In recent times, as long as higher education is concerned, what has been on the lips of many is TVET colleges. It is safe to say many are diverting their interest towards this type of education system compared to the past. TVET in the minds of many appears to be the future and perhaps, they could not be far from the truth. This article will unpack what TVET is all about. Keep reading to find out more.
What Is TVET College?
TVET is an abbreviation and it stands for Technical and Vocational Education Training. It was enacted under the TVET Act No 29 of 2013. TVET falls rightly under the Department of Higher Education and Training. TVET seeks to land its focus on training students in a way that equips them with practical skills that they can use in a trade.
What Does TVET Colleges Offer?
When it comes down to TVET colleges, the qualifications gained may quite different from that of universities as we have come to know. They offer skills training in industrial fields. These fields include;
- Agriculture
- Arts and Culture
- Business
- Hospitality
- Commerce and Management
- Education
- Training and Development
- Engineering
- Manufacturing and technology
- Services
- Building construction and security
What Type Of Qualifications Do You Get At A TVET College?
The qualification includes;
- National Certificate (vocational)
- National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED)
How Long Do TVET Courses Take?
Duration of a TVET course or qualification typically spans between 18 to 36 months.
Can I Go To A University After Completing A TVET College?
Yes, someone who has completed TVET college can further their education by enrolling at a university of technology or a university that offers courses related to the qualification they gained at that TVET college.
What Is The Difference Between TVET Colleges and Universities?
The differences between TVET colleges and universities are listed below;
- TVET colleges are focused on providing students with practical skills which allow them to work in their field of expertise whereas universities do the opposite with little to no practical experience at all
- TVET colleges seek to provide students with employability chances but the same cannot be said of universities
What Are The Documents Needed To Apply To A TVET College?
Before you attempt to apply to a TVET college, make sure you have the following available.
- An active cellphone number
- A working email address
- A certified copy of the applicant’s ID card (3 copies)
- A copy of your school qualification such as Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate
- Your latest result be it Grade 9 or higher
- A proof of your South African residence
Applying as a foreign student, you will need these documents;
- Copies of your certified passport
- Foreign approved qualifications from SAQA
- A medical insurance or cover, proof of it
- A validated study permit
TVET Entry Requirements
Applicants must have;
- Passed Grade 12 if they want to further their studies at a university
- Passed Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 at the high school level to study in TVET colleges
Do You Need Matric To Study At A TVET College?
No, you are not required to pass the matric or present your matric results to study at a TVET college. They are burnt on offering a practical learning experience in a classroom setting. You will be mandated to work in the field of the qualification you are seeking to gain.
TVET Colleges Online Application 2022
Applying to a TVET college does not require any strenuous effort. All you need to do is to follow these steps;
- The first thing you have to know is the college of choice. Where you are applying to. Once that is figured out, you are halfway through the process
- The next step is to go through the pre-screening test
- Grab your application form next
- Fill and complete the application form with the right answers only
- This stage is where you attach all your supporting documents
- Once that is done, go through the forms again to be sure before submitting them to complete your application process
Does NSFAS Fund TVET College?
The role of the NSFAS is to offer financial assistance to students who are not able to finance their education for five years. This includes TVET students.
How Much Does NSFAS Pay TVET Students
The NSFAS bursary gives TVET students as high as R2,900 personal allowance annually. Students who live less than 40km from their respective campuses are entitled to a travel allowance.
List of Public TVET Colleges in South Africa With Their Contact Details
In South Africa, there are fifty registered TVET colleges. Here is the name of a few of them.
- Boland TVET College
For general enquiry, contact this college, here: 021 886 7111/2 - College of Cape Town for TVET
Contact the central offices, here: 021 404 6700 - False Bay TVET College
Contact their central office, here: 0217870800 - Northlink TVET College
For more information, contact the college, here: 08600 65465 - South Cape TVET College
For more information contact the college, here: 044 884 0359 - West Coast TVET College
For more information contact the college, here: 022 482 1143 - Buffalo City TVET College
Contact the college for more information, here: 043 722 5453 - Eastcape Midlands TVET College
Contact the head office, here: 041 995 2000 - Ikhala TVET College
Contact the college for more information, here: 047 873 8800 - Ingwe TVET College
Contact the college for more information, here: 039 940 2142 - King Hintsa TVET College
Contact the college for enquiries, here: 047 401 6400 - King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
For more information, contact the college, here: 047 505 1006 - Lovedale TVET College
Contact this college for more information, here: 087 238 2223 - Port Elizabeth TVET College
Contact the central office, here: 041 509 6000
Limpopo - Capricorn TVET College
Contact Capricon college for more information, here: 015 230 1800 - Sekhukhune TVET College
Contact the college for more information, here: 013 269 02784. - Lephalale TVET College
Contact the college for more information, here: 014 763 2252 - Letaba TVET College
For enquiries, contact the college, here: 015 3075440 - Mopani South TVET College
For more information contact the college, here: 015 781 5721/5 - Vhembe TVET College
Contact the college for more information, here: 015 963 7000 - Waterberg TVET College
For more information contact the college, here: 015 492 9000 - Central Johannesburg TVET College
Contact the college, here: 011 351 6000 - Ekurhuleni East TVET College
For enquiry contact the college, here: 011 730 6600 - Ekurhuleni West TVET College
Contact the college for more information, here: 011 323 1600 - Sedibeng TVET College
Contact the college for more information, here: 016 422 6645 - Southwest Gauteng TVET College
Contact the college for more information, here: 086 176 8849 - Tshwane North TVET College
Contact the college for more information, here: 012 401 1600 - Tshwane South TVET College
For more information contact the college, here: 012 401 5000 - Western College for TVET
Contact the college for more information, here: 011 692 4004/82 - Coastal TVET College
Contact their central admin here: 031 905 7000 - Elangeni TVET College
For enquiry contact the college, here: 031 716 6700 - Esayidi TVET College
Contact the college, if you have any questions, here: 039 685 5482/3 - Majuba TVET College
For more information, about TVET colleges visit https://nationalgovernment.co.za/units/type/9/tvet-college