TVET Colleges in Durban for Business Studies: The Complete Guide

Key Takeaways: Studying in the “031”

• The Hub: Durban is South Africa’s logistics and tourism capital. Business graduates here are often absorbed by the massive shipping, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors.
• The “Big Three” Publics: The main government colleges are Thekwini TVET, Coastal KZN TVET, and Elangeni TVET. These are fully funded by NSFAS.
• The Private Option: If you can’t get into a public college, Berea Technical College is a reputable, accredited private alternative in the city centre.
• Campus Choice Matters: Not every campus offers Business Studies. For example, at Thekwini, you want the Springfield or Melbourne campus, not the engineering-focused ones.
• The Qualification: You will likely study a NATED (N4–N6) Diploma. This requires 18 months of theory (in class) and 18 months of work experience (in-service) to graduate.

Durban is not just a holiday destination; it is the economic engine of KwaZulu-Natal. Between the bustling Port of Durban, the Toyota manufacturing plant in Prospecton, and the corporate offices in Umhlanga, the demand for skilled administrators, bookkeepers, and HR clerks is consistent.

While universities like UKZN and DUT offer high-level theory, TVET colleges in Durban offer something different: Work-Ready Skills.

If you are looking to enter the corporate world without a university degree, here is the definitive guide to the best colleges in the eThekwini region for Business Studies.

1. The “Big Three” Public TVET Colleges

In the Durban region, there are three major public colleges. These are government-subsidized, meaning fees are low (or free if you qualify for NSFAS), but queues are long.

1. Thekwini TVET College

Regarded by many as the premier college in the city, Thekwini has a strong reputation for academic stability.

• Best For: Public Management and HR.
• Key Business Campuses:
  • Springfield Campus: Located off Electron Road. This is the main hub for Business Studies. It is huge, modern, and accessible by taxi.
  • Melbourne Campus: Located on Sydney Road (near the harbour). Excellent for students interested in logistics-related administration.
  • Asherville Campus: Also offers selected business courses.
• Courses Offered:
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Public Management (Very popular for those wanting to work at eThekwini Municipality).
  • Marketing Management.
  • Financial Management.

2. Coastal KZN TVET College

This is the largest college in the province. It serves the southern basin of Durban (Umlazi, Bluff, Umbilo).

• Best For: Students living in the South of Durban or the Township areas.
• Key Business Campuses:
  • Durban Campus (Umbilo): Located on Umbilo Road. This is their flagship business campus.
  • Swinton Campus: Located in Mobeni. Heavily focused on business and skills training.
  • Umlazi-V and Umlazi-BB: Offers access to students directly within the township.
• Focus Areas: Coastal KZN is famous for its Tourism and Hospitality courses, which feed directly into Durban’s hotel industry.

3. Elangeni TVET College

Elangeni serves the western suburbs (Pinetown, Clermont, KwaDabeka).

• Best For: Students living in the “Highway Area” (Pinetown/Westville).
• Key Business Campus:
  • Pinetown Campus: Located in the heart of the Pinetown industrial zone. This is strategic because Pinetown is full of factories and HQs that need admin staff.
  • KwaDabeka Campus: Serves the local community with NATED courses.
• Vibe: Pinetown is a “working” town. The college has strong links with local industry for placement.

2. Reputable Private Colleges in Durban

If the queues at Thekwini are too long, or you missed the application deadline, the private sector is your safety net.

Note: NSFAS does not fund private colleges, but they often have more available seats.

Berea Technical College

• Location: 539 Anton Lembede Street (Smith Street), Durban CBD.
• Reputation: One of the oldest and most respected private colleges in the city. Unlike “fly-by-night” schools, Berea is fully accredited by Umalusi and the QCTO.
• Why choose it? They are famous for their 100% Pass Rate guarantee focus (offering free tuition if you fail despite attending classes). They focus heavily on getting you through the exams.

