Key Takeaways: Semester 2 Essentials
- Application Window: Expected to open May 2026 for the July intake.
- Campuses: 3 Main (Bloemfontein, Hillside View, Thaba ‘Nchu) + Satellites.
- Focus: Business Studies (Bloemfontein) and Engineering (Hillside).
- The Hurdle: You MUST complete the “Pre-Entry Placement Assessment” (Career Profiler) before applying.
- Mode: Online Only (i-Enabler).
- Courses: Mostly NATED (Report 191). NCV (Year courses) rarely open in Semester 2.
If you missed the January registration at the University of the Free State (UFS) or Central University of Technology (CUT), do not write off the year. Motheo TVET College in Bloemfontein offers a “Second Chance” intake in the middle of the year.
This is known as the Semester 2 Intake.
It is designed primarily for students who want to study Business Management, HR, or Public Management. Unlike the year-long courses that started in January, these “Semester” courses allow you to complete a full certificate (e.g., N4) in just 6 months, starting in July.
However, the application window is short (often just 2 weeks in May), and the online system is strict. This guide explains exactly how to catch this second bus, which campus you should target, and how to pass the mandatory “Career Profiler” test.
1. Important Dates: Semester 2 (2026)
- Applications Open: Expected 04 May 2026.
- Applications Close: Expected 29 May 2026.
- Classes Start: July 2026.
Warning: These dates are estimates based on the DHET calendar. You must check the Motheo Facebook page in late April.
2. The 3 Main Campuses: Know Your Destination
Motheo is the largest college in the Free State. It is critical you apply to the campus that actually offers your course, or you will be rejected.
1. Bloemfontein Campus (The Business Hub)
- Location: St Georges Street, Bloemfontein Central.
- Focus: Business Studies and Services.
- Vibe: Corporate. Located right in the CBD, it feels like a city campus.
- Courses: Management Assistant, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Financial Management.
- Best for: Students who want to work in offices or banks.
2. Hillside View Campus (The Engineering Hub)
- Location: Khomo Street, Mangaung (near the township).
- Focus: Engineering and IT.
- Vibe: Industrial. This is where the heavy machinery, workshops, and artisans are.
- Courses: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering.
- Note: Engineering operates on “Trimesters” (3 months), so their intakes are in January, May, and September.
3. Thaba ‘Nchu Campus
- Location: Bultfontein, Thaba ‘Nchu (Rural).
- Focus: Business and Introductory Engineering.
- Best for: Students living in the Botshabelo/Thaba ‘Nchu area who want to save on transport costs.
3. Admission Requirements (Semester 2)
Report 191 (NATED) – N4 Level
For Semester 2, you are almost exclusively applying for NATED N4.
- Requirement: National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Matric.
- Pass Level: A Diploma or Bachelor pass is preferred, but a Higher Certificate pass with good marks in specific subjects (like Accounting or English) is often accepted.
- Specific Subjects:
- Financial Management: Needs Accounting.
- Engineering N4: Needs Pure Maths (Not Math Lit) and Physical Science.
Can I apply for NCV (Level 2)?
Generally, NO. NCV courses are 1-year programs that run from January to December. It is very rare for Motheo to open NCV applications in July unless there are massive dropouts. Stick to NATED for mid-year applications.
4. The “Pre-Entry Placement Assessment” (Compulsory)
This is the step that blocks 50% of applicants. Motheo uses a “Career Profiler” to ensure you don’t apply for a course you aren’t suited for.
How it works:
- Go to the https://motheo.coltech.co.za
- Look for the link: “Class Placement Assessment” or “Career Guidance Test”.
- Register for the test (this is separate from the main application).
- Take the test: It takes 30-45 minutes. It tests your numeracy and reading speed.
- The Result: It will give you a “Recommended Stream” (e.g., “Business Studies”).
- Action: You do not need to upload the result, but the system “flags” your ID number. If you haven’t done the test, the main application button will simply not work for you.
5. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
Motheo uses the standard Coltech / i-Enabler interface.
Step 1: Login / Register
- If you applied before (even if rejected), use your existing Student Number and PIN.
- If new, click “New Applicant”.
- Create a profile. Write down your password.
Step 2: Submit Application
- Login.
- Click on “Submit Application”.
- Select Year: 2026.
- Select Period: “Semester 2” (for Business) or “Trimester 2” (for Engineering).
- Select Campus: (e.g., Bloemfontein Campus).
- Select Course: (e.g., N4 Human Resource Management).
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Certified ID Copy.
- Certified Matric Results.
- Proof of Residence: (Affidavit or Utility Bill).
- Next of Kin ID.
Step 4: Check Status
- You will not get an immediate answer.
- Check the portal every week. Look for “Provisionally Accepted”.
- If accepted, you usually have to “Accept the Offer” on the system within 48 hours.
6. Fees and Funding (Semester 2)
- Registration Fee: Unlike some colleges, Motheo often requires a small registration deposit if you are not NSFAS funded.
- Tuition: Approx. R3,000 – R4,000 for the semester.
- NSFAS:
- New Applications: NSFAS semester applications usually open for a short window in June/July.
- Returning Students: If you were funded in Semester 1 and passed, your funding continues automatically.
- Transport Allowance: Motheo students living in Botshabelo/Thaba ‘Nchu but studying in Bloemfontein qualify for a transport allowance.
7. What Can You Study? (Course List)
Business Studies (Semester 2 Intake):
- Human Resource Management: (Bloemfontein / Thaba ‘Nchu).
- Marketing Management: (Bloemfontein).
- Management Assistant: (Bloemfontein – Very popular).
- Financial Management: (Bloemfontein).
- Public Management: (Bloemfontein).
Engineering Studies (Trimester Intake):
- Electrical Engineering: (Hillside View).
- Mechanical Engineering: (Hillside View).
- Civil Engineering: (Hillside View).
FAQ: Motheo TVET College
Q: Does Motheo have a hostel?
A: Yes, the Bloemfontein Campus has a residence, but it is extremely full. Most mid-year students have to find private accommodation in the CBD or Willows area.
Q: Can I apply with Grade 11 for Semester 2?
A: No. N4 courses strictly require Grade 12. If you only have Grade 11, you must wait for the January 2027 intake to apply for NCV Level 2.
Q: Is the “Artisan and Skills” center open?
A: Yes, the Artisan Academy often has rolling intakes for specific trades like Welding or Bricklaying. These are often not on the main online portal—you must visit the Artisan Academy in person to enquire about “Learnerships.”
Conclusion: The Mid-Year Opportunity
Motheo TVET College is your best bet in the Free State for turning a “gap year” into a productive year. By starting in July, you can finish your N4 by December, meaning you are only 6 months behind the students who started in January.
Action: Mark 01 May 2026 on your calendar. Go to the website, do the Career Profiler test now (it is often open all year), so that when applications open, you are ready to click “Submit.”
Disclaimer: Application dates are estimates. Always check the official Motheo TVET website for confirmed 2026 dates.