All TVET and FET college registration dates for 2026/2027

TVET (FET) colleges offer practical, job-focused skills and qualifications to students who have not completed matric, starting from Grade 9. They train skilled workers for key sectors like manufacturing, mining, and services, making graduates highly employable. If you are interested in joining these institutions, discover below all TVET and FET college registration dates for 2026/2027 in South Africa.

Key takeaways

• TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges were formerly known as FET ( Further Education and Training) colleges in South Africa.
• FETs were renamed TVETs post-apartheid under the FET Act of 1998, and later moved under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
• The demand for tertiary education and training in South Africa has grown, with TVET (FET) institutions nationwide receiving thousands of applications annually.
• TVETs are known to foster entrepreneurship and offer accessible, diversified career pathways beyond traditional universities.

TVET and FET college registration dates for 2026/2027

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TVET (FET) college registration dates vary by institution, but generally open early in the year (January/February) and mid-year (July/August) for the following year's new intakes.

Since application deadlines are often around September/October, most TVET colleges’ closing dates for 2026 in South Africa likely fall around the same time in 2025, with some extending deadlines till late December 2025 or early January 2026.

Prospective students are advised to contact or visit their desired institution for more details. Alternatively, you can check the college's official website and social media pages, where some colleges advertise registration openings.

List of TVET colleges in South Africa

According to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), there are 50 registered and accredited public TVET Colleges in South Africa, which operate on approximately 364 campuses spread across the rural and urban areas of the country.

Each institution has administrators who select the application and registration dates. Usually, registration dates are given to successful applicants once they accept admission. Below is a list of all TVET and FET colleges in South Africa, provinces they are located in, and their contacts.

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Eastern Cape province

There are eight TVET colleges in the Eastern Cape province:

Free State province

Free State has four TVET institutions, and below are their details.

Gauteng province

Gauteng is the wealthiest province in South Africa and has eight TVET institutions.

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KwaZulu-Natal province

KwaZulu-Natal, a coastal province, has nine TVETs; the highest number of TVET colleges in SA.

Limpopo province

Limpopo is the northernmost province of South Africa. It has seven TVET institutions.

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Mpumalanga province

Mpumalanga means the place where the sun rises, or the east. This province has three TVET institutions.

Northern Cape province

The Northern Cape is the largest and most sparsely populated province of South Africa. It has two TVETs.

North West province

The North West province has three TVET colleges.

Western Cape province

The Western Cape province has six TVET institutions.

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Where can you get the TVET College NCV Calendar for 2026?

You can obtain the TVET colleges calendar for 2026 in South Africa on the DHET TVET Calendar website or individual college sites, as calendars vary. Nonetheless, all TVET calendars generally follow a national framework with specific dates for terms, exams, and holidays.

DHET's 2026 TVET college calendar in South Africa is usually released closer to the end of 2025/early 2026, while individual colleges may publish their versions or draft calendars as the dates approach. The official, final national calendar is made available on DHET's website.

How can you register at a FET college?

To register at a FET college in South Africa, you need to complete the college's application form online or in person, submit required documents (ID, results, proof of address/income), and pay the outlined fees. Once you are accepted, the institution will give you details of the registration process.

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How do you register a private FET college in South Africa?

To register a private FET college in South Africa, apply to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) using Form APX-01 and provide a comprehensive business plan, audited financials, proof of business registration, and details of your NQF-aligned programmes.

Ensure that your programmes are accredited by bodies like the CHE/HEQC and registered with SAQA, and pay the required registration fee. A detailed guide is available on the DHET website.

How do you register for a FET college in South Africa?

Apply online on the school's portal or in person at the institute. Bring your ID, academic records, and sometimes proof of residence/income and pay the stipulated fees. The process varies by college, but always verify the college's DHET registration for legitimacy before applying for enrollment.

Is the TVET application open for 2026?

Many South African TVET Colleges have already opened their applications for the 2026 academic year, with some even accepting applications for later intakes (like July 2026).

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However, registration for currently enrolled students or late applicants depends on the specific college's cycle. The general intake for early 2026 has likely closed, but check individual college websites for specific dates, as the main January 2026 cycle usually closes in late 2025.

Is Sedibeng College open for 2026 applications?

Sedibeng TVET College applications for the 2026 academic year for NC(V) programs are open, inviting South African students to apply now. You should visit the school's application portal or main website for more details.

Is the College of Cape Town open for 2026 applications?

The College of Cape Town's online applications for the 2026 intake are currently open, having started in late September/early October 2025, and applicants can apply through their official website by clicking the "APPLY 2026" link and uploading certified documents like ID, latest results, and proof of address.

Does the College of Cape Town accept late applications?

The college may or may not accept late applications for selected qualifications at different campuses. However, all prospective students are encouraged to apply within the given application process.

How much is the registration fee at TVET colleges?

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TVET college registration fees in South Africa vary: some, like Tshwane North TVET, charge no admin/registration fees, while others, like Ekurhuleni West TVET, might have a fee.

Students can pay between R200 and R500 or even more, but many students qualify for NSFAS bursaries, which cover these costs, making them effectively free if funded.

Fees depend on the college and funding status, with non-funded students potentially paying small amounts or significant fees if unfunded.

Which TVET college is open for applications in Gauteng?

Major TVET colleges in Gauteng that require online applications for the 2026 academic year via their respective websites include:

• Tshwane North TVET College (TNC)
• Ekurhuleni East TVET College (EEC)
• Central Johannesburg TVET College (CJC)
• Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC)
• South West Gauteng TVET College (SWGC)

Which TVET colleges are open for application in 2026 in Limpopo?

TVET colleges in Limpopo that accept online applications for the 2026 academic year include:

• Vhembe TVET College
• Waterberg TVET College
• Capricorn TVET College
• Mopani TVET College

Is Welkom College open for 2026 applications?

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Applications for Goldfields TVET College (Welkom Campus) for the 2026 academic year were open and likely closed in October 2025, as they typically run from around April/May to September/October.

Is Ekurhuleni West TVET College open for 2026?

Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC) was open and accepting applications for the 2026 academic year in late 2025, with various platforms confirming applications and guiding students to apply online.

Which TVET college is number one in South Africa?

While rankings vary by focus (pass rates, student numbers, partnerships), TVET colleges that have consistently ranked high for student success include:

• Majuba TVET College
• Ekurhuleni East TVET College
• North Link TVET College
• Buffalo City TVET College
• False Bay College
• South West Gauteng College
• Tshwane North TVET College
• Tshwane South TVET College

What are UNISA's academic dates for 2026?

UNISA (University of South Africa) 2026 academic application dates (undergraduate/honours/postgraduate diplomas) opened in August 2025 and closed around October 10, 2025.

The official TVET and FET college registration dates in South Africa vary depending on the institution. Prospective or ongoing students should always check the schools' official websites, online portals, and social media pages to confirm when they are open for registration.

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Many students miss the opportunity to pursue higher education due to financial constraints. However, there are several options for financial assistance to ensure you finish your studies.

Source: Briefly News