DUT (Durban University of Technology)

• Clarification: DUT is a University of Technology, not a TVET. However, many students apply here for National Diplomas.
• The Difference: DUT requires higher Matric points (Bachelor’s Pass usually). TVET colleges accept Diploma or Higher Certificate passes.

3. The Curriculum: What Will You Actually Study?

In Durban’s TVETs, you will generally choose between two streams. It is critical you pick the right one.

Stream A: NATED (Report 191) – The “Post-Matric” Route

This is for students who already have Matric.

• Structure: You do N4 (6 months), N5 (6 months), and N6 (6 months).
• Total Class Time: 18 Months.
• The “In-Service” Rule: After N6, you must work for 18 months in a relevant job (e.g., as an HR Intern) to get your National Diploma.
• Popular NATED Courses in Durban:
  • Public Management: Prepares you for jobs at the Department of Home Affairs or Durban Municipality.
  • Financial Management: Focuses on Computerised Financial Systems (Pastel/Sage).
  • Management Assistant: The modern “Secretary” qualification. High demand in law firms and corporate offices in Umhlanga.

Stream B: NCV (National Certificate Vocational) – The “Matric Alternative”

This is for students who passed Grade 9, 10, or 11.

• Structure: Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4.
• Duration: 3 Years.
• Outcome: Level 4 is equivalent to a Matric Certificate, but with trade-specific subjects.
• Why do it? If you are struggling in a normal high school, this allows you to finish “Matric” while learning Marketing or Finance.

4. Admission Requirements

For NATED (N4):

• NSC (Matric): Pass (Higher Certificate or Diploma level).
• Subject Requirements:
  • For Financial Management, you typically need Accounting in Matric.
  • For Public Management, there are usually no specific subject prerequisites, just a pass.

For NCV (Level 2):

• Grade 9: Pass.
• Mathematics: Passing Grade 9 Maths is usually required.

5. How to Apply: The “KZN” Process

Applying in Durban can be chaotic if you don’t know the system.

1. Online is King:

• Thekwini, Coastal, and Elangeni all use online application portals. They rarely accept walk-ins anymore due to safety and overcrowding.
• Timing: Semester 1 applications usually open in September/October of the previous year. Semester 2 opens in May.

2. The Placement Test:

• Before you are accepted, you will likely have to write a CAP Placement Test on campus. This tests your basic English and Maths literacy to ensure you can handle the course.

3. NSFAS Funding:

• Do not wait for the college to tell you to apply. Apply for NSFAS on www.nsfas.org.za as soon as applications open.
• Tip: If you live in a township (e.g., Umlazi or KwaMashu) and study at a campus far away (e.g., Pinetown), NSFAS provides a Transport Allowance.

6. Job Market: Where do Durban Grads Work?

Studying business in Durban puts you in a strategic position.

• Logistics (The Port): Durban has the busiest port in Africa. Graduates with Financial Management or Management Assistant qualifications are needed in the clearing and forwarding agencies in the Point and Maydon Wharf areas.
• Manufacturing (South Basin): The industrial zone (Prospecton/Jacobs) needs HR and Payroll clerks to manage thousands of factory workers.
• Government (CBD): The eThekwini Municipality is a massive employer of Public Management graduates.

Summary: Start Your Career in the 031

You don’t need a university degree to earn a good salary. A NATED Diploma in Financial Management, combined with 18 months of experience, makes you highly employable.

Action Plan:

1. Choose Your Campus: Look at where you live. If you are in Pinetown, go to Elangeni. If you are in Central/North, go to Thekwini Springfield. Transport costs eat your budget—study close to home.
2. Check Your Subjects: If you want to do Finance, check if you have Matric Accounting. If not, consider Public Management or HR.
3. Apply Early: The “good” campuses (Springfield and Umbilo) fill up within days.

Disclaimer: Campus offerings change based on demand. Always check the specific college prospectus to confirm if your desired course is offered at your desired campus.