often rejects them outright.

This guide clarifies which campus offers your specific course, explains the strict 2026 admission rules, and walks you through the online application wizard.

1. The 4 Campuses: Where Must You Go?

BCC is decentralized. Do not apply to the wrong campus.

1. East London Campus (The Business Hub)

Location: Lukin Road, Selborne (Central East London).
Focus: Business Studies and NCV IT.
Vibe: This is the main “City” campus. It focuses on Finance, Office Admin, and Tourism. It is walking distance from the main taxi ranks and malls.
Residences: Limited hostel accommodation is available in Southernwood/Belgravia.

2. John Knox Bokwe Campus (JKB)

Location: Mfaxa Street, NU1, Mdantsane.
Focus: Engineering and Safety in Society.
Importance: This is the largest campus. It houses the massive workshops for Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
Specialty: It is the only campus offering Safety in Society (Policing).
Note: Located in the township, it is the community heartbeat of the college.

3. St Marks Campus

Location: St Marks Road, Southernwood.
Focus: Business Studies (NATED).
Specialty: This campus functions as an overflow and specialist hub for NATED Business courses (N4-N6) like Human Resource Management.

4. King Street Campus

Location: King Street, Southernwood.
Focus: Occupational Skills.
Specialty: This is where short skills programs and learnerships happen. If you are doing a SETA-funded apprenticeship (e.g., Welding or Bricklaying skills), you will be here.

2. Admission Requirements 2026

BCC follows strict entry criteria, especially for Engineering.

A. School of Engineering (NATED N1 – N6)

Requirement: Grade 12 (NSC).
The Math Rule: You MUST have passed Mathematics (Pure Math) and Physical Science with at least 40%.¹⁴
Math Lit: Students with Mathematical Literacy are NOT accepted for NATED Engineering at BCC.¹⁵ You will be redirected to the NCV stream or a different course.

B. School of Business (NATED N4 – N6)

Requirement: Grade 12 (NSC).
Points Score: A minimum APS of 23 points (excluding Life Orientation).
Subjects: No specific subject requirements, but Accounting is preferred for Financial Management.

C. National Certificate Vocational (NCV) – Level 2

Requirement: Grade 9, 10, or 11 Pass.
Math: Grade 9 Mathematics is essential for Engineering streams.

3. Course List: Specialized Programs

BCC offers courses linked to the local economy (Auto manufacturing and Tourism).

Engineering (John Knox Bokwe):

Mechatronics: (Robotics and Automation – linked to the auto sector).
Automotive Repair: (Motor Mechanics).
Electrical Infrastructure Construction.
Civil Engineering: (Bricklaying, Plumbing).

Business & Services (East London / St Marks):

Transport & Logistics: (New program linked to the East London Port).
Tourism: (Focus on the Wild Coast tourism sector).
Information Technology & Computer Science.
Finance, Economics & Accounting.

4. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)

BCC uses the ITS i-Enabler system (similar to universities like WSU or CPUT).

Step 1: The Placement Test (Compulsory)

You cannot apply without it.
Go to the BCC website www.bccollege.co.za.
Click on “Online Applications” > “Placement Test”.
Register and complete the test.
Crucial: The system will generate a “Token” or save your result linked to your ID.

Step 2: Create Profile

Go back to the “Online Application” page.
Select “New Applicant”.
Enter ID Number.
Create a 5-digit PIN.

Step 3: The Application Wizard

Log in with your Student Number (generated by the system) and PIN.
Click on “Submit Application”.
Select Year: 2026.
Select Campus: Be careful. Do not select “East London” for “Electrical Engineering.” Select “John Knox Bokwe.”
Select Course: e.g., “National Certificate: Engineering Studies N1”.

Step 4: Upload Documents

ID Copy (Certified).
School Results (Certified).
Proof of Residence.

Step 5: Process Status

Once submitted, your status will say “Application Received.”
You must check back regularly. If it changes to “Awaiting Documents,” you messed up the upload. Re-upload immediately.

5. Fees and NSFAS

BCC is a public college.

Tuition:
- Engineering: Approx. R3,500 per trimester.
- Business: Approx. R3,000 per semester.
- NCV: Approx. R12,000 per year.
NSFAS:
- Covers 100% of tuition.
- Transport Allowance: Vital for students traveling from Mdantsane to East London (approx. R10,000/year).
- Accommodation: BCC has limited hostels. Private accommodation in Southernwood is often funded if accredited.

6. Registration Dates 2026 (Estimates)

Trimester 1 (Engineering):
- Applications Close: 15 January 2026.
- Registration: 16 – 20 January 2026.
Semester 1 (Business):
- Applications Close: 30 November 2025 (Late apps might open in January).
- Registration: 10 – 15 January 2026.

Late Enquiries:

BCC is strict. They rarely have “Walk-Ins.” However, if courses are undersubscribed, they post a “Late Application” link on their Facebook Page in the second week of January.

FAQ: Buffalo City College

Q: Is JKB campus safe?

A: Mdantsane is a busy township. The campus itself has strict security and fencing. However, students are advised to walk in groups to the taxi rank, especially in the evenings.

Q: Do they offer part-time Saturday classes?

A: Yes. The East London Campus offers part-time NATED Business classes for working professionals.

Q: Can I apply for the second semester?

A: Yes.

Engineering: Intake in January, May, September.
Business: Intake in January and July.

Conclusion: The Eastern Cape Engine

Buffalo City TVET College is the gateway to the technical workforce in the Eastern Cape. If you want to work at Mercedes, Nestlé, or the IDZ (Industrial Development Zone), a qualification from JKB is your ticket.

Action: Ensure you have your “Pure Math” results ready and apply via the i-Enabler portal before the mid-January deadline.

Disclaimer: Course offerings and campus allocations are subject to change. Always verify with the official BCC 2026 Prospectus.