Esayidi TVET College is a public technical and vocational college in southern KwaZulu-Natal, with its head office in the Port Shepstone CBD. It runs six main campuses along the South Coast and inland, plus community development centres and a skills centre. Programmes include NCV (National Certificate Vocational), NATED (Report 191) N-level courses and occupational trade programmes. The college does not publish a 2027 closing date on its main page, so applicants confirm dates directly with the college.
This guide covers the campuses, programme types, entry requirements, application timing, NSFAS funding and the steps to apply. Programme lists change between cycles, so check final details with the college before you submit.
About Esayidi TVET College
Esayidi is registered as a public TVET college under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It serves the Ugu district and the Harry Gwala and Alfred Nzo border areas, including Port Shepstone, Gamalakhe, Kokstad, uMzimkhulu and Harding. Its training aims at employment, apprenticeships, learnerships, self-employment or further study at a university of technology.
The college website names its official address as the Port Shepstone CBD but does not list a street address, phone number or email on the main page. Use the “Contact Esayidi” link on the website, or ask your nearest campus, for current contact details.
Read also: Nkangala TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
Esayidi TVET College Campuses
The college groups its main campuses by area.
| Site | Area | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Port Shepstone | Coastal | Main campus |
| Gamalakhe | Coastal | Main campus |
| Enyenyezi (Boboyi) | Coastal | Main campus |
| Kokstad | Inland | Main campus |
| uMzimkhulu | Inland | Main campus |
| Clydesdale | Inland (uMzimkhulu area) | Main campus |
| Community Development Centres | Harding, Inyonemhlophe, Mthwalume, Nqamuza, Oshabeni | Community centres |
| Sizanani Skills Centre | Gamalakhe | Skills centre |
| Esayidi Technology Centre | Uvongo | Technology centre |
Not every programme runs at every site. Choose the programme first, then confirm which campus offers it.
Read also: Gert Sibande TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
Programme Types at Esayidi 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 fundamental subjects (language, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation) with vocational subjects and practical work. Third-party course listings show NCV options in Office Administration, Hospitality, Tourism, Primary Agriculture, Finance, Economics and Accounting, Transport and Logistics, Civil Engineering and Building Construction, and Electrical Infrastructure Construction.
NATED (Report 191)
NATED programmes run from N1 to N6 and are offered in Engineering Studies and Business Studies, with some programmes in hospitality, art and design. After N6, students complete 18 to 24 months of relevant workplace experience to qualify for a National N Diploma. The college has run N4 pre-enrolment periods in November, which suggests that N-level intakes follow a separate schedule from the NCV.
Read also: Ehlanzeni TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
Occupational programmes
Trade and skills programmes are shorter and focus on a specific occupation, such as electrician, bricklayer, chef, cook, hairdresser or tourist information officer. Availability depends on the year, funding and industry partnerships.
Courses by Campus
The table below follows a published listing and is a guide only. The college may add, pause or move programmes between cycles.
| Campus | Examples of programmes |
|---|---|
| Port Shepstone | Business Management, Electrical Engineering, Motor Mechanical Engineering, Public Management, NCV Office Administration, NCV Transport and Logistics |
| Gamalakhe | Art and Design, Financial Management, Hospitality and Catering Services, Tourism, NCV Hospitality, NCV Tourism, NCV Finance, Economics and Accounting, NCV Primary Agriculture, chef, cook and hairdresser |
| Enyenyezi | Business Management, Electrical Engineering, Public Management, NCV Electrical Infrastructure Construction, NCV Office Administration, electrician |
| Kokstad | Business Management, Civil Engineering, Public Management, NCV Civil Engineering and Building Construction, NCV Office Administration, bricklayer |
| uMzimkhulu | Business Management, Electrical Engineering, Farming Management, Public Management, NCV Primary Agriculture |
| Clydesdale | Management Assistant, NCV Education and Development, NCV Office Administration |
Entry Requirements
TVET colleges do not use a university-style APS score. Admission depends on the highest grade you passed, your subject results and the rules of the programme.
| Programme | Usual minimum entry |
|---|---|
| NCV Level 2 | Grade 9 or an equivalent qualification |
| NATED N1 to N3 (engineering) | Grade 9 or 10; Mathematics and Science are often required |
| NATED N4 to N6 (business) | Grade 12, or N3 for engineering streams |
| Occupational programmes | Set per programme; confirm with the campus |
Engineering programmes generally ask for Mathematics and Physical Science. Business, hospitality and tourism programmes usually accept Mathematical Literacy. The college sets the final requirement for each course.
