Public Colleges in South Africa: Complete Guide for 2024

In South Africa, public colleges are very important as they serve as cornerstones of the nation’s educational landscape. These institutions offer accessible equality of education to millions of students annually.

With over 50 public TVET colleges across nine provinces, these institutions provide practical, career-focused programs that bridge the gap between secondary education and the workplace.

Public colleges offer flexible learning options for students seeking professional qualifications, technical skills, or adult education opportunities.

Types of South African Government Colleges

You may or may not know that South Africa has two major types of public educational institutions.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges

TVET colleges form the backbone of South Africa’s skills development strategy. These institutions focus on providing practical, career-oriented education and training to prepare students for specific trades or occupations.

Key features:

• 50 public TVET colleges with over 264 campuses nationwide
• Offer National Certificates (Vocational), N1-N6 qualifications, and occupational programs
• Programs aligned with the needs of industry and the job market
• Fields of study include engineering, business studies, hospitality, and information technology
• Cater to both school-leavers and working professionals seeking to upskill

Community Education and Training (CET) Colleges

CET colleges provide educational opportunities for those who may have missed out on formal schooling or wish to continue their learning journey.

Key features:

• 9 CET colleges (one per province) with numerous learning centres
• Focus on adult basic education, skills development, and non-formal programs
• Offer Adult Education and Training (AET) programs from levels 1 to 4
• Provide vocational and skills development courses
• Emphasis on community-based learning and local economic development
• Flexible learning options to accommodate adult learners’ schedules

Both types of colleges are overseen by the Department of Higher Education and Training and play distinct yet complementary roles in South Africa’s post-school education and training landscape.

List of Major Public Colleges by Province

Gauteng

Gauteng, as South Africa’s economic hub, hosts several prominent public colleges strategically located across the province:

Central Johannesburg TVET College

• Main Campus: Park Town, Johannesburg
• Specialized programs: Engineering, Business Studies, Art and Design
• Notable features: State-of-the-art engineering workshops, modern computer labs
• Satellite campuses: Alexandra, Ellis Park, Langlaagte, and Parktown

Ekurhuleni East TVET College

• Main Campus: Benoni
• Key programs: Engineering, Hospitality & Tourism and Business Studies
• Distinct feature: Strong industry partnerships with local manufacturers
• Campuses: Benoni, Brakpan, Daveyton, KwaThema, and Springs
• Student support: Modern library facilities, artisan & skill development centre

Tshwane North TVET College

• Location: Pretoria
• Flagship programs: IT and Computer Science, Tourism, Hospitality
• Special facilities: Training restaurants, computer centres
• Five campuses across Pretoria
• Known for: High graduate employment rates in the hospitality sector

Western Cape

The Western Cape offers diverse educational opportunities through its public colleges:

College of Cape Town

• Main Campus: Salt River, Cape Town
• One of the largest public educational institutions in South Africa
• Specialized fields: Maritime Studies, Film and Media Production
• Unique features: Film studio, maritime simulation centre
• Multiple campuses: Crawford, Gardens, Gugulethu, Pinelands, and Wynberg

Northlink TVET College

• Headquarters: Bellville
• Focus areas: Engineering, Business, Utilities
• Seven campuses across the Cape Town metropolitan area
• Among the top NCV Colleges in the country

Boland TVET College

• Main Campus: Stellenbosch
• Agricultural, IT and Management programs
• Five campuses serving the Cape Winelands
• Features: Modern agricultural training facilities

KwaZulu-Natal

KZN’s public colleges cater to both urban and rural communities:

Coastal KZN TVET College

• Main Campus: Durban
• Engineering and Business Studies
• Eight campuses along the KZN coast
• Largest College in KwaZulu-Nata with about 15,000 students

Umgungundlovu TVET College

• Located in Pietermaritzburg
• Focus: Business, NCV and Engineering
• Six campuses serving the Midlands
• Notable feature: Agricultural research centre

Thekwini TVET College

• Durban central location
• Specializing in Tourism and Hospitality
• Six campuses of which four are in Durban
• Modern hospitality training facilities

Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape’s public colleges focus on rural development and industrial skills:

Buffalo City TVET College

• Main Campus: East London
• Four campuses across Buffalo City Metro
• Specialized automotive training center
• Programs cover various fields such as Engineering, Business Studies, Hospitality, and Information Technology

Port Elizabeth TVET College

• Based in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
• Business, engineering, and utility programs
• Three major campuses
• Advanced engineering workshops

Other Provinces

Free State

Motheo TVET College (Bloemfontein)

• Offers programs across different fields, such as engineering, and business studies
• Three campuses
• Good for those interested in learning hands-on skills

Limpopo

Capricorn TVET College (Polokwane)

• Engineering and business programs
• Four campuses
• Accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offers nationally recognized qualifications.

Mpumalanga

Nkangala TVET College

• Biggest college in Mpumalanga
• Five campuses
• Offers several internship and apprenticeship opportunities
• Accredited by the DHET and ICDL Africa

North West

Orbit TVET College

• Engineering, ICT and business and services-related programs
• Three campuses
• Advanced technical workshops
• Offers full-time and part-time programs

Northern Cape

Northern Cape Urban TVET College

• Offers accredited national diploma, occupational and vocational programs
• Three campuses
• Accommodates over 8,000 students
• Partnerships with various local institutions and incubators for entrepreneurs

Each college listed above offers:

• National Certificate (Vocational) programs
• NATED/Report 191 programs
• Occupational qualifications
• Learnerships and skills programs
• Student support services include:
  • Academic support
  • Career Guidance
  • Job placement assistance
  • Financial aid administration
  • Student wellness programs

When choosing which South African public school to attend, you should consider whether they offer the program you intend to study, the location of the campus, its facilities & resources, how well its graduates are doing on average, accommodation options, admission requirements, financial aid opportunities and more among others.

Admission Requirements

Basic Entry Requirements

For National Certificate (Vocational) – NC(V) Programs:

• Minimum of Grade 9 certificate
• Age requirement: 16 years or older
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy may be required for specific programs
• Some programs may require Physical Science or other relevant subjects
• Selection tests may be administered for certain courses

For NATED Programs:

• N1-N3 Programs: Minimum Grade 10 certificate
• N4-N6 Programs: National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent
• Specific subject requirements vary by program
• Previous work experience may be considered for certain courses

For Occupational Programs:

• Requirements vary by program level and type
• Some programs require Grade 9, while others need Grade 12
• Prior learning and work experience may be considered
• Industry-specific requirements may apply

International Student Requirements

Additional requirements for international applicants:

• Valid study visa/permit
• Medical aid coverage
• Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
• SAQA evaluation of qualifications
• Proof of financial means
• Police clearance certificate

Program-Specific Requirements

Engineering Studies:

• Mathematics and Physical Science often required
• Technical drawing may be an advantage
• Minimum achievement levels in these subjects

Business Studies:

• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
• English proficiency
• Computer literacy recommended

Information Technology:

• Mathematics required
• Computer literacy essential
• English proficiency

Hospitality Studies:

• English proficiency
• Customer service aptitude
• Health clearance may be required

Frequently Asked Questions