TVET Colleges Open for 2026: Online Application & Deadlines

Public and private TVET colleges are accepting online applications for 2026 with closing dates ranging from Friday, January 16, 2026, to Friday, January 30, 2026.

Major institutions, including Sedibeng TVET College, Northlink TVET College, and False Bay TVET College, have confirmed open registration windows for NCV, NATED, and occupational programmes across Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo provinces.

This guide provides verified closing dates, direct application links, NSFAS eligibility confirmation, and step-by-step submission instructions for students seeking TVET placement in 2026.

All dates and application portals listed below were confirmed from official college admissions pages between Saturday, January 3, 2026, and Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Which TVET Colleges Are Currently Accepting Applications for 2026?

Sedibeng TVET College closes applications on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 13:30, while Majuba TVET College, Capricorn TVET College, and Elangeni TVET College accept submissions until Friday, January 30, 2026.

The table below lists 20 public TVET institutions with verified open status, exact closing dates, application portals, and NSFAS funding confirmation.

College Name	Province	Application Closing Date	NSFAS Funded	Application Portal
Sedibeng TVET College	Gauteng	Friday, January 16, 2026, at 13:30	✅ Yes	sedcol.co.za/apply (MySedcol portal)
Majuba TVET College	KwaZulu-Natal	Friday, January 30, 2026	✅ Yes	majuba.edu.za (Online Application)
Capricorn TVET College	Limpopo	Friday, January 30, 2026	✅ Yes	capricorn.coltech.co.za (Coltech portal)
Tshwane South TVET College	Gauteng	Mid-January 2026 (late enquiries)	✅ Yes	tsc.edu.za (CAP placement test required)
Elangeni TVET College	KwaZulu-Natal	Friday, January 30, 2026	✅ Yes	elangeni.edu.za/application-process
False Bay TVET College	Western Cape	Mid-January 2026 (limited spaces)	✅ Yes	falsebaycollege.co.za/apply
Northlink TVET College	Western Cape	Extended to October 30, 2025 (selected campuses)	✅ Yes	northlink.co.za/apply
Port Elizabeth TVET College	Eastern Cape	January 2026 registration windows	✅ Yes	pecollege.edu.za (Apply Now)
Mopani TVET College	Limpopo	Friday, November 15, 2025 (occupational programmes)	✅ Yes	mopanicollege.edu.za/online-application
Vhembe TVET College	Limpopo	Open (check PDF database form)	✅ Yes	vhembecollege.edu.za/online-application
Nkangala TVET College	Mpumalanga	Open for NCV and NATED	✅ Yes	nkangala.edu.za (Coltech portal)
Umfolozi TVET College	KwaZulu-Natal	Open for Engineering and Business	✅ Yes	umfolozi.edu.za
South West Gauteng TVET College	Gauteng	Check daily (clearing period)	✅ Yes	swgc.co.za
Motheo TVET College	Free State	Open for specific NCV programmes	✅ Yes	motheotvet.co.za
Gert Sibande TVET College	Mpumalanga	Open (Skills and Learnerships focus)	✅ Yes	gscollege.edu.za
Ekurhuleni East TVET College	Gauteng	Late January 2026	✅ Yes	ekueast.edu.za
Coastal KZN TVET College	KwaZulu-Natal	Open for 2026 applications	✅ Yes	coastalcollege.co.za
Ikhala TVET College	Eastern Cape	Friday, January 16, 2026	✅ Yes	ikhala.edu.za
Ehlanzeni TVET College	Mpumalanga	Registration open for new applicants	✅ Yes	ehlanzeni.edu.za
Eastcape Midlands TVET College	Eastern Cape	Registration open for 2026	✅ Yes	eastcape.edu.za

Application verification note: Dates in this table were confirmed from official college websites and admissions notices published between Saturday, January 3, 2026, and Tuesday, January 13, 2026. If your preferred college shows a past date, visit the college application portal directly to check for extended or reopened windows.