Application Dates for 2026/2027
The college website does not state a 2027 opening or closing date on its main page. The only dated notice found there covers an N4 pre-enrolment period from 3 to 14 November 2025, marked as no walk-ins. This shows that the college may use short, defined windows for some programmes.
Third-party education sites give varied windows for 2027, from September to the end of November 2026. Treat those dates as unconfirmed. If a window has closed, ask the college whether places remain, whether a waiting list exists and when the next intake opens.
| Stage | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| College applications for 2027 | Confirm opening and closing dates with the college |
| N4 pre-enrolment (previous cycle) | 3 to 14 November 2025 |
| NSFAS 2027 applications | Opened 18 September 2026 |
| Admission outcomes | Usually between November and January |
| Registration | Usually January for the first semester |
NSFAS Funding at Esayidi TVET College
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds eligible South African students at public TVET colleges. For TVET students the household income threshold is generally R350,000 a year, and applicants whose households receive a SASSA grant also qualify on the means test.
Funding usually covers tuition and registration, with allowances for learning material, accommodation or living costs and transport where applicable. NSFAS sets the exact amounts and rules each year, and funding depends on its available budget.
How to apply for NSFAS
- Create a myNSFAS account at www.nsfas.org.za.
- Complete the online form with accurate personal and household details.
- Upload 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 outcome on your myNSFAS account.
An NSFAS application is not a college application. You must apply to both separately.
How to Apply to Esayidi TVET College
The college publishes a “College Application Process” page on its website at esayiditvet.co.za and lists an online system called Esayidi TVET Online. Read the process page for the current instructions, since the method can differ between programmes. Some notices have stated that walk-ins are not allowed, so confirm with the campus before you travel.
- Choose your programme and campus.
- Confirm that your school results meet the entry requirement.
- Scan your documents clearly.
- Complete the application, selecting the year, campus and course.
- Upload your documents and submit.
- Keep your application number and watch your SMS and email for feedback.
Documents You Need
- A certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate
- Your latest school results or report (Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12, depending on the programme)
- Proof of residence, recent and in your name or a family member’s name with a supporting letter
- Proof of NSFAS application or funding, where applicable
- A working cell phone number and email address
After You Apply
The college reviews applications against the entry requirements and available places. Some programmes include an interview or placement assessment. Successful applicants receive an offer and a registration date. At registration you present original documents, confirm your funding status and receive your student number. Students without NSFAS funding arrange payment of fees. If you hear nothing, contact the campus and quote your application number.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the final week to apply
- Choosing a programme that the campus does not offer
- Uploading unreadable or uncertified documents
- Assuming a college application also covers NSFAS
- Using a phone number or email address that you do not check
- Relying on a date from a third-party site without confirming it
How to Choose a Programme and Campus
Start with the career you want and work backwards. An NCV qualification suits a school leaver who wants a structured full-time route from Level 2 to Level 4 with practical components. NATED suits a student who wants a specific engineering or business pathway and may later move into a technician role or a diploma at a university of technology. Occupational programmes suit those who want to enter a trade quickly.
Distance matters. The South Coast and inland areas are spread out, and transport is a large part of a student’s budget. A campus close to home reduces cost, particularly when NSFAS allowances arrive late in the term. Students who need accommodation should ask the college about residences or accredited private housing near the campus and whether the NSFAS accommodation allowance applies.
Compare your subjects with the programme requirements. A student with Mathematical Literacy rather than Mathematics usually fits business, hospitality or tourism better than engineering. Asking an admissions officer before you apply prevents a rejected application and a lost intake.
What Happens After Graduation
An NCV Level 4 graduate with the required passes can seek entry-level work, apply for a learnership or apply to a university of technology. NATED graduates who complete N6 and the required work experience receive a National N Diploma, which employers in engineering and business recognise. Occupational graduates often move to trade tests and apprenticeships. Employment prospects depend on the field, the local economy and the work experience a student gains during training.
Related Guides
For other KwaZulu-Natal colleges, read the Coastal TVET College guide and the Elangeni TVET College guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Esayidi TVET College use an APS score?
No. Admission depends on your grade level, subject results and programme requirements.
How many campuses does Esayidi have?
The college lists six main campuses (Port Shepstone, Gamalakhe, Enyenyezi, Kokstad, uMzimkhulu and Clydesdale), five community development centres, the Sizanani Skills Centre and the Esayidi Technology Centre.
Can I apply to the college and NSFAS at the same time?
Yes. They are separate applications and you can complete both in the same period.
Is NSFAS funding guaranteed?
No. Funding depends on the means test and the NSFAS budget.
Where can I confirm current dates?
Use the contact page on the college website or visit your chosen campus, and check myNSFAS for funding dates.