TVET Colleges

Training (DHET). Most have several campuses, so there's a good chance one is closer to home than you think — no need to relocate to a big city just to start studying.

TVET colleges are built for people who want practical, hands-on skills that lead straight into a trade or a job — think engineering, business, IT support, hospitality and more. You can get in with a Grade 9 or Grade 10 pass in many programmes, which is lower than what most universities ask for, making this a genuine second route for learners who didn't quite hit university entry requirements, or who simply want to start working sooner. Courses are offered as NC(V) (National Certificate: Vocational, taught in three levels similar to Grades 10–12) or the older Report 191 (NATED) format, which mixes classroom theory with real workplace experience.

Cost is where TVET really stands out: it's cheaper than university, and NSFAS (the National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funds eligible TVET students too, covering tuition and sometimes a living allowance. That means a solid, respected qualification doesn't have to come with years of debt attached.

Because there are 50 colleges covering every province, this is genuinely a national network — from Coastal TVET College in KwaZulu-Natal to Boland TVET College in the Western Cape, Central Johannesburg TVET College in Gauteng, and Capricorn TVET College in Limpopo. Wherever you're based, there's very likely a campus within reach, teaching skills that employers are actively looking for.

If you want practical training, a shorter route into work, and a fee that won't keep you up at night, a TVET college is worth serious thought. Browse the TVET college listings below to find one near you.