How to Apply to TVET Colleges Open for 2026 Online

Complete the online application form on the college portal, upload certified copies of your ID and latest school results, and submit before the stated closing date to receive an application reference number.

Most TVET colleges use the Coltech Student Portal system or institution-specific platforms like MySedcol for Sedibeng TVET College.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Select your college and verify the closing date using the table above or the college’s official application page.
2. Download the prospectus from the college website to identify programme codes, entry requirements, and campus locations.
3. Gather required documents in digital format:
   • Certified copy of South African ID or passport (both sides for smart ID)
   • Certified copy of latest school results (Grade 9, 10, 11, or final Matric certificate)
   • Proof of residential address (utility bill or municipal account not older than 3 months)
   • Any additional certificates for prior qualifications or learnerships
4. Complete the placement test if required. Tshwane South TVET College, Tshwane North TVET College, and Ekurhuleni West TVET College require a Pre-Screening or CAP (College Admission Point) test before the system accepts your application.
5. Register on the application portal using a valid email address and mobile number. Create a secure password and save your login credentials.
6. Fill in personal information, including full names as per ID, date of birth, contact details, and programme preferences (first choice and alternative programme).
7. Upload documents as PDF or JPG files. Keep each file under 3 MB for successful upload. Name files clearly, for example: “ID_Number_9876543210_ID_Copy.pdf” or “ID_Number_9876543210_Matric_Certificate.pdf.”
8. Submit the application and save the confirmation page. Your application reference number will appear on screen and be sent to your email address.
9. Track application status by logging back into the portal within 48 to 72 hours. If the status shows “Missing Documents” or “Under Review,” follow the portal instructions to reupload or provide additional information.

Document Upload Requirements

File format: PDF, JPG, or PNG
File size limit: 3 MB to 5 MB per document (varies by college)
Scan resolution: 300 dpi recommended for clear legibility
Certification requirement: All ID copies and academic results must be certified by a South African Police Service officer, commissioner of oaths, or registered professional person (such as an attorney, teacher, or bank manager) within the past 3 months.

Upload troubleshooting: If the portal rejects your file, reduce file size using a PDF compressor or image editor, ensure a stable internet connection, and reattempt upload. If problems persist after 3 attempts, email scanned documents directly to the admissions office using the contact details provided on the college’s apply page.

TVET Colleges Open for 2026 in Gauteng

Sedibeng TVET College, Tshwane South TVET College, South West Gauteng TVET College, and Ekurhuleni East TVET College are accepting applications for 2026 with closing dates between Thursday, January 16, 2026, and late January 2026.

Gauteng TVET institutions offer NCV programmes (Levels 2 to 4), NATED N1 to N6 Engineering courses, and occupational certificates in sectors including Information Technology, Hospitality, Business Management, and Utility Studies.

Gauteng TVET Colleges

• Sedibeng TVET College: Applications close Friday, January 16, 2026, at 13:30. Apply via MySedcol portal at sedcol.co.za/apply. Campuses are located in Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, and Sebokeng.
• Tshwane South TVET College: Late enquiries open until mid-January 2026. The CAP placement test is mandatory before application submission. Apply at tsc.edu.za. Campuses in Atteridgeville, Centurion, and Pretoria West.
• South West Gauteng TVET College: Clearing period active (check website daily). Serves Soweto, Roodepoort, and Randfontein. Apply at swgc.co.za.
• Ekurhuleni East TVET College: Late January 2026 deadline for registration and enquiries. Campuses in Benoni, Springs, and Nigel. Apply at ekueast.edu.za.
• Tshwane North TVET College: New applications for 2026 open, but N4 Business and Utility Studies are not available due to programme phase-out. Apply at tncollege.edu.za.
• Central Johannesburg TVET College: Open for selected courses in Engineering, Business, and Hospitality. Apply at cjc.edu.za.

Campus-specific deadlines: Some Gauteng colleges operate multiple campuses with different intake capacities. If your first-choice campus is full, check alternative campuses within the same college. For example, Motheo TVET College’s Thaba Nchu campus often has available spaces when the Bloemfontein campus reaches capacity.

