List of Public TVET Colleges that are Funded by NSFAS

On this page, you will find the entire list of all public TVET colleges which are fully funded by NSFAS in 2026. The colleges are organised by South African provinces, with the links to the colleges.

South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds have never seen such a generous education enabler like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Through NSFAS, TVET Colleges are sustained and keep on adding much-needed value to the South African deserving youth.

In fact, NSFAS is the main reason South Africa has seen over 2.5 million students study at public TVET colleges since the expansion of funding to technical, vocational education and training institutions in 2007.

1. Who Qualifies for Funding?

You will be funded by NSFAS to study for a course at a public TVET College in South Africa if you meet the following specific criteria. These are the “hard rules” for the 2026 academic cycle:

  • Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen. There is no age limit for applicants.
  • Income Threshold: You must come from a household with a combined annual gross income of R350,000 or less.
    • Note: If you have a disability, the threshold is increased to R600,000 or less.
  • SASSA Recipients: If you are a beneficiary of a SASSA grant (e.g., Child Support, Foster Care), you automatically qualify for funding without submitting income proof, provided you meet the academic admission requirements.
  • First Qualification Rule: You must be applying for your first TVET qualification. If you already have a diploma or certificate from a TVET college, you generally do not qualify.
  • Course Eligibility: You must be registered for an NSFAS-approved course (see list below).

2. Which TVET Courses Are Funded?

Not every course at a TVET college is funded. NSFAS specifically covers the following Ministry-approved programmes:

  • Pre-Vocational Learning Programme (PLP): Funded for one academic term only to help you bridge the gap to N1 or Level 2.
  • NC(V) Programmes: Funded for Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4.
  • NATED / Report 191: Funded for N1 through N6.
    • Restriction: Introductory NATED courses are funded for a maximum of one term.
  • Occupational Programmes: Funded only if the specific programme is on the DHET approved list.
    • Note: For occupational courses, NSFAS covers tuition only (no allowances), unless you are in simulated training.

3. The “Stay Funded” Rules (Academic Progression)

Getting funding is the first step; keeping it requires meeting strict academic standards every year.

  • The 70% Pass Rule: To receive funding for the next year, continuing students (non-first years) must pass at least 70% of their total modules or courses enrolled in for the year.
  • NC(V) Progression: You must pass at least 5 subjects to progress to the next level.
  • Report 191 (NATED) Progression: You must pass a minimum of 3 subjects in your current N-Level to be funded for the next.
  • The N+1 Rule: NSFAS will fund you for the minimum duration of your course (“N”) plus one extra year (+1). If you fail repeatedly and exceed this time, funding stops immediately.

4. Allowances & What NSFAS Covers

If you are approved, NSFAS covers the full cost of tuition and registration. Depending on your living situation, you may also receive:

  • Accommodation Allowance: For students living in accredited private accommodation or college residences. (Rates differ for Metro vs. Rural areas).
  • Transport Allowance: For students living at home who travel up to 40km to campus.
  • Living Allowance: A monthly stipend for incidental expenses and food.
  • Personal Care Allowance: An annual amount for toiletries and personal upkeep.

Important Application Dates

NSFAS applications for public TVET colleges follow this annual cycle:

  • Opens: 1 September
  • Closes: 31 January (of the following year)

Apply for NSFAS to study at a Public TVET College Here

List of Public TVET Colleges that are Funded by NSFAS

Below you will find a list of public TVET Colleges funded by NSFAS in Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape:

TVET Public Colleges Funded by NSFAS in Eastern Cape

Here is the list of all TVET public colleges which are funded by NSFAS in Eastern Cape Province:

TVET Public Colleges Funded by NSFAS in Free State

Here is the list of all TVET public colleges which are funded by NSFAS in Free State Province:

TVET Public Colleges Funded by NSFAS in Gauteng

Here is the list of all TVET public colleges which are funded by NSFAS in Gauteng Province:

TVET Public Colleges Funded by NSFAS in KwaZulu-Natal

Here is the list of all TVET public colleges which are funded by NSFAS in KwaZulu-Natal Province:

TVET Public Colleges Funded by NSFAS in Limpopo

Here is the list of all TVET public colleges which are funded by NSFAS in Limpopo Province:

TVET Public Colleges Funded by NSFAS in Mpumalanga

Here is the list of all TVET public colleges which are funded by NSFAS in Mpumalanga Province:

TVET Public Colleges Funded by NSFAS in Northern Cape

Here is the list of all TVET public colleges which are funded by NSFAS in Northern Cape Province:

TVET Public Colleges Funded by NSFAS in North West

Here is the list of all TVET public colleges which are funded by NSFAS in North West Province:

TVET Public Colleges Funded by NSFAS in Western Cape

Here is the list of all TVET public colleges which are funded by NSFAS in Western Cape Province:

Understanding TVET Qualifications: NATED vs. NC(V)

Before choosing a college from the list above, it is critical to understand the two main types of qualifications offered. This is a common confusion for new students.

1. National Certificate (Vocational) – NC(V)

The NC(V) is a skills-focused qualification designed to replace Grade 10, 11, and 12 for students who want a trade immediately.

  • Entry Requirement: Grade 9 pass.
  • Duration: 3 years (Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4).
  • Goal: Combines theory with practical training. Completion of Level 4 is equivalent to a Matric certificate.

2. NATED / Report 191 (N-Courses)

These are shorter, theory-heavy courses that alternate with practical workplace experience.

  • Entry Requirement: Grade 12 (Matric) or N3.
  • Duration: 18 months of theory (N4–N6) + 18 months of practical experience.
  • Goal: Leads to a National N Diploma.

2026 TVET Admission & Funding Guide

Studying at a TVET college is affordable, and most courses are funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) if you meet the criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is TVET College free?

TVET colleges are not free, but the majority of students are funded by NSFAS. If you do not qualify for NSFAS, you will need to pay tuition fees, which vary by college and course.

Can I go to a TVET college without Matric?

Yes. You can enroll in the NC(V) programme with a Grade 9 pass. This allows you to get a vocational qualification that is equivalent to a Matric certificate (NQF Level 4).

How do I apply to a TVET College?

  1. Choose your college from the list above.
  2. Visit the college campus or their website to complete a placement test (this is often mandatory).
  3. Submit your application with certified copies of your ID and latest school results.
  4. Apply for NSFAS funding simultaneously.