Coastal TVET College, also called Coastal KZN TVET College, is a public technical and vocational college in KwaZulu-Natal. It offers NCV programmes, NATED (Report 191) programmes and shorter occupational courses across several campuses in and around Durban and the surrounding area. Applications for the 2027 academic year are handled through the college, and NSFAS funding is applied for separately on the NSFAS platform.
This guide covers the campuses, the types of programmes, entry requirements, application dates, NSFAS funding and the steps to apply. Dates and programme lists change from year to year, so confirm the final details with the college before you submit anything.
About Coastal TVET College
The college is one of the public TVET colleges registered under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It serves students from the Durban metropolitan area, the south coast and rural areas inland. Its focus is on practical, career-oriented training in engineering, business, services and technical fields, with a strong link to local industry, particularly the industrial basin south of Durban.
Students study towards national qualifications. An NCV certificate or a NATED N-level certificate can lead to employment, to an apprenticeship or learnership, or to further study at a university of technology.
Coastal TVET College Campuses
The college operates around eight campuses. Listings from different sources differ slightly, so check the current list with the college. The campuses most often named are shown below.
| Campus | Area and notes |
|---|---|
| Swinton | Mobeni, South Durban. Known as the engineering and tooling base. |
| Durban | City campus with business and engineering studies. |
| Umlazi-V | Umlazi township. Business and related programmes. |
| Umlazi-BB | Umlazi township. Business and office-related programmes. |
| Umbumbulu | South of Durban. Technical programmes such as electrical and plumbing. |
| Appelsbosch | Ozwatini, inland. Engineering and business programmes. |
| As-Salaam | Satellite campus with engineering and office programmes. |
| Ubuhle Bogu (KwaQiko) | Satellite campus with office-related programmes. |
Not every programme is offered at every campus. Your course choice largely decides which campus you attend, so choose the programme first and then check where it is available.
Programme Types at Coastal TVET College
NCV (National Certificate Vocational)
The NCV runs from Level 2 to Level 4 and is equivalent to Grades 10 to 12. Students combine theory with practical work and study fundamental subjects (such as English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and Life Orientation) alongside vocational subjects in their chosen field.
NATED (Report 191)
NATED programmes run from N1 to N6. Engineering studies are typically completed at trimester or semester level, and business studies are offered in semesters. After N6, a student needs 18 to 24 months of relevant work experience to receive a National N Diploma.
Occupational and skills programmes
Short courses and occupational programmes target specific trades and workplace skills. Availability varies by year, so ask the campus what is currently offered.
Fields of Study
Coastal TVET College concentrates on the following broad areas, with the exact programmes depending on the campus.
- Engineering studies: mechanical, electrical and civil engineering streams, plus trades such as plumbing and electrical work.
- Business studies: management, marketing, financial management and related N-level subjects.
- Office administration and related services: NCV Office Administration and N-level secretarial and administrative subjects.
- Finance, economics and accounting: NCV and NATED options for students interested in bookkeeping and accounting.
Programme lists are updated each cycle. A programme offered in one year can pause or move to another campus in the next.
Entry Requirements
TVET colleges do not use a university-style APS score. Admission is based on your highest completed grade, your subject results and the entry rules of the programme. The usual pattern is shown below.
| Programme | Usual minimum entry |
|---|---|
| NCV Level 2 | Grade 9 or higher, or an equivalent qualification |
| NATED N1 to N3 (engineering) | Grade 9 or 10 completed, with Mathematics and Science often required |
| NATED N4 to N6 | Grade 12 or N3 certificate, depending on the stream |
Engineering programmes often ask for Mathematics and Physical Science, while business programmes may accept Mathematical Literacy. The college sets the final subject requirements for each programme, so check them before you apply.
Application Dates for 2026/2027
Public TVET colleges generally accept applications for the following academic year from mid-year, and many colleges closed their main 2027 window at the end of September 2026. Some reports for Coastal KZN gave an opening date of 1 September and a closing date of 30 September 2026 for Semester 1 and Trimester 1 programmes. Other sources give different windows, and some programmes accept applications later when places remain.
Because dates differ between sources, confirm the current intake dates with the college directly. If the first-semester window has closed, ask whether the college still has open places, whether a waiting list exists, or when applications open for the next intake.
| Stage | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| College applications for the 2027 intake | Opened around September 2026; main window reported to close 30 September 2026 |
| NSFAS 2027 applications | Opened 18 September 2026 |
| Admission outcomes | Usually between November and January |
| Registration | Usually January for the first semester |
NSFAS Funding at Coastal TVET College
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds eligible students at public TVET colleges. Funding is available to South African citizens who are in financial need. For TVET students, the household income threshold is generally R350,000 a year, and applicants who receive a SASSA grant also qualify on the means test.
A funded student usually receives tuition and registration support, along with allowances. These can include a learning-material allowance, a living or accommodation allowance and a transport allowance where applicable. The exact amounts and rules are set by NSFAS each year.
The NSFAS 2027 application cycle opened on 18 September 2026. The closing date has been reported differently, with 31 October 2026 given in one statement and 18 November 2026 announced at the launch, so check the myNSFAS portal for the official date and apply as early as possible. NSFAS has also said that its budget is limited and that funding depends on the number of applications.
How to apply for NSFAS
- Create a myNSFAS account on the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal and household details.
- Upload a certified copy of your ID, proof of household income or a SASSA letter, and the ID copies of your parents or guardians.
- Submit the form and keep your reference number.
- Track the status of the application on your myNSFAS account.
An NSFAS application is not a college application. You must apply to the college and to NSFAS separately.
How to Apply to Coastal TVET College
Applications are made through the college, either online or at a campus. Online applications are usually quicker, but walk-in applications are also possible during the application period.
- Choose your programme and campus.
- Check that your school results meet the entry requirement.
- Prepare scanned copies of your documents.
- Complete the online application form on the college application platform, or collect a form at your chosen campus.
- Submit the form with all documents.
- Keep your application number and watch for an SMS or email.
Documents You Need
- A certified copy of your South African ID (or birth certificate)
- Your latest school results (Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11 or Grade 12, depending on the programme)
- A transfer certificate or statement of results, where applicable
- Proof of residence, if the college asks for it
- A valid cell phone number and email address
Certified copies should be recent. Documents that are blurred or incomplete can delay an application.
After You Apply
The college reviews applications and selects students against the entry requirements and the number of places. Some programmes may require an interview or a placement test. If you are accepted, you receive an offer and are told when to register. At registration you present your original documents, confirm your funding status and receive your student number. Those without NSFAS funding must arrange payment of fees.
Read also: Northern Cape Rural TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
If you do not hear anything, contact the campus where you applied and quote your application number.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying after the closing date without asking about open places
- Choosing a programme that the chosen campus does not offer
- Uploading unreadable or uncertified documents
- Assuming that a college application also covers NSFAS
- Using a cell phone number or email address that you do not check
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Coastal TVET College use an APS score?
No. Admission is based on your grade level, subject results and the requirements of each programme.
Can I apply to Coastal TVET College and NSFAS at the same time?
Yes. They are separate applications, and you can complete both during the same period.
Is NSFAS funding guaranteed?
No. NSFAS funds eligible students, but its budget is limited and outcomes depend on the number of applications and the means test.
Can I apply if I did not finish Grade 12?
Yes, for some programmes. NCV Level 2 generally accepts Grade 9 or higher, while N4 to N6 programmes need Grade 12 or an N3 certificate.
Where can I confirm current dates?
Contact the college or the campus you want to attend, and check the myNSFAS portal for the funding dates.