Is TVET College Free?
Is TVET College Free?
Is TVET College Free?
In recent years, there has been growing interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, especially among young people looking for practical skills that lead directly to employment. TVET colleges provide a range of courses that focus on hands-on learning in fields like engineering, hospitality, business studies, and information technology. With rising tuition fees at universities and a competitive job market, many students and parents are providing more affordable and job-oriented alternatives, and that is where TVET colleges come in.
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the country you live in, your financial background, and the type of course you choose. In countries like South Africa, for example, the government has made significant efforts to make TVET education more accessible by providing funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This means that qualifying students can study at a public TVET college for free, with NSFAS covering tuition, accommodation, transport, and even study materials.
However, not all students automatically qualify for free education, and private TVET institutions generally charge fees that are not covered by government funding. Additionally, while public colleges are more affordable, space is often limited, and application processes can be competitive.
TVET College Fees 2026
Attending a TVET college is not free; the Department of Higher Education and Training covers 80% of the delivery expenses, and loans are available to assist students in covering their tuition costs. This ensures that these institutions are accessible and affordable. Each student is responsible for paying their own tuition.
TVET colleges in South Africa charge nominal registration fees, although they are not free. Your choice of program and course, as well as the length of the program, will always affect how much it will cost to register. On the day of enrollment, students who do not qualify for financial aid (NSFAS) must pay a minimum deposit toward the cost of the course, with the remaining balance due in installments before the final exam.
For students wishing to continue their post-matriculation education outside of public universities, TVET colleges are frequently the best choice. The goal of TVET colleges is to prepare students for career choices that also allow them to become employers. The benefit of attending a TVET college over a public university is that they are more easily accessible.
Courses Offered at TVET Colleges
- 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 Administration Tourism
- 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
TVET Admission Requirements
To apply for a TVET College, you must have the following documents:
South African Students
- Copy of most recent school report (Grade 9 or higher) with certification
- A certified copy of the latest school results
- A certified copy of the Identity Document
- Necessary registration fee
- Proof of residence
Foreign Students
- A certified copy of the latest school qualification
- A valid study permit until the end of the relevant study period
- Foreign student registration fee
TVET Colleges in South Africa
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
Western Cape
- Boland TVET College
- College of Cape Town
- False Bay TVET 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
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
Contact details
Tel No
(012) 312 5348 / 082 471 2358
E-mail
Maseti.B@dhet.gov.za
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