TVET College Funding in South Africa
TVET College Funding in South Africa: Complete Guide
NSFAS eligibility, funded courses, allowances, and application dates
Why TVET funding matters
A TVET qualification gives you practical skills employers need. It prepares you to find work or start a small business. South Africa lacks skilled workers in engineering, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. TVET colleges address this shortage and support economic growth.
Courses offered
Public TVET colleges offer programmes that align with industry demand. Course lengths range from short courses of a few hours to full diplomas up to three years. DHET programmes receive an 80% subsidy. Students pay the remaining 20%. Many students receive full NSFAS bursaries.
Common NSFAS-funded programmes
- Engineering studies — NC(V) Levels 2 to 4 and Report 191 N1 to N6. Includes electrical infrastructure, civil engineering, engineering design, IT, and computer science.
- Business and utility studies — NC(V) Levels 2 to 4 and Report 191 N1 to N6. Includes management, marketing, finance, office administration, economics, accounting, hospitality, tourism, safety, and transport logistics.
- Pre-Learning Programme PLP — Funding through NSFAS for foundation and bridging courses.
Who qualifies
Meet all criteria below to apply for NSFAS funding at a TVET college.
- South African citizen
- Registered or intending to register for a PLP, NC(V) or Report 191 programme at a public TVET college
- Combined household gross income up to R350,000 per year
- Academic performance aligned with college progression rules or bursary rules
- Not enrolling for a qualification that duplicates prior state-funded learning
Application cycles
Follow the DHET calendar and college intake dates below.
- NC(V), Semester 1 and Trimester 1 — Annual intake at the start of the year. Online and walk-in assistive capture available.
- Trimester 2 — Intake in May. Walk-in assistive capture available.
- Trimester 3 — Intake in September. Walk-in assistive capture available.
- Semester 2 — Intake in June and July. Walk-in assistive capture available.
Where to apply
Allowances covered by NSFAS
If NSFAS approves funding it pays the following items.
- Registration and tuition fees
- Personal care allowance
- Transport allowance
- Accommodation allowance
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