Which TVET Colleges in KwaZulu-Natal Are Open for 2026 Applications?

Majuba TVET College, Elangeni TVET College, Umfolozi TVET College, and Coastal KZN TVET College accept applications until Thursday, January 30, 2026. KwaZulu-Natal hosts 9 public TVET colleges serving students across Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Newcastle, Richards Bay, and rural districts.

KwaZulu-Natal TVET Colleges

• Majuba TVET College: Late applications open until Friday, January 30, 2026. Offers Engineering N1 to N6, Business Management, and Hospitality programmes. Apply via Coltech portal at majuba.edu.za.
• Elangeni TVET College: Accepting applications for the second intake of Semester 1 until Friday, January 30, 2026. Specializes in HR Management, Marketing, and Information Technology. Apply at elangeni.edu.za/application-process.
• Umfolozi TVET College: Open for Engineering and Business Studies applications. Located in Richards Bay and the surrounding areas. Apply at umfolozi.edu.za.
• Coastal KZN TVET College: Open for 2026 applications across multiple campuses. Apply at coastalcollege.co.za.
• uMgungundlovu TVET College: Open until Friday, January 30, 2026, for part-time and online programmes. Serves Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands region. Apply at mgungundlovucollege.co.za.

Programme availability note: Engineering programmes (NATED N1 to N6) typically operate on a trimester system with intake periods in January, April, and July. Business Studies programmes (NCV Levels 2 to 4) follow a semester system with main intakes in January and July. If you miss the January 2026 intake for Engineering, the second trimester opens in March or April 2026.

TVET Colleges Open for Late Applications in 2026: What to Do If You Missed the Main Deadline

Contact the college admissions office immediately, request late application or waitlist placement, and prepare certified documents for expedited submission. Several TVET colleges extend deadlines or open late application windows to accommodate students who received Matric results in January 2026 or who missed earlier deadlines.

Late Application Strategy

1. Check for official late-application announcements: Visit the college news page or admissions portal for notices titled “Late Applications,” “Reopened Applications,” or “Clearing Period.” Northlink TVET College and other Western Cape colleges frequently post deadline extensions on their Facebook pages and official websites.
2. Call the admissions office directly: Use this script: “Good morning, my name is [full name], ID number [your 13-digit ID number]. I submitted my application on [date] for [programme name]. I am requesting late submission or waitlist consideration for the 2026 academic year. Can you advise on available options?”
3. Visit the campus admissions office in person: Bring certified original documents and 3 photocopies of each document. Arrive during office hours (typically Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00). Some colleges permit walk-in registration for students with complete documentation.
4. Prepare documents for immediate submission: Certified ID, certified Matric certificate or latest results, proof of residence, and any prior qualifications. Ensure all certifications are dated within the past 3 months.
5. Ask about second-semester or second-trimester intake: If the college cannot accommodate late entry for the January 2026 intake, request information about the mid-year intake period (typically June to August 2026).

Alternative Options for Students Who Missed TVET Deadlines

• Private vocational colleges: Institutions such as Boston City Campus, Damelin, and Lyceum College operate rolling admissions and can start courses within 2 to 4 weeks of application.
• Skills programmes and learnerships: Short-course skills programmes in trades such as welding, plumbing, bricklaying, and electrical installation often accept students year-round. Gert Sibande TVET College specializes in these programmes.
• Online and distance learning: Tshwane South TVET College offers distance learning options for General Studies programmes with flexible start dates.
• TVET colleges in neighboring provinces: If your provincial colleges are full, check colleges in adjacent provinces. For example, students in Mpumalanga can apply to Gauteng colleges, and students in the Free State can consider Northern Cape or North West colleges.

Is NSFAS Available for TVET Students in 2026 and How to Apply?

NSFAS provides bursary funding for eligible students at 50 public TVET colleges in South Africa. Students must meet household income requirements (combined family income below R350,000 per year) and apply separately through the myNSFAS portal at nsfas.org.za.

