Key Takeaways: TVET Basics
- NCV Courses: You can start with Grade 9. No Matric needed.
- NATED (N4-N6): You need a Matric Certificate (Grade 12).
- Duration: 3 Years (Theoretical) + 18 Months (Practical).
- Certification: Issued by the Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET).
- Funding: NSFAS funds both NCV and NATED courses.
There is a misconception in South Africa that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are a “last resort” for students who failed university. This could not be further from the truth.
In 2026, with the youth unemployment rate remaining high, TVET colleges are arguably the smartest route to employment. While university graduates struggle to find corporate jobs, TVET graduates—qualified as electricians, plumbers, and boilermakers—are starting their own businesses or walking straight into technical jobs.
But the TVET system is confusing. What is an N-Level? What is NCV? Can you apply with a Grade 9 report?
This guide breaks down the entire curriculum, lists the most popular courses for 2026, and explains exactly what marks you need to get in.
Part 1: The Two Types of Courses (NCV vs. NATED)
Before you choose a course, you must choose a “stream.” TVET colleges offer two distinct pathways.
1. National Certificate Vocational (NCV)
Who is it for? Students who have completed Grade 9, 10, or 11, or those who failed Matric and want a fresh start.
The Goal: It replaces Grade 10-12 schooling with career-focused training.
The Qualification: When you finish Level 4, you have a qualification equivalent to a Matric Certificate, but with a trade specialization.
- Level 2: Equivalent to Grade 10
- Level 3: Equivalent to Grade 11
- Level 4: Equivalent to Grade 12 (Matric)
2. NATED / Report 191 (N4 – N6)
Who is it for? Students who already have a Matric Certificate (Grade 12) but want a National Diploma.
The Goal: To get a tertiary qualification and practical work experience.
The Qualification:
- N4 – N6: 18 months of theory at the college.
- In-Service Training: 18 months of work experience.
- Final Award: National N Diploma.
Part 2: Admission Requirements 2026
Do you qualify? Here are the standard entry requirements across most of the 50 public TVET colleges (like Capricorn, Sedibeng, False Bay, and Majuba).
Requirements for NCV Courses (Level 2)
To enter at the ground level, you generally need:
- A Grade 9 Pass Report; OR
- An ABET Level 4 Certificate; OR
- A Grade 10 or 11 Report (Pass or Fail, depending on the college).
- Key Subject: Some engineering courses require you to have passed Mathematics (not Math Lit) in Grade 9.
Requirements for NATED Courses (N4)
To enter the N4 level, you need:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC): A Matric pass (Bachelor, Diploma, or Higher Certificate).
- Specific Subjects:
- Engineering Studies: You usually need 40%+ in Mathematics and Physical Science.
- Business Studies: No specific subject requirements, but Accounting is an advantage.
Part 3: List of Engineering Studies (N1 – N6)
These are the “Trade” subjects. They are highly practical and require good math skills.
Popular Courses:
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current): Working with power grids, transformers, and industrial electricity.
- Electrical Engineering (Light Current/Electronics): Working with circuit boards, telecommunications, and computers.
- Mechanical Engineering: Fitting and Turning, Automotive Repair, and Welding.
- Civil Engineering: Bricklaying, Plumbing, and Construction Management.
- Chemical Engineering: Water treatment and process control.
Career Paths:
- Electrician
- Millwright
- Diesel Mechanic
- Boilermaker
- Construction Foreman
Admission Score:
Most colleges require an APS score of roughly 20 – 24 for these streams, with a strict emphasis on Math and Science.
Part 4: List of Business & Utility Studies (N4 – N6)
These courses are designed for the corporate and service world. They are perfect if you have a Matric but didn’t get a Bachelor’s pass.
Popular Courses:
- Human Resource Management: Hiring, payroll, and labor law.
- Financial Management: Bookkeeping, tax, and accounting.
- Marketing Management: Sales, advertising, and brand strategy.
- Public Management: Working for government departments and municipalities.
- Management Assistant: Office administration and executive support.
- Educare: Early Childhood Development (teaching children aged 0-5).
- Tourism & Hospitality: Catering, hotel management, and travel agency operations.
Career Paths:
- HR Officer
- Accountant / Bookkeeper
- Personal Assistant (PA)
- Pre-school Teacher
- Hotel Manager
Admission Score:
These are more accessible. You often only need an APS of 18 – 20. Math Literacy is accepted for almost all of these (except Financial Management, which prefers Pure Math or Accounting).
Part 5: Which Colleges Are Open? (Top Picks for 2026)
There are 50 public colleges. Here are five of the largest that frequently have space for late applications in January.
- Tshwane South TVET College (Gauteng): Famous for its Engineering and Fitting/Turning workshops.
- False Bay TVET College (Western Cape): Excellent for Hospitality, Tourism, and Boat Building.
- Majuba TVET College (KZN): A massive college with multiple campuses specializing in heavy industry training.
- Capricorn TVET College (Limpopo): A hub for Business Studies and Engineering in the north.
- Sedibeng TVET College (Gauteng): Known for apprenticeships and close ties to the Vaal manufacturing industries.
FAQ: Common Questions About TVETs
Q: Does NSFAS pay for TVET Colleges?
A: Yes! In fact, NSFAS covers more students at TVETs than at universities. If your household income is under R350,000, they pay for your tuition, transport, and personal care allowance. They also pay for your accommodation if you live far from campus.
Q: Is a TVET Diploma recognized by employers?
A: Yes. The “National N Diploma” is a formal NQF Level 6 qualification. It is widely recognized in the public sector (government jobs) and technical industries.
Q: Can I go to University after TVET?
A: Yes, but it is a long route. If you complete your N6 and get your National Diploma, some universities of technology (like TUT or VUT) may allow you to apply for a B-Tech or Advanced Diploma, often giving you credit for the first year.
Q: What is the difference between “Math” and “Math Literacy” for TVET?
A: For Engineering (Electrical/Mechanical), you almost always need Pure Math. If you have Math Lit, you may be required to do a “Bridging Course” (N1-N3) before you can start N4. For Business/HR/Tourism, Math Lit is perfectly fine.
Conclusion: Choose Skills Over Status
In 2026, a degree does not guarantee a salary. A skill does.
If you enjoy working with your hands, solving practical problems, or organizing systems, a TVET college is not a step down—it is a step toward a paycheck.
Don’t wait. Registration for Semester 1 usually closes in the last week of January. Visit the campus nearest to you, bring your ID and latest school report, and sign up.
Next Step:
Now that you know the courses, you need to check if your specific marks meet the APS requirements.
Use our TVET APS Calculator to Check Your Eligibility
Disclaimer: Course offerings vary by campus. Always download the specific 2026 Prospectus of your chosen college to confirm availability.