What Are TVET Colleges
What Are TVET Colleges
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are specialized institutions that offer education and training geared toward various technical and vocational fields. Unlike traditional academic schools that focus mainly on theoretical knowledge, TVET colleges emphasize practical skills, providing students with hands-on experience that prepares them for direct entry into the workforce. These colleges cover a broad range of programs, including engineering, business management, hospitality, information technology, art and design, and more. TVET colleges provide an important alternative to conventional academic paths. They aim to equip students with job-ready skills that meet the demands of the industry. This hands-on approach not only makes learning more engaging but also aligns education with the real-world requirements of employers, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their chosen careers.
One of the key roles of TVET colleges is bridging the gap between formal education and labor market needs. Many industries face a shortage of skilled workers, and TVET institutions directly contribute to addressing this by training students in various trades and professions. This connection benefits both the economy, which gains a skilled workforce, and students, who enjoy better employment prospects. Courses offered by TVET colleges are designed to develop specific technical competencies, often combining classroom instruction with practical workshops or internships.
This combination helps students build confidence and competence in their field. Whether you’re interested in becoming an electrician, a chef, a business administrator, or a designer, TVET colleges offer tailored programs that suit these goals. TVET colleges promote entrepreneurial skills, helping students not only find jobs but also create self-employment opportunities. This is crucial in fostering innovation and economic growth. Overall, TVET colleges provide an accessible, practical, and career-focused education alternative that supports both individual advancement and broader industry needs.
Read Also: Tvet College Online Application 2026-2027
What Are TVET Colleges
Technical and Vocational Education and Training(TVET) college is an internationally recognised term that is given to an educational institution that is involved in the study of technologies and related sciences in the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding, and knowledge relating to professional occupations.
TVET colleges were introduced to South Africa in 2012, and there are now 50 TVET colleges across South Africa. All of the previously existing FET (Further Education Training) colleges changed their names to TVET colleges under the management of the DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training). Prospective college students can receive their skills-focused National Certificate Vocational by completing skills training programmes at these college campuses.
Benefits Of Studying At TVET Colleges
Below are the benefits of studying in TVET Colleges:
- TVET colleges develop practical and other skills for a wide variety of jobs. The colleges maintain close links with key role players in industry and commerce to ensure that their courses are responsive to labour market needs.
- The entrepreneurship skills acquired at TVET colleges can be used to start businesses, e.g. in catering, building construction, Information Technology, tourism, or hairdressing.
- TVET colleges are accessible to all young people, especially to youth from previously disadvantaged communities who live in poor rural areas.
- TVET colleges are rooted in their communities and provide education and training to members of their own and nearby communities.
- The colleges develop the skills that are needed in local businesses and in government departments. People with a college qualification generally earn about 60% more than those with only a matric.
- Studies conducted in South Africa found that individuals who have completed some level of further study after leaving school are between two and three times more likely to be employed. This means that having a TVET qualification can nearly double your chances of finding employment compared to a matric certificate.
- Public TVET colleges try to arrange for students to gain practical work experience with employers in their fields of study.
- The fees for studying at TVET College are low compared to fees for other post-school education.
- The government provides funding to cover part or all of the study fees of learners who cannot afford to pay for further education.
Programs and Courses Offered At TVET Colleges:
TVET colleges provide a diverse range of programs and courses tailored to specific industries. These include:
- Wholesale and Retail Operations
- Water and Wastewater Treatment
- Water Reticulation Services
- End-User computing
- General Security Practice
- Sports coaching
- Accounting Technician
- Fibre Processing and Manufacturing ( FP & M SETA)
- Furniture Making
- Health and Wealth (HWSETA)
- Fitting and Turning
- Electrical
- Automotive
- Education Training and Development Practices ( ETDP-SETA)
- Early childhood Development
- Wholesale and Retail SETA
- Wholesale and Retail Operations
- Education and Development
- Finance, Economics, and Accounting
- Information Technology and Computer Practice
- Mechatronics
- Office AdministrationTourism
- Civil Engineering and Building Construction
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Engineering and Related Design
- Safety In Society
- National Skill Fund ( NSF Project )
- Automotive Repair and Maintenance
- Fitting
- Mechatronics
- Motor Mechanic
How to Apply for a TVET College Online Application
Follow these steps to apply:
- All new applicants must complete the Placement Screening Test before applying. We will not process applications without doing a placement screening test first.
- You can apply online by visiting the College Online Application portal
- Applicants can also visit the school to book an online application session.
- Applicants can apply for NSFAS Funding or search for other available bursaries.
- You can use either your smartphone, tablet, or computer to apply online via the student i-Enabler, using your PIN and student number to log on
- Applicants should apply for admission to the current level and the next level of their application
- Make sure you upload all the required documents and pay the necessary fees.
List of TVET Colleges In South Africa
Below are the TVET Colleges in South Africa:
Gauteng
- Central Johannesburg TVET College
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College
- Sedibeng TVET College
- South West Gauteng TVET College
- Tshwane North TVET College
- Tshwane South TVET College
- Western TVET College
KwaZulu-Natal
- Coastal TVET College
- Elangeni TVET College
- Esayidi TVET College
- Majuba TVET College
- Mnambithi TVET College
- Mthashana TVET College
- Thekwini TVET College
- Umfolozi TVET College
- Umgungundlovu TVET College
Western Cape
- Boland TVET College
- College of Cape Town
- False Bay College
- Northlink TVET College
- South Cape TVET College
- West Coast TVET College
Eastern Cape
- Buffalo City TVET College
- Eastcape Midlands TVET College
- Ikhala TVET College
- Ingwe TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College
- King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
- Lovedale TVET College
- Port Elizabeth TVET College
Free State
- Flavius Mareka TVET College
- Goldfields TVET College
- Maluti TVET College
- Motheo TVET College
Limpopo
- Capricorn TVET College
- Lephalale TVET College
- Letaba TVET College
- Mopani South East TVET College
- Sekhukhune TVET College
- Vhembe TVET College
- Waterberg TVET College
Mpumalanga
- Ehlanzeni TVET College
- Gert Sibande TVET College
- Nkangala TVET College
Northern Cape
- Northern Cape Urban TVET College
- Northern Cape Rural TVET College
North West
- Orbit TVET College
- Taletso TVET College
- Vuselela TVET College
Read Also: Tvet Colleges Online Application 2026-2027
Tvet College Contact Details
- Visit: 123 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria, South Africa
- Private Bag X174, Pretoria, 0001
- Contact Details: 0800 87 2222/+ 27 12 312 5911
- Email: callcentre@dhet.gov.za
TVET colleges offer a practical and efficient route to acquiring specialized skills and kick-starting a successful career. By providing industry-relevant training, hands-on experience, and diverse program options, these institutions open doors to a wide range of opportunities. Whether you aspire to become a skilled tradesperson, a healthcare professional, or a creative artist, a TVET college can shape your future and set you on a path towards success. For more enquiries, visit Tvets Colleges for more details.
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