uMgungundlovu TVET College is a public technical and vocational college in the Pietermaritzburg area of KwaZulu-Natal. It offers NC(V) programmes, NATED (Report 191) programmes and occupational certificates through campuses in Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding districts. Applications for the 2027 academic year are made online, and every applicant is expected to complete a placement screening test before the application is finalised. Funding is handled separately through NSFAS.
This guide explains the campuses, programmes, entry requirements, application dates, documents, funding and application steps for the 2026/2027 period. Dates and programme lists change between intakes, and published sources do not always agree, so confirm final details with the college before applying.
About uMgungundlovu TVET College
The college falls under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Its qualifications are nationally registered and tuition is subsidised by government. It serves the Msunduzi municipality, the Midlands and rural areas as far as Estcourt and Msinga, so students from townships and small towns can study close to home.
A TVET college combines theory with practical training. This