Key Takeaways: Coastal KZN Essentials
- Location: Durban, Umlazi, and Umbumbulu (KwaZulu-Natal).
- Campuses: 8 (Swinton, Durban, Umlazi V, Umlazi BB, Umbumbulu, Appelsbosch, As-Salaam, Ubuhle Bogu).
- Specialty: Tooling & Die Making (Centre of Specialisation at Swinton) and Maritime Studies.
- Status: Largest college in KZN (over 15,000 students).
- Application Mode: Online (Coltech).
- Pre-Requisite: The Placement Assessment is compulsory for all new applicants.
In the bustling port city of Durban, Coastal KZN TVET College is the giant of vocational training. Formed by the merger of the old Durban Technical College, Swinton Road, and Umlazi Technical College, it serves a massive and diverse population.
What makes Coastal KZN unique is its spread. It has campuses right in the industrial heart of Durban (Swinton), in the central business district (Durban Campus), and in the semi-rural areas of Umbumbulu. This means students often have to decide between “commuting to the city” or “studying close to home.”
For 2026, the college is focusing heavily on its Centres of Specialisation. If you want to become a Toolmaker (making the moulds for car parts), the Swinton Campus is one of the best places in Africa to study.
This guide breaks down the 8 campuses, explains the specific entry requirements for the “Tooling” courses, and walks you through the mandatory online placement test.
1. The 8 Campuses: City, Township, or Rural?
Coastal KZN is decentralized. Do not assume every campus offers every course.
1. Swinton Campus (The Engineering HQ)
- Location: 20 Swinton Road, Mobeni (South Durban Industrial Basin).
- Focus: Engineering and Tooling.
- Specialty: This is the flagship campus. It houses the Tooling Centre of Excellence. It is located right next to the Toyota manufacturing plant and other heavy industries, making it ideal for finding apprenticeships.
- Courses: Electrical, Mechanical, Tool Making, Fitting & Turning.
2. Durban Campus (The Business Hub)
- Location: 1 Jameson Crescent, Congella (Near the Port).
- Focus: Business Studies and General Utility.
- Vibe: Urban and busy.
- Courses: Financial Management, Marketing, Tourism, Hospitality.
- Note: This campus is popular because it is easily accessible by train and taxi from almost anywhere in Durban.
3. Umlazi V Campus
- Location: Spinal Road, Umlazi (Township).
- Focus: Engineering (Civil & Electrical) and Business.
- Specialty: A massive campus serving the Umlazi community. It offers strong Civil Engineering (Bricklaying/Plumbing) workshops.
4. Umlazi BB Campus
- Location: BB Section, Umlazi.
- Focus: Business Studies and Skills Training.
- Specialty: Focuses on “soft skills” and business management courses like Public Management and Office Admin.
5. Umbumbulu Campus
- Location: Mfundi Mngadi Drive, KwaMakhutha.
- Focus: Skills Training and NCV Engineering.
- Context: A semi-rural campus. It is excellent for students who want to focus on their studies away from the distractions of the CBD.
6. Appelsbosch Campus
- Location: Ozwathini (near Wartburg).
- Focus: Primary Agriculture and Business.
- Context: Deep rural. This campus is vital for the local farming community.
7. As-Salaam Campus
- Location: Braemar (South Coast).
- Focus: Rural Development and Skills.
8. Ubuhle Bogu Campus
- Location: KwaQiko.
- Focus: Community Skills.
2. Admission Requirements 2026
Coastal KZN is strict on Mathematics for its engineering streams.
A. NATED Engineering (N1 – N6)
- Target: Matriculants.
- Requirement: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Mathematics (Pure Math) and Physical Science.
- The “40% Rule”: You usually need at least 40% (Level 3) in Math and Science to enter N4 directly.
- Math Lit: Students with Math Lit are generally not accepted for N4 Engineering. You will be redirected to the N2 level or the NCV stream.
B. Tooling Centre of Excellence (TCoE)
- What is it? A specialized apprenticeship to become a Toolmaker (making moulds for plastic/metal parts).
- Requirement: Grade 12 with Math and Science (50%+ preferred).
- Process: Selection for this program is rigorous and often involves an aptitude test and an interview.
C. NCV (Level 2)
- Target: Grade 9, 10, or 11.
- Requirement: Grade 9 Pass.
- Note: NCV is the primary stream at the rural campuses (Umbumbulu/Appelsbosch) to help bridge students into the workforce.
3. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
Coastal KZN uses the Coltech system. Paper applications are rarely accepted at the urban campuses.
Step 1: The Compulsory Placement Assessment
- Warning: The system will not let you submit an application until you have done this test.
- Go to the college website (www.coastalkzn.co.za).
- Click on “Online Application” or “Pre-Entry Screening”.
- Register and complete the test (Literacy and Numeracy).
- Tip: Do this on a computer, not a phone. The screen is text-heavy.
Step 2: Create a Profile
- Select “New Applicant”.
- Enter your ID Number.
- Create a 5-digit PIN.
- Note: If you get an error saying “ID already exists,” it means you applied before. Use the “Forgot Pin” function.
Step 3: Choose Your Campus & Course
- Select Year: 2026.
- Select Campus: Be strategic. Swinton fills up first. If you live in Umlazi, apply to Umlazi V to increase your chances.
- Select Course: e.g., “National Diploma: Mechanical Engineering N4”.
Step 4: Upload Documents
- Certified ID.
- Certified School Results.
- Proof of Residence: Critical for NSFAS and campus allocation.
Step 5: The “Awaiting Selection” Wait
- You will not get an immediate answer.
- The Selection Committee sits after the closing date.
- Check your status on the portal weekly. If it changes to “Provisionally Accepted,” you must accept the offer within the timeframe (usually 3 days).
4. 2026 Application Dates (Estimates)
- Semester 1 (Business):
- Opens: September 2025.
- Closes: 30 November 2025.
- Trimester 1 (Engineering):
- Opens: September 2025.
- Closes: End of November 2025.
- Late Applications: Sometimes open in the second week of January 2026 for specific courses (check Facebook).
- Occupational Skills: Open throughout the year depending on funding (SETA).
5. Fees and NSFAS
Coastal KZN is a public college.
- Engineering (Trimester): Approx. R2,800 per trimester.
- Business (Semester): Approx. R3,200 per semester.
- Tooling Apprenticeship: Often fully funded by TETA or MERSETA (you might even get a stipend), but competition is extreme.
- NSFAS:
- Allowances: Transport allowances are vital here as many students commute from townships to Swinton/Congella.
- How to Apply: Apply via myNSFAS.
6. Residence and Accommodation
- Official Hostels: Coastal KZN has very limited official accommodation.
- Umbumbulu and Appelsbosch have small residences for rural students.
- Durban/Swinton: Do NOT have on-campus hostels.
- Private Accommodation: Most students live in private digs in Glenwood, Umbilo, or Umlazi. NSFAS provides an accommodation allowance for accredited private landlords.
FAQ: Coastal KZN TVET College
Q: Is the Tooling course difficult?
A: Yes. It is considered one of the elite trades. It requires high precision, good math skills, and patience. However, qualified Toolmakers are highly paid and sought after by the automotive industry (Toyota/BMW).
Q: Can I study Maritime Studies here?
A: While Durban is a port city, Coastal KZN’s main maritime focus is usually short skills courses or logistics (Business side). For specialized “Seafarer” training, students often look at the DUT Maritime School or private providers, but Coastal offers the Transport & Logistics NCV course which is a good entry point.
Q: Do they accept “Walk-Ins”?
A: Generally, No. The Durban and Swinton campuses are too busy to handle physical queues. Security will turn you away. Use the online portal. Rural campuses (As-Salaam/Appelsbosch) are sometimes more lenient with manual forms for local community members.
Conclusion: The Industrial Giant
Coastal KZN TVET College is the engine room of Durban. If you want a job in the factories of Mobeni, the logistics warehouses of the Port, or the construction sites of Umhlanga, this is where you start.
Action: If you are aiming for Swinton (Engineering), apply before October. That campus is oversubscribed every single year.
Disclaimer: Course offerings and fees are subject to change. Always verify with the official Coastal KZN TVET College Prospectus 2026.