Are Tvet Colleges Free

Are Tvet Colleges Free

Nsfas Application Date For 2026:

If you are willing to study further and considering a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, one of the first questions you might ask is: Are TVET Colleges free in South Africa? The answer is no, they are not completely free. However, there are funding options available that make studying at a TVET College much more affordable, and in many cases, students pay very little or nothing at all.

TVET Colleges charge tuition fees, but the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial support to students who come from low-income and working-class households. If you qualify for NSFAS, it can cover your tuition fees, registration fees, study materials, accommodation, and transport. This means that for many students, studying at a TVET College becomes effectively free, as all major costs are taken care of by government funding.

For those who do not qualify for NSFAS, tuition fees must be paid directly to the college. The cost of studying at a TVET College depends on the programme you choose and the duration of the course. Engineering and technical courses, for example, may cost more than business or hospitality programmes. Even so, TVET Colleges are still seen as an affordable option compared to universities, while offering practical, skills-based training that prepares students for the job market.

TVET Colleges are not free for everyone, but with NSFAS funding, many students are able to study without worrying about tuition and living expenses. This makes them a practical and accessible choice for students who want quality education at an affordable cost.

Read Also: Free State TVET Colleges

Are TVET Colleges Free

• No, TVET Colleges are not completely free. Like universities, they charge tuition and registration fees. However, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a big role in supporting students from low-income and working-class families.

If you qualify for NSFAS, your education at a TVET College can be fully funded. This includes tuition, study materials, accommodation, and in some cases transport. In this way, many students end up studying at a TVET College for free.

Who Qualifies for Free Education at TVET Colleges

To qualify for NSFAS funding at a TVET College, you must meet certain requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Come from a household with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less.
• Be registered or planning to register at a public TVET College.
• Meet the academic requirements for your chosen course.

How Much Do TVET Colleges Cost Without Funding

For students who do not qualify for NSFAS, tuition fees must be paid directly to the college. The cost varies depending on:

• The programme of study (engineering and technical courses may cost more than business or hospitality).
• The length of the course.
• The campus location.
• Even without funding, TVET Colleges remain more affordable than many universities, making them a popular choice for students seeking practical, skills-based training.

Courses And Programmes Offered At TVET Colleges

Below are the courses offered at Tvet Colleges:

• Tourism
• Fitting
• Mechatronics
• Motor Mechanic
• Wholesale and Retail Operations
• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Education and Development
• Finance, Economics, and Accounting
• Information Technology and Computer Practice
• Mechatronics
• Office Administration
• Civil Engineering and Building Construction
• Electrical Infrastructure Construction
• Engineering and Related Design
• Safety In Society
• National Skill Fund ( NSF Project )
• Automotive Repair and Maintenance
• 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

How long are TVET programs?

• Depending on the program, each level (from N1 to N6) is finished over a trimester (about 3 months) or over 6 months. The knowledge and theory are finished in roughly 18 months, and the practical workplace application takes a further 18 months.

Document needed to apply to TVET Colleges

The following documents must be submitted before applying to the college:

• A unique/valid Email address and cellphone number
• 3 certified copies of the ID of the Parent/Legal Guardian
• 3 certified copies of the ID of the Learner
• South African applicants will need an ID number.
• Foreign applicants will need their passport numbers.
• Copy of your school qualifications (Senior Certificate)
• A certified copy of your latest results/Grade 9 or Higher;
• Proof of Residence.

What is the cost of attending a TVET College?

• The costs of attending any public TVET College are moderate in order to make it affordable. Students can apply for scholarships and loans to assist them in paying their tuition fees, and the Department of Higher Education and Training covers 80% of the delivery costs.

How to Apply to any TVET College in South Africa

Step 1: Get your application form first by visiting the college of your choice’s official website.

All new applications are now available online:

• During the application process, please ensure that you include a valid and working email address, as well as a telephone number.

Step 2: Complete the application form thoroughly.

• E-mail, ID, and cell phone number verification. Your ID, e-mail, and cell phone are used to verify your identity.

Step 3: Ensure that all supporting documents are attached.

All applicants who are beginning a new qualification must submit the following certified documents:

• Birth Certificate/Identity Document (Proof of New ID/Passport Application)
• Certificates/Qualifications
• Recent Academic Achievements
• Other account statements/billing documents for municipalities (not older than 3 months)
• A current study permit (for Foreign national students)
• The Evaluation Certificate of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) (foreign qualifications).

Step 4: Fill out and submit your application.

A confirmation email will be sent to you with all the application information.

Tvet Colleges Contact Information

• Visit: 123 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria, South Africa
• Private Bag X174, Pretoria, 0001​
• Contact Details: 0800 87 2222/+ 27 12 312 5911
• Email: callcentre@dhet.gov.za

Thousands of students study at TVET Colleges each year without paying tuition or related costs thanks to Nsfas. If you meet the requirements, you could study for free with financial aid support. For others, fees still apply, but TVET Colleges remain one of the most affordable and accessible pathways to higher education in South Africa. Visit the Official Nsfas Website For More.

RELATED ARTICLE: