KZN TVET Colleges - Complete 2026 Guide & Applications

KZN TVET Colleges

Complete 2026 Guide & Applications

Technical & Vocational Education Training

Your complete guide to all 10 TVET Colleges in KwaZulu-Natal for 2026 admissions. Find programs, requirements, and application information.

10 TVET Colleges
150+ Campuses
200+ Programs
R150 Avg. Application Fee

All KZN TVET Colleges

10 public TVET colleges with multiple campuses across KwaZulu-Natal

Large

Coastal TVET College

7 campuses along KZN coast

  • Business Studies
  • Engineering
  • Hospitality
Apply Now
Medium

Elangeni TVET College

6 campuses in northern KZN

  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical
  • Business Management
Apply Now
Medium

Esayidi TVET College

Southern KZN region

  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • IT & Computer Science
  • Safety in Society
Apply Now
Large

Majuba TVET College

Northern KZN industrial hub

  • Engineering Studies
  • Business Studies
  • Utility Studies
Apply Now

Mnambithi TVET College

Ladysmith area

  • Agriculture
  • Business Management
  • Engineering
Apply Now

Mthashana TVET College

Northern Zululand

  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Hospitality
Apply Now
Urban

Thekwini TVET College

Durban metropolitan area

  • Business Studies
  • Engineering
  • Tourism
Apply Now

Umfolozi TVET College

Richards Bay area

  • Agriculture
  • Engineering
  • Business
Apply Now

Umgungundlovu TVET College

Pietermaritzburg area

  • Business Management
  • IT & Computer Science
  • Hospitality
Apply Now
Multi-campus

Gert Sibande TVET College

Multiple campuses in KZN/Mpumalanga

  • Engineering Studies
  • Business Studies
  • Safety in Society
Apply Now

How to Apply for 2026

Important: Each TVET college has its own application process. Most accept direct applications through their websites.
1

Choose Your College & Program

Select from the 10 TVET colleges and browse their available programs for 2026.

2

Download Application Form

Visit the college's official website and download the 2026 application form.

3

Complete Application Form

Fill in all required information accurately. Most forms require:

  • Personal details
  • Academic background
  • Program choices (usually 3 options)
4

Attach Required Documents

Certified copies of:

  • ID document/Birth certificate
  • Latest academic results
  • Proof of residence
  • Parent/guardian ID (if under 18)
5

Submit & Pay Fee

Submit completed form with documents. Application fee ranges from R100-R200.

Walk-in Application Process

Many TVET colleges accept walk-in applications at their campuses:

  • Visit the campus admissions office
  • Collect application form
  • Complete form on-site with assistance
  • Submit with required documents
  • Pay application fee at campus cashier

Best for: Students who need assistance or don't have internet access.

Online Application Portal

Some colleges offer online application portals:

  • Visit college website
  • Create online account
  • Fill digital application form
  • Upload scanned documents
  • Pay online via credit card/EFT

Available at: Thekwini, Coastal, Majuba, and other larger colleges.

2026 Deadlines: Applications typically open in April 2025 and close in September 2025. Early application is recommended.

Popular TVET Programs

Civil Engineering

N1-N6, Construction

Engineering

Electrical Engineering

N1-N6, Installation

Engineering

Business Management

N4-N6, NCV L2-L4

Business

Financial Management

N4-N6, Bookkeeping

Business

Hospitality & Tourism

NCV L2-L4

Services

IT & Computer Science

N4-N6, NCV L2-L4

Technology

Safety in Society

NCV L2-L4

Services

Primary Agriculture

NCV L2-L4

Agriculture

About TVET Qualifications

NCV (National Certificate Vocational): Levels 2-4, 3-year programs with 70% practical training.

Report 191 (NATED): N1-N6 engineering/business programs, includes 18 months workplace experience.

Skills Programs: Short courses for specific workplace skills.

Funding & Financial Aid

Good News: TVET college students are eligible for NSFAS funding, covering tuition, accommodation, and learning materials.

NSFAS Funding

Covers tuition, accommodation, transport, and learning materials for qualifying students.

Apply on NSFAS

College Bursaries

Some colleges offer merit-based bursaries for top-performing students.

Learn More

SETA Funding

Sector Education and Training Authorities fund specific programs aligned with industries.

SETA Info
Funding Type Coverage Eligibility Application
NSFAS Bursary Full cost of study South African, household income < R350k Online via NSFAS portal
TVET College Bursary Partial tuition Academic merit, financial need College application
SETA Bursary Program-specific costs Field of study alignment Via college or SETA

TVET Colleges FAQ

What is the difference between TVET and university?

TVET Colleges: Focus on practical, skills-based training for specific careers. Shorter programs (1-3 years), more hands-on training, direct entry to workforce.

Universities: Focus on theoretical knowledge and research. Longer programs (3-4+ years), academic focus, broader career paths.

TVET advantages: More affordable, quicker employment, practical skills, industry-aligned training.

How much are TVET college fees?

TVET college fees vary by program and college:

  • Application fee: R100 - R200 (non-refundable)
  • Tuition fees: R3,000 - R15,000 per year depending on program
  • NCV programs: Generally lower fees (R3,000 - R8,000/year)
  • NATED programs: Higher fees (R8,000 - R15,000/year)
  • Accommodation: R1,000 - R2,500 per month if available

Most students qualify for NSFAS funding which covers all costs.

Can I apply to multiple TVET colleges?

Yes, you can apply to as many TVET colleges as you want. Each college requires:

  • Separate application form
  • Separate application fee
  • Separate set of documents

Recommendation: Apply to 2-3 colleges to increase your chances. Prioritize based on location, program availability, and campus facilities.

What documents do I need to apply?

Required documents (certified copies):

  • ID document/Birth certificate
  • Latest school report/Grade 12 certificate
  • Proof of residence
  • Parent/guardian ID (if under 18)
  • Marriage certificate/divorce decree (if applicable)
  • Study permit (international students)

Additional for NSFAS:

  • Parents/guardians ID documents
  • Proof of income/salary slips
  • Social grant confirmations if applicable
Can I upgrade from TVET to university?

Yes, TVET qualifications can provide pathways to universities:

  • NCV Level 4: Equivalent to Grade 12, can apply for university
  • N6 Diploma + 18 months experience: Can apply for Bachelor of Technology (BTech)
  • Some universities: Offer recognition of prior learning for TVET qualifications
  • Articulation agreements: Some TVET colleges have agreements with specific universities

Check with individual universities for their specific recognition policies.