Several courses can be studied at TVET Colleges. These TVET courses provide qualifications for students to enable them to compete adequately in the job market. The TVET courses are diverse, and there are many to choose from. In this article, we are going to talk about the courses that can be studied in a TVET college, but first, let’s take a look at what TVET is.
What Are TVET Colleges?
To start the conversation, allow us to begin by having the full scope of what TVET colleges are. In simple words, TVET stands for technical and vocational education training. This type of is not like the traditional type of education that we are used to. This is more focused on skills and practicals. They are meant to adequately prepare students for varied careers in various trades and industries. They also provide students with theoretical knowledge although they are predominantly hands-on experiences.
These colleges are accredited by the Department of Higher Education in South Africa. The establishment of these colleges goes a long way to decrease the rate of unemployment after higher education in the country.
TVET Courses Offered At TVET Colleges
There is a tall list of courses that are offered across all TVET Colleges in South Africa. These courses may vary depending on the location and policy changes but most of the courses are almost the same. Here is a list of courses that are offered at TVET colleges in South Africa.
- Business & Management Studies
Business Management
Human Resource Management
Financial Management
Marketing Management
Public Management
- Engineering Studies
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
- Social & Educational Studies
Educare (for Early Childhood Development)
Legal Secretary
- Occupational & Skills Programs
Short courses and artisan training programs designed for specific trades:
- Plumbing
Welding
Motor Mechanics
Boilermaking
Carpentry & Joinery
Hairdressing
Catering & Food Services
TVET Courses Requirement
There are so many courses that can be offered in TVET colleges. That notwithstanding, there are certain requirements that one has to meet when they are applying to these TVET colleges, here are the requirements;
- The applicant should have passed grade nine or higher
- The applicant should be at least 16 years of age
- Any person who is looking for a practical education is allowed to apply
- The duration is three years
- The applicant should also have the results of the latest exams taken thus their matric exam results
- A certified ID card is also required. In the absence of a national ID card, a passport will be accepted
- Last but not least, the applicant should present proof of residence
For courses in engineering, the applicant should have Grade 9 + Mathematics & Science.
For courses in Business Studies, the applicant should have Grade 9 with English & Mathematics
For courses in information and communication, applicants need Grade 9 with good Mathematics results.
For courses in Hospitality & Tourism, applicants need Grade 9 with English & basic communication skills.
For progression courses, You must complete NC(V) Level 2 before moving to Level 3 & 4
Does South Africa Have TVET Colleges?
Yes, South Africa has a lot of TVET colleges in all of its nine provinces. These colleges are distributed in a way that makes it easier for any potential applicant to apply with ease. The colleges are accredited by the Department of Higher Education. There are both public and private TVET colleges. In all South Africa has about 50 public TVET colleges.
TVET Colleges in South Africa
There are about 50 TVET Colleges in South Africa. These colleges are all over the nine provinces. Here is a list of TVET colleges in South Africa;
- Capricorn TVET College
- Lephalale TVET College
- Letaba TVET College
- Mopani South East TVET College
- Sekhukhune TVET College
- Vhembe TVET College
- Waterberg TVET College
- 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
- Boland TVET College
- College of Cape Town
- False Bay TVET College
- Northlink TVET College
- South Cape TVET College
- West Coast TVET College
- 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
- 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
- Orbit TVET College
- Taletso TVET College
- Vuselela TVET College
- Ehlanzeni TVET College
- Gert Sibande TVET College
- Nkangala TVET College
- Northern Cape Urban TVET College
- Northern Cape Rural TVET College
- Flavius Mareka TVET College
- Goldfields TVET College
- Maluti TVET College
- Motheo TVET College
How Does TVET Colleges Work?
TVET colleges are more focused on skills and practicals. They are meant to adequately prepare students for varied careers in various trades and industries. They also provide students with theoretical knowledge although they are predominantly hands-on experiences. The colleges offer National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] courses and NATED (Report 191) programs in various fields.
Minimum Entry Requirements for TVET Colleges
- The applicant should have passed grade nine or higher
- The applicant should be at least 16 years of age
- Any person who is looking for a practical education is allowed to apply
- The duration is three years
Importance of TVET Colleges
- TVET Colleges provides qualifications that are demanded in the job market like engineering, agriculture, and more
- The qualifications that are achieved after education bridge the gap between unemployment and employment as many people can take up entrepreneurial ventures after completing
- TVET colleges reduce unemployment and promote entrepreneurship
Which is the Best TVET Course?
There is no way to tell if a course that is being studied at a TVET college is the best or not. This is because, most of these courses prepares students with qualifications that are highly demanded in the job market. If for some reasons they are unable to be unemployed, they can be venture into entrepreneurial. Here are some courses that are best to be studied in a TVET college;
- Engineering Studies (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronics)
- Information Technology & Computer Science
- Business Management & Financial Management
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Educare (Early Childhood Development
- Safety in Society (Policing & Security Management)
- Welding & Fabrication
- Plumbing & Electrical Infrastructure
- Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
Which course Is The Best To Study At TVET College
There are so many courses to study at TVET Colleges but if you are looking for the best, then I guess you would be looking for a long time. These is because most of these courses although not tailored to suit individual preferences are tailored to give students qualifications that will help them immensely in the job market. If you are looking for such course, you may want to consider the following;
- Engineering Studies (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronics)
- Information Technology & Computer Science
- Business Management & Financial Management
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Educare (Early Childhood Development
- Safety in Society (Policing & Security Management)
- Welding & Fabrication
- Plumbing & Electrical Infrastructure
- Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
What Vocational Courses are offered in TVET Colleges in South Africa?
The courses that are offered in TVET colleges are a lot, some of these courses are vocational courses. Here is a list;
- Plumbing
- Welding & Fabrication
- Boilermaking
- Carpentry & Woodworking
- Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
- Bricklaying & Construction
- Motor Mechanic & Diesel Mechanics
- Electrical Trade Studies
- Fitting & Turning
- Agriculture & Farming
- Clothing
- Fashion and design
- Hospitality Management
What is the Best course to study in South Africa?
There are so many courses to study in South Africa. Here is a list of some of the best courses to study in South Africa;
- Medicine & Surgery (MBChB)
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Public Health
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Mechatronics & Robotics
- Chemical Engineering
- Accounting & Chartered Accountancy (CA)
- Business Management & Administration
- Economics & Finance
- Supply Chain & Logistics
- Marketing & Digital Marketing
- Best Universities
- Software Development & Programming
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Networking & Cloud Computing
- Game Development & Multimedia Design
- Accounting & Chartered Accountancy (CA)
- Business Management & Administration
- Economics & Finance
- Supply Chain & Logistics
- Marketing & Digital Marketing
- Best Universities
- Teaching (Foundation Phase & Senior Phase)
- Psychology & Counselling
- Social Work
- Public Administration & Policy Studies
- Law (LLB)
- Forensic Science & Criminology
- International Relations & Political Science
- Hotel & Tourism Management
- Event Planning & Catering
Which TVET Colleges Offer NSFAS?
NSFAS stands for National Students Financial Aid Scheme. It is a scheme, of financial assistance that is offered to students to offset their educational costs. Although one needs to apply for the NSFAS, not all colleges and educational institutions accept this scheme.
- You would have to be eligible for it. Here are the requirements for NSFAS;
- You should be a South African resident or a permanent resident
- You should either be enrolled in a TVET college or at least planning to be enrolled
- Your household income should exceed R350,000 or less
- For persons living with disabilities, their annual household income must not exceed R600,000
- A certified copy of an ID card or birth certificate
- Parents or guardian’s certified ID card
- Lastest school results
- Proof of residence these could be utility bills and slips
- Proof of household income
- Disability proof if applicable
Does NSFAS Cover TVET College Fee?
Yes, the NSFAS covers TVET college fees. Not only does it cover tuition fees, it covers the following as well;
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (for students living far from home)
- Transport allowance
- Study materials
TVET Colleges Course With Matric
After completing Matric Grade 12, you will be able to take any TVET courses.