Key Takeaways: The “Elangeni” Rulebook
- The Location: Elangeni TVET serves the western region of Durban, from Pinetown to Hammarsdale and Inanda.
- The Name Trap: The “Mpumalanga Campus” is located in Hammarsdale (KZN), NOT in the Mpumalanga province. Do not travel 500km by mistake!
- The System: Applications are 100% online via the Coltech / iEnabler portal.
- The “Gatekeeper”: You MUST complete the Pre-Entry Placement Test online before the system will allow you to choose a course.
- The Campuses:
- Pinetown: Main Hub (Engineering & Business).
- Inanda: Engineering & Safety in Society.
- KwaDabeka: Engineering (Fitting/Electrical).
- KwaMashu: Hospitality & IT.
- 2026 Dates: Trimester 2 (Engineering) usually opens April 2026. Semester 2 (Business) usually opens May 2026.
In the industrial heart of Pinetown, Elangeni TVET College is the training ground for the factories of Westmead and Hammarsdale. It is massive, with 8 campuses spreading all the way to Ndwedwe.
However, Elangeni is known for being strict with its “Catchment Areas.” They prefer students who live relatively close to the campus. If you apply to the Ndwedwe campus but live in Umlazi, you might struggle to get approved unless you have arranged your own transport (NSFAS transport allowances are strict).
Here is the definitive guide to getting into Elangeni for the 2026 Mid-Year Intake.
1. The 8 Campuses: Where Must I Apply?
Elangeni has specialized campuses. You must apply to the one that offers your specific trade.
| Campus | Location | Focus & Specialization |
| Pinetown | Pinetown (Bamboo Lane) | The Main Hub. Electrical (N1-N6), Mechanical, Business Management, Hospitality. |
| Mpumalanga | Hammarsdale (Shezi Rd) | Agriculture & Engineering. Primary Agriculture, Civil Engineering, IT. (Note: This is in KZN, not Mpumalanga province!) |
| Inanda | Inanda | Safety & Engineering. Safety in Society, Civil Engineering, Finance. |
| KwaDabeka | Clermont | Engineering. Electrical Infrastructure, Fitting & Turning. |
| KwaMashu | KwaMashu | Skills & Hospitality. Professional Cookery, IT, Office Admin. |
| Ndwedwe | Ndwedwe | Rural Hub. Civil Engineering, Public Management. |
| Ntuzuma | Ntuzuma | Civil & Electrical. Bricklaying, Plumbing. |
| Qadi | Botha’s Hill | Business & Civil. Finance, Office Admin. |
Warning: If you want to study Primary Agriculture, you MUST apply to the Mpumalanga (Hammarsdale) campus. Pinetown does not have the land for it.
2. 2026 Application Dates (Mid-Year)
Elangeni TVET follows the standard DHET calendar.
Engineering Studies (Trimester)
- Trimester 2 Intake:
- Application Window: Approx. April 2026.
- Classes Start: May 2026.
- Trimester 3 Intake:
- Application Window: Approx. August 2026.
Business Studies (Semester)
- Semester 2 Intake:
- Application Window: April – May 2026.
- Classes Start: July 2026.
NCV (National Certificate Vocational)
- Intake: NCV is a year-long course. Applications for 2026 closed in November 2025. You generally cannot enter NCV halfway through the year.
3. The Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Elangeni uses the Coltech system.
Step 1: The Compulsory Placement Test
You cannot skip this.
- Go to the Elangeni website:
www.elangeni.edu.za. - Click on “Online Application” or navigate to the Learner Profiler.
- Complete the test. It checks your Numeracy and Literacy levels.
- Important: If you fail the Numeracy part, the system will block you from selecting “Engineering.” It will suggest “Business” or “Utility” studies instead.
Step 2: The Coltech Portal
- Go to the application URL:
elangeni.coltech.co.za. - New Students: Select “Register”.
- Returning Students: Log in with your Student Number.
- Create Profile: Enter your ID, Email, and Phone Number.
- Verify Email: You must click the link sent to your email to activate the account.
Step 3: Submit the Application
- Log in.
- Click “Submit Application”.
- Select Year: 2026.
- Select Period: Semester 2 (Business) or Trimester 2 (Engineering).
- Select Campus: (Refer to the table in Section 1).
- Select Course: e.g., “National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering N4”.
Step 4: Upload Documents
- ID Copy: Certified PDF.
- Results: Certified Grade 12 or N3 results.
- Proof of Residence: Critical. Elangeni is strict about this for transport allowances.
4. Entry Requirements
For NATED Engineering (N4-N6):
- Requirement: Matric (NSC) with Maths and Physical Science.
- Math Literacy: Generally REJECTED for Electrical/Mechanical.
- Why? N-Level Engineering requires complex calculations. Math Lit does not provide the foundation.
- Alternative: If you have Math Lit, apply for Civil Engineering (Plumbing/Bricklaying) at Ntuzuma or Edendale, or do N1-N3 first.
For NATED Business (N4-N6):
- Requirement: Matric (NSC) Pass.
- Financial Management: Requires Accounting or Maths/Math Lit.
5. NSFAS Funding
Elangeni is a Public College, so NSFAS pays for:
- Tuition: 100% Free.
- Transport: Most students receive a transport allowance (paid to bank account or e-wallet).
- Accommodation: Elangeni has very limited hostels. Most students live at home or in private accommodation.
- Important: You must provide your NSFAS Reference Number during registration if you want to be cleared without paying the registration fee.
6. Common Errors to Avoid
1. The “Mpumalanga” Confusion
- Every year, students from Nelspruit (Mpumalanga Province) apply to the Mpumalanga Campus thinking it is near them.
- Reality: It is in Hammarsdale, KZN. If you arrive in Nelspruit looking for it, you are 600km away.
2. Applying for “Safety in Society” in May
- This is usually an NCV course (January start). Do not try to apply for it mid-year unless there is a special occupational intake.
Summary: Pinetown is the Hub
If you want the best engineering workshops, aim for the Pinetown or KwaDabeka campuses.
Action Plan:
- Do the Placement Test: Log in to the website today and finish it.
- Check your Maths: If you have Math Lit, be realistic. Apply for Public Management or Human Resources to ensure you get a spot.
- Watch the Dates: Applications open in April. Be ready.
Disclaimer: Campus locations and course offerings are subject to change. Always verify with the Elangeni Central Office in Pinetown.