There are several public TVET colleges in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape with Cape in their name, including the College of Cape Town, False Bay College, Northlink College, South Cape College and King Hintsa. Establish which college you mean before applying, since each has its own campuses, programmes and application process.
The National Certificate Vocational runs at levels 2 to 4 and is entered from Grade 9, making it an alternative to Grades 10 to 12. N-level programmes run N1 to N6 and are the traditional route into the trades and into national diplomas.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate for most programmes, or Grade 9 for National Certificate Vocational study
- Subject requirements for the specific programme
- A mathematics subject, with Mathematical Literacy commonly accepted
- South African citizenship or a valid permit, for NSFAS funding purposes
- Application within the published window
- Payment of the registration fee, where one is charged
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Public TVET colleges offer National Certificate Vocational programmes, N-level Report 191 programmes and occupational qualifications. The programme mix differs by college, reflecting the regional economy each serves.
Public TVET colleges are funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, which makes them substantially cheaper than private providers offering comparable training. NSFAS funds TVET study for students meeting its criteria, applied for separately and directly to NSFAS.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Engineering and technical programmes require Mathematics or its technical equivalent. Business, hospitality and services programmes commonly accept Mathematical Literacy.
Requirements are set per programme rather than per college, so two colleges offering the same programme may state the same subject requirements while differing on intake dates and campus arrangements.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your latest school report or National Senior Certificate
- Proof of residential address
- Parent or guardian identity documents, for applicants under eighteen
- Proof of the application or registration fee
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Confirm which college and campus you are applying to before preparing anything, since applications go to the college directly rather than through a central system.
Apply for NSFAS separately if you need funding. See TVET college courses and requirements for how TVET qualifications work and articulate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which college is Cape College?
Several Western and Eastern Cape TVET colleges have Cape in their name. Establish which you mean, since each has its own campuses and application process.
Do TVET colleges share an application system?
No. Applications go to each college directly rather than through a central system.
Do I need matric?
Not for NCV, which is entered from Grade 9. Higher-level N programmes require a National Senior Certificate.
Does NSFAS fund TVET study?
Yes, for students meeting its criteria, applied for separately and directly to NSFAS.
Identify the specific college you intend to apply to and confirm its programme requirements and application dates directly. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.