How to apply in TVET Colleges

Want to apply at TVET Colleges in South Africa? We've got you! The college application process is similar to university application process, fewer differences may be spotted. In this blog we will explore how to apply in TVET Colleges in South Africa and things to consider before and when applying in your desired TVET College. 

How to apply in TVET Colleges

When universities moved away from hard copy  applications colleges where left behind. Good news is, now in 2024 that is no longer the case because a majority of TVET colleges prefer the online route. Different TVET Colleges in South Africa use a different online application process. Familiarise yourself with the application process or format of your desired TVET College before starting your online application. 

Below we have listed the things to consider before/when applying to a TVET college:

• Do research 

Visit the websites of the TVET colleges you are interested in. Visiting the website will expose you to the courses the college offers, the bursaries that might be available and most importantly, documents required when applying in college. While doing your research it is also important to discover courses you want to pursue. 

You first need to do self-introspection and ask yourself questions such as what am I passionate at? Which career best suit my personality? Is the course that I want offered at college? Once you honestly answer these questions you will never wrong. 

• Check Requirements

Once you have chosen the courses to pursue at TVET Colleges, it is time to check requirements of those courses. You can check requirements by visiting the website of your desired TVET College or by downloading the TVET prospectus. Reality is, if you do not meet admission requirements at TVET Colleges you wont be considered for admission. 

• Check Application Dates

Beware of the opening and closing dates of your desired TVET colleges so that you know  when you can start with the application process and not miss the deadline of the application because should you submit your application after the closing date your application will not be considered. Technology has made things easy, you can begin your application as soon as the applications open and continue your application later on before the actual closing date. 

• Supporting documents  

After you are certain that you meet the requirements start gathering the required documents. Usually TVET Colleges require the following documents:

-Certified copy of your ID 

-Certified copy of your parent/guardian ID 

-Certified copy of your results (Grade 9-11 Report) 

-Certified copy of your grade 12 certificate if you have completed matric 

-Copy of proof of residence

• Application Fee 

TVET Colleges do not require an application fee. When applying at private college find out if your desired private college require an application fee or not. It is vital to pay application fee so that your application can be processed. 

• Submit your TVET Application 

To apply successfully online you need to use a smart phone or computer with internet access. If you don’t have a smart phone you can ask your friend to borrow you one so that you can complete and submit your TVET College application. If your desired college does not accept online application it is vital to download and print out the application form. The completed form can be submitted in numerous ways such as fax, post or mail. 

 When applying, ensure that all the details you provide on the application are correct and up-to-date. Again ensure that you fully complete your application and provide all the required documents because incomplete applications are not allowed. The majority of TVET Colleges in South Africa require applicants to write a placement or screening test before they can do the online application. This test is COMPULSORY!! and failure to write it will lead to your application being rejected. 

• Application Status 

After you have successfully submitted your application, the TVET College will be in touch with you to give feedback regarding your application. The college will send you an sms or email to inform you about the outcomes of your application. If you are accepted the college will invite you to come on a  specific date to register for your course. When you get an invitation to register bring along your certified supporting documents. Make sure you avail yourself in the specified date they have invited you on because failure to do so will lead to your space being forfeited.

• Apply for financial aid. 

Explore available financial aid options, such as bursaries and loans, to help cover the cost of your studies. You can apply for funding before or after submitting your TVET application. Applying for funding it is the most important thing to do if you want to further your studies, especially if you come from a disadvantaged background. 

TAKE NOTE:

When applying to public (TVET) colleges it is significant that you know the difference between NCV and NATED courses. Once you know the difference it is easy to get admission to study at a TVET college. NCV (National Certificate Vocational) are courses that are skilled based meaning that these courses are aimed at equipping students with skills so that they are ready for work. NCV courses can be done by learners with Grade 9-11 and the duration of NCV is 3 years. 

For admission to NATED courses you need to have passed your grade 12. The programme consist of 1 year  
six months (theory) and 1 year six months of practical done through an internship. 
 

On the other hand private colleges offer a variety of qualifications such as short courses, higher certificate, diploma and bachelor courses. The only visible disadvantage of private colleges is that you have to pay for your own fees without the assistance of a bursary or financial aids such as NSFAS.

By following these steps, you can successfully apply to a TVET college in South Africa and embark on a rewarding educational journey. Once you are accepted, remember to attend an orientation session to familiarize yourself with the college's policies, facilities, and so much more. Best Wishes!