NSFAS Application Process for TVET Students

1. Verify your college is NSFAS-funded: Visit nsfas.org.za/content/TVETs.html and search for your college name in the TVET institutions directory. All colleges listed in the table above are NSFAS-funded.
2. Register on myNSFAS: Create an account at mynsfas.nsfas.org.za using your ID number, a valid email address, and a mobile number.
3. Complete the online application: Provide personal information, household income details, and upload supporting documents, including certified ID, proof of household income (payslips, pension statements, or unemployment letter), and proof of residence.
4. Submit your application before the NSFAS deadline: NSFAS bursary application closing dates often differ from college application deadlines. False Bay TVET College reports that NSFAS bursary applications closed on Friday, November 15, 2025, while study applications closed on Thursday, October 31, 2025.
5. Track application status: Log into myNSFAS regularly to check for requests for additional documentation or status updates. NSFAS communicates via SMS and email.
6. Accept the funding offer and register at college: Once NSFAS approves your application, you will receive a funding offer. Accept the offer on myNSFAS, then register at your TVET college and provide your NSFAS reference number to the college financial aid office.

Important NSFAS Timeline Considerations

NSFAS application deadlines close earlier than college registration periods. Students who apply to TVET colleges in January 2026 may face challenges if NSFAS closes applications in November 2025. If you missed the main NSFAS deadline:

• Contact the college financial aid office to inquire about late NSFAS applications or special consideration for students with firm placement offers.
• Ask about college bursaries, donor-funded bursaries, or payment plan options while awaiting NSFAS late application windows.
• Monitor the NSFAS website and social media channels for announcements about reopened or extended application periods.

NSFAS coverage: NSFAS funds tuition fees, prescribed learning materials, accommodation allowance (for students living more than 40 kilometers from campus), transport allowance, and living allowance. Students with disabilities receive additional allowances for assistive devices and personal care.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply to a TVET College in 2026?

Certified copies of your South African ID, latest school results (Grade 9, 10, 11, or Matric certificate), and proof of residence are mandatory for all TVET applications. Additional documents may include prior qualifications, workplace experience certificates for occupational programmes, and proof of household income if applying for NSFAS.

Complete TVET Application Document Checklist

1. Certified copy of South African ID or passport (both sides for smart ID)
   Certification must be dated within the past 3 months. Accepted certifiers include SAPS officers, commissioners of oaths, registered teachers, and bank managers.
2. Certified copy of the latest school results
   • If you completed Grade 12 in 2025, submit your National Senior Certificate (Matric certificate)
   • If you are currently in Grade 12, submit your Grade 11 final results
   • If you left school before Grade 12, submit your highest grade completed (Grade 9, 10, or 11)
3. Proof of residential address (not older than 3 months)
   Accepted documents include a municipal account, utility bill (water, electricity), bank statement showing residential address, or a signed affidavit from landlord or head of household.
4. Prior qualifications or certificates (if applicable)
   Submit certified copies of any trade certificates, NCV certificates from previous TVET registration, or workplace skills certificates.
5. Proof of household income (required for NSFAS applications)
   Include payslips for all employed household members, pension or grant statements, or an affidavit confirming unemployment.

Document Certification Requirements

Who can certify documents: South African Police Service officer, commissioner of oaths, attorney, notary public, registered teacher, bank manager, or municipal official.

Certification process: The certifier must inspect the original document, stamp or sign each page of the photocopy, write “certified true copy of the original,” include the date of certification, and include their name and official stamp or registration number.

Validity period: Most TVET colleges require certifications dated within 3 months of application submission. If your documents were certified in October 2025 and you apply in January 2026, the certification remains valid. Certifications older than 3 months may be rejected.

TVET Programme Options: NCV, NATED, and Occupational Certificates Explained

TVET colleges offer three main qualification types: National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Levels 2 to 4, NATED N1 to N6 Engineering diplomas, and occupational certificates aligned to specific trades. Each pathway serves different career goals and entry requirements.

