Sekhukhune TVET College Online Application 2026: The “Limpopo Powerhouse” Guide

Key Takeaways: The Rural Giant

• The Location: Sekhukhune TVET serves the vast rural area from Groblersdal to Burgersfort. It is the primary skills provider for the local mining and agriculture sectors.
• The System: Applications are 100% online via the Coltech portal. You cannot submit paper forms at the gate anymore.
• The “Golden Rule”: You MUST complete the Pre-Entry Assessment (Placement Test) online before the system will allow you to apply.
• The Campuses:
  • CS Barlow (Motetema): The main campus. Best for Civil Engineering & IT.
  • CN Phatudi (Praktiseer): Near the mines. Best for Electrical/Mechanical Engineering.
  • Apel: Serving the Ga-Nchabeleng area.
• 2026 Dates: Semester 2 (Business) usually opens 1 April 2026. Trimester 2 (Engineering) usually opens March/April 2026.

If you live in the Sekhukhune district, you know the struggle. You want to become an artisan to work at the mines in Burgersfort or Steelpoort, but the college application system is confusing and the internet is slow.

Sekhukhune TVET College is excellent, but it is strict. They have moved to a fully digital system to stop the long queues at the gate. If you don’t have an email address or a digital copy of your ID, you will be turned away.

Here is the definitive guide to applying correctly for the 2026 Trimester 2 and Semester 2 intakes.

1. The 3 Campuses: Where Must I Apply?

Don’t just apply to “Sekhukhune.” You must choose the campus that offers your trade. Traveling 50km to the wrong campus is an expensive mistake.

Campus	Location	Focus & Courses
CS Barlow	Motetema (Groblersdal)	The Main Hub. Offers Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering. It is also the Centre of Specialisation for Carpentry & Joinery.
CN Phatudi	Praktiseer (Burgersfort)	The Mining Hub. Located near the platinum belt. Best for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and Business Studies.
Apel	Ga-Nchabeleng	Community Campus. Focuses on Business Studies and fundamental Engineering.

Warning: If you want to study Civil Engineering, your best bet is CS Barlow. CN Phatudi focuses more on the heavy trades (Fitting/Electrical) needed by the mines.

2. 2026 Application Dates

Sekhukhune TVET follows the standard DHET calendar, but their windows are short.

Engineering Studies (Trimester)

• Trimester 2:
  • Opens: March/April 2026.
  • Classes Start: May 2026.
• Trimester 3:
  • Opens: July/August 2026.

Business Studies (Semester)

• Semester 2:
  • Opens: 1 April 2026.
  • Closes: 30 April 2026.
  • Classes Start: July 2026.

NCV (National Certificate Vocational)

• Intake: NCV is a year-long course (Grade 10-12 equivalent). Applications for 2026 closed in November 2025. You generally cannot enter NCV mid-year.

3. The Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Sekhukhune uses the Coltech system. It is mobile-friendly, but a computer is better.

Step 1: The Compulsory Pre-Screening

Before you can fill in the form, the college needs to know if you are suitable.

1. Go to the college website: www.sekhukhunetvet.edu.za.
2. Click on “Online Application”.
3. Look for the “Pre-Entry Assessment” or “Placement Test” link.
4. Answer the questions about your marks and interests.
5. Save the Proof: The system links this to your profile.

Step 2: The Coltech Portal

1. Go to the direct application link: sekhukhune.coltech.co.za.
2. New Students: Click “Register” (Create a profile).
3. Returning Students: Login with your Student Number.
4. Profile: Enter your ID Number, Cell Number, and Email.
   • Tip: Do not use a fake email. They send your acceptance letter there.

Step 3: Submit the Application

1. Login.
2. Click “Submit Application”.
3. Select Year: 2026.
4. Select Period: Semester 2 (Business) or Trimester 2 (Engineering).
5. Select Campus: (Refer to the table in Section 1).

Step 4: Upload Documents

• ID Copy: Certified PDF.
• Results: Certified Grade 12 or N3 results.
• Proof of Residence: Critical for the NSFAS Transport Allowance (especially if you travel from villages like Jane Furse or Nebo).

4. Entry Requirements

For NATED (N4-N6):

• Engineering: Matric (NSC) with Maths and Science. (Math Lit is often rejected for Electrical).
• Business: Matric (NSC) Pass.

For NCV (Level 2):

• Grade 9 Pass.
• Note: NCV is designed for school-leavers. If you already have Matric, try to get into NATED (N4) as it is faster (18 months vs 3 years).

5. NSFAS Funding & Accommodation

Sekhukhune is a rural college, so funding is critical.

• Transport Allowance: Most students live in local villages and commute. NSFAS provides a transport allowance directly to your bank account.
• Accommodation: There are private accredited accommodations in Motetema and Praktiseer. You must ensure your landlord is on the college’s accredited list if you want NSFAS to pay.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

1. The “Application Fee” Scam

• Scammers target students in Limpopo. They will message you on Facebook saying: “Pay R150 via E-wallet to secure your space.”
• The Truth: Application at Sekhukhune TVET is FREE. Never pay money to a personal number.

2. Applying Late

• Sekhukhune closes its system automatically. If the date is 1 May, the “Submit” button disappears. Do not wait for the last day.

Summary: Connect and Apply

The internet might be slow in your area, so go to an internet café in Groblersdal or Burgersfort to do this properly.

Action Plan:

1. Get a Gmail Address: If you don’t have one, create one today.
2. Scan Documents: Go to the police station to certify your ID, then scan it.
3. Do the Test: Complete the Placement Test on the website before applications open in April.

Disclaimer: Dates are estimates based on the DHET calendar. Always verify on the Sekhukhune TVET Facebook page.