Esayidi TVET College Application Dates for Trimester 2 2026 (Engineering Intake)

Key Takeaways: The Second Chance for Engineers

The Cycle: TVET Colleges run Engineering on “Trimesters” (3 months). If you missed January (T1), you can start in May (T2).

Opening Date: Applications are expected to open 01 April 2026.

Closing Date: Expected 20 April 2026.

Focus: This intake is STRICTLY for Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil). Business courses (HR, Admin) are closed until July.

Campuses: Port Shepstone (Main) and Kokstad are the engineering hubs.

Mode: Online via Coltech.¹ No paper forms.

If you are on the KZN South Coast and sitting at home because you missed the January registration, do not lose hope. Unlike universities that make you wait a whole year, Esayidi TVET College offers multiple entry points for technical students.

The Trimester 2 Intake is designed for students who want to become artisans. It allows you to start your N1 or N4 certificate in May and finish your first level by August.

However, this intake is often confusing because it is not open for everyone. If you apply for “Office Administration” in April, you will be rejected. This guide explains exactly which courses are open, which campuses offer them, and how to navigate the 2026 application window.

1. Confirmed Dates: Trimester 2 (2026)

Note: These dates are aligned with the DHET 2026 Academic Calendar but are subject to college confirmation.

Applications Open: 01 April 2026 (Estimated).
Applications Close: 20 April 2026 (Strict).
Registration: 04 May – 08 May 2026.
Classes Start: 11 May 2026.

Warning: The window is short—usually only 2 to 3 weeks. You must have your documents scanned and ready before April Fools’ Day.

2. Which Campuses Offer Engineering?

Esayidi has 6 campuses, but you cannot study engineering at all of them. Do not apply to the wrong site.

1. Port Shepstone Campus (The Engineering HQ)

Location: 3 Shooters Hill, Port Shepstone.
Focus: Heavy Engineering.
Vibe: This is the main campus. It houses the large workshops for Fitting & Turning and Electrical Heavy Current.
Best for: Students in the Ugu District (Margate, Shelly Beach).

2. Kokstad Campus

Location: 309 Main Street, Kokstad.
Focus: General Engineering.
Context: Serves the deep rural farming community and the Harry Gwala District.
Best for: Students from Matatiele, Harding, and Ixopo.

3. Umzimkhulu Campus

Location: Umzimkhulu.
Focus: Limited Engineering (Check availability).
Note: This campus often focuses more on Business/Utility studies, so check the specific course list on the portal before selecting it for Engineering.

3. What Can You Study? (Trimester 2)

This intake is for NATED (Report 191) Engineering only.

Electrical Engineering (N1 – N6)

Heavy Current: For working on high-voltage lines, factories, and mines.
Light Current (Instrumentation/Electronics): For fixing circuit boards, computers, and control systems.

Mechanical Engineering (N1 – N6)

Fitting and Turning: Manufacturing parts and fixing machinery.
Motor Mechanics: Vehicle repair (Diesel/Petrol).
Boilermaking: Welding and fabrication.

Civil Engineering (N1 – N6)

Bricklaying & Plastering.
Plumbing.
Woodworking.

What is CLOSED?

Business Management (N4): Closed (Opens in May for July intake).
Human Resource Management: Closed.
Tourism / Hospitality: Closed.
NCV Level 2: Closed (Year-long course).

4. Admission Requirements 2026

Esayidi is strict about Mathematics.

Entry into N1 (Beginner Level)

Requirement: Grade 9 Pass with Mathematics.
Who is this for? Students who failed Matric or have very low Matric marks. You start at the bottom and work your way up to N6.

Entry into N4 (Matric Level)

Requirement: National Senior Certificate (NSC) or NCV Level 4.
Subject Rule: You MUST have passed Mathematics (Pure Math) and Physical Science.
Math Lit: If you have Math Lit, Esayidi usually will not accept you into N4 Engineering. You must apply for N2 or N3 to bridge the gap.

5. How to Apply Online (Coltech Portal)

Esayidi uses the standard TVET online system.

Step 1: The Placement Test

Visit www.esayiditvet.co.za.
You cannot apply without completing the “Pre-Entry Placement Assessment”.
This test checks if you have the aptitude for engineering (e.g., spatial reasoning and math).
Tip: Do this now, before applications open in April. The result stays valid for the year.

Step 2: Submit Application

Go to the Online Application link.
Select “New Applicant” (if first time).
Select Period: “Trimester 2”. (If you select “Semester 2” by mistake, you won’t see any engineering courses).
Select Campus: Port Shepstone or Kokstad.

Step 3: Upload Documents

ID Copy (Certified).
Matric/Grade 11 Results (Certified).⁴
Proof of Residence (Affidavit or Bill).

Step 4: The Waiting Game

You will receive an SMS: “Application Received”.
Check your status weekly. If accepted, you will get an offer to register in May.

6. Fees and Funding

Tuition: Approx. R2,500 per trimester (3 months).
NSFAS:
- If you are already funded (applied in 2025/2026 Cycle), your funding continues.
- Transport Allowance: Esayidi students (especially in rural Kokstad) rely heavily on this. Ensure your banking details are correct on myNSFAS.

FAQ: Esayidi TVET College

Q: Can I apply for a hostel in Trimester 2?

A: It is very difficult. Hostels (like at Gamalakhe or Clydesdale) are usually filled in January by annual students. You will likely need to find private accommodation in Port Shepstone CBD.

Q: Do they accept “Walk-Ins”?

A: No. Security at the Port Shepstone campus is strict. They will not let you in without an SMS invitation or proof of registration. Use your phone to apply.

Q: I have Grade 11. Can I apply?

A: Yes, apply for N1 Engineering. It is the correct entry level for Grade 11.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait for July

If you want to be an artisan, waiting for the “Second Semester” (July) is a mistake. Engineering starts in May.

Get your documents ready. If you live in Margate or Gamalakhe, take a trip to the Port Shepstone campus outside the gate to scan the QR codes on the notice board for the latest updates.

Disclaimer: Application dates are estimates based on the DHET calendar. Always verify with the official Esayidi TVET College Facebook page in March.

This video is relevant because it provides a visual tutorial on navigating the specific online application portal used by Esayidi TVET College, which can be tricky for first-time users.