National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Programmes

Entry requirement: Grade 9 pass for NCV Level 2
Duration: 3 years (Level 2, Level 3, Level 4)
Study mode: Full-time with 70% theory and 30% workplace experience
Available fields: Business and Services (Finance, Economics, Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Office Administration, Tourism, Hospitality), Engineering and Related (Civil Engineering, Electrical Infrastructure Construction, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Graphics Design), and Primary Agriculture.

Progression: NCV Level 4 certificate is equivalent to a National Senior Certificate (Matric) and qualifies students for entry into university diplomas or NATED N4 programmes.

NATED Programmes (N1 to N6)

Entry requirement: Grade 9 pass (with Mathematics and Physical Science) for N1; Matric or NCV Level 4 for direct entry to N4
Duration: N1 to N3 (foundational), N4 to N6 (diploma level)
Study mode: Trimester system with 3 intake periods per year (January, April, July)
Available fields: Engineering Studies (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Fitting and Turning, Boilermaking, Welding, Motor Trade Theory), Business Studies, IT, and Education.

Progression: N6 certificate plus 18 months of workplace experience (logbook) qualifies students for a National Diploma. Students can progress to university Bachelor of Technology degrees.

Occupational Certificates

Entry requirement: Varies by trade (typically Grade 9 or Grade 10)
Duration: 12 to 36 months, depending on trade complexity
Study mode: Combination of institutional learning and workplace-based learning
Available trades: Plumbing, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Panel Beating, Spray Painting, Upholstery, Beauty Therapy, Early Childhood Development, and other artisan trades.

Progression: Occupational certificates are registered on the National Qualifications Framework and qualify graduates for trade testing and red seal certification.

TVET Colleges in Western Cape and Eastern Cape: Current Application Status

Western Cape TVET Colleges Open for 2026

False Bay TVET College and Northlink TVET College accept late applications with limited spaces available in scarce skills programmes. Western Cape colleges prioritize fields including boat building, motor mechanics, 2D animation, and education.

• False Bay TVET College: Late enquiries open until mid-January 2026. Campuses in Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain, Muizenberg, and Fish Hoek. Apply at falsebaycollege.co.za/2026-applications.
• Northlink TVET College: Selected campuses extended applications to Wednesday, October 30, 2025. Campuses in Bellville, Parow, Tygerberg, and Wingfield. Apply at northlink.co.za/apply.
• South Cape TVET College: Online portal open for 2026 applications. Serves George, Mossel Bay, and Oudtshoorn. Apply at southcape.co.za.
• College of Cape Town (CPUT TVET): Check application status directly on cput.ac.za for TVET programmes offered under CPUT.

Eastern Cape TVET Colleges Open for 2026

Port Elizabeth TVET College, Ikhala TVET College, and Eastcape Midlands TVET College opened registration for 2026 with windows extending into January 2026.

• Port Elizabeth TVET College: January 2026 registration windows vary by campus. Campuses in Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, and Despatch. Apply at pecollege.edu.za.
• Ikhala TVET College: Reopened applications closing Thursday, January 16, 2026. Focus on Engineering at Aliwal North campus. Apply at ikhala.edu.za.
• Eastcape Midlands TVET College: Registration open for new applicants. Serves the Graaff-Reinet, Cradock, and Uitenhage regions. Apply at eastcape.edu.za.

Frequently Asked Questions About TVET Colleges Open for 2026

Action Steps: Apply to TVET Colleges Before January 30, 2026

Select your preferred college from the verified list above, gather certified documents, complete the online application form, and submit before the stated closing date. Save your application reference number and monitor your email for placement confirmation.

If you missed standard deadlines, contact college admissions offices immediately to request late application consideration or waitlist placement. Prepare certified documents for expedited submission and consider alternative intake periods or private vocational options if TVET spaces are unavailable.

For NSFAS funding, submit a separate myNSFAS application at nsfas.org.za and confirm your college appears on the NSFAS institutions directory. Contact your college financial aid office for assistance with late NSFAS applications or alternative funding sources.

Use the direct application links provided in this guide to access official college portals and avoid third-party websites that may charge unnecessary fees or provide outdated information.