Key Takeaways: The NATED Pathway
- What is it? “NATED” (or Report 191) is the classic South African technical curriculum. It is modular (3-6 months per level).
- The Goal: Completion of N6 + 18/24 months of work experience = National N Diploma (NQF Level 6), which is equivalent to a university diploma.
- Engineering: Runs on Trimesters (3 months). Intakes in January, May, September.
- Business: Runs on Semesters (6 months). Intakes in January, July.
- Entry: N1 requires Grade 9. N4 requires Matric (NSC).
- Availability: Offered at all 50 public TVET colleges in SA.
In 2026, while universities are turning away thousands of applicants, South Africa’s TVET Colleges are actively recruiting for their NATED (Report 191) programs.
Unlike the NCV (National Certificate Vocational) which requires a full year commitment, NATED courses are fast-paced and flexible. You can finish a certificate in 3 months, go work for a while, and come back for the next level. This flexibility makes them the most popular choice for students who want to become artisans, administrators, or managers.
However, the list of courses is vast and often confusing. What is the difference between “Business Management” and “Public Management”? Do you need Math for Engineering N1?
Here is the complete catalog of NATED courses available for 2026 enrollment, broken down by stream.
Stream 1: Engineering Studies (N1 – N6)
Structure: Trimester System (3 Months per level).
Intakes: January, May, September 2026.
Entry Requirement:
- N1: Grade 9 Pass (with Maths & Science).
- N4: National Senior Certificate (Matric) with Mathematics (Pure Math) and Physical Science. Note: Math Lit students usually have to start at N2 or N3 bridging.
1. Electrical Engineering
- Heavy Current: Focuses on high-voltage power, transformers, and grid networks.
- Career: Electrician at Eskom, Mines, or Municipalities.
- Light Current (Instrumentation & Electronics): Focuses on circuit boards, radio signals, and digital systems.
- Career: Instrument Technician, Telecommunications Tech.
2. Mechanical Engineering
- Fitting and Turning: The most in-demand trade. Involves manufacturing parts and maintaining machinery.
- Boilermaking / Fabrication: Working with steel plates and welding.
- Motor Mechanics: Repairing petrol and diesel engines.
- Millwright: A hybrid of Electrical and Mechanical (The “Super Artisan”).
3. Civil Engineering
- Bricklaying & Plastering: The foundation of construction.
- Plumbing: Water and waste systems.
- Woodworkers / Carpentry: Roofs and furniture.
4. Chemical Engineering
- Water and Waste Water Treatment: Managing municipal water plants.
- Process Plant Operations: Managing chemical flows in factories (Sasol/Engen).
Stream 2: Business Studies (N4 – N6)
Structure: Semester System (6 Months per level).
Intakes: January, July 2026.
Entry Requirement:
- N4: National Senior Certificate (NSC) or NCV Level 4.
- Subjects: No specific subject requirements, though Accounting is highly recommended for Financial Management.
1. Management Assistant
- Focus: Office administration, advanced computer skills, information processing, and communication.
- Career: Personal Assistant (PA), Office Manager, Executive Secretary.
- Note: This is often the course with the highest employment rate because every company needs admin staff.
2. Human Resource Management (HR)
- Focus: Labour law, personnel training, recruitment, and payroll.
- Career: HR Officer, Recruitment Consultant, Labour Relations Officer.
3. Financial Management
- Focus: Computerized financial systems (Pastel/Sage), cost accounting, and tax.
- Career: Bookkeeper, Assistant Accountant, Payroll Clerk.
- Warning: This course is math-heavy.
4. Marketing Management
- Focus: Consumer behavior, sales management, advertising, and market research.
- Career: Sales Rep, Marketing Assistant, Social Media Manager.
5. Public Management
- Focus: Government administration, municipal structures, and public law.
- Career: Government Clerk, Municipal Officer.
6. Business Management
- Focus: Entrepreneurship, running a business, and general management principles.
- Career: Small Business Owner, Store Manager.
Stream 3: Utility & Social Studies (N4 – N6)
Structure: Semester System (6 Months per level).
Intakes: January, July 2026.
1. Educare
- Focus: Early Childhood Development (0-5 years), child psychology, and daycare management.
- Career: Crèche Teacher, Daycare Owner, Au Pair.
- Note: You must love children. Practicals involve working in a crèche.
2. Tourism
- Focus: Travel destinations, hotel operations, and tourism communication.
- Career: Travel Agent, Tour Guide, Hotel Receptionist.
3. Hospitality & Catering
- Focus: Food preparation (Chef skills), nutrition, and restaurant management.
- Career: Chef, Caterer, Restaurant Manager.
4. Legal Secretary
- Focus: Office practice with a specific focus on legal terminology and court procedures.
- Career: Secretary in a Law Firm.
5. Farming Management (Agriculture)
- Focus: Plant and animal production, farm mechanics, and agri-business.
- Career: Farm Manager, Agricultural Extension Officer.
4. The “National Diploma” (The End Goal)
Many students stop at N6, but this is a mistake. The N6 certificate by itself is only NQF Level 5 (a Higher Certificate equivalent).
To get the National N Diploma (NQF Level 6), which is recognized as a full Diploma:
- Complete Theory: Pass N4, N5, and N6 (18 months of study).
- Complete Practicals: Find a job or internship in your field.
- Business/Utility: Work for 18 months.
- Engineering: Work for 24 months.
- Apply for Diploma: Submit your Logbook (signed by your employer) to the Department of Higher Education (DHET).
- Graduation: You then receive the National Diploma.
5. 2026 Academic Calendar (When to Apply)
If you want to enroll in 2026, you must hit these windows.
Engineering (Trimesters):
- Trimester 1: Registration in January (Classes Jan – Mar).
- Trimester 2: Registration in May (Classes May – Aug).
- Trimester 3: Registration in September (Classes Sept – Nov).
Business / Utility (Semesters):
- Semester 1: Registration in January (Classes Jan – June).
- Semester 2: Registration in July (Classes July – Nov).
6. How to Choose the Right Course?
- Look at your Matric Subjects:
- Good Math/Science? -> Engineering.
- Good Accounting? -> Financial Management.
- Good English/History? -> Public Management or HR.
- Look at your Location:
- Live near mines (Rustenburg/Welkom)? -> Boilermaking or Electrical.
- Live in a city (JHB/Cape Town)? -> Management Assistant or IT.
- Look at the “Skills Shortage”:
- South Africa currently has a massive shortage of Artisans (Electricians/Plumbers) and Early Childhood Teachers (Educare). These offer the best job security.
Summary
NATED courses are the backbone of the South African economy. They are practical, affordable, and faster than university degrees.
Action: Go to your local TVET College website (e.g., Orbit, Majuba, False Bay). Check if they offer the specific NATED stream you want (not all colleges offer all courses). Prepare your documents for the next intake window.
Disclaimer: Course availability varies by campus. Always consult the 2026 Prospectus of your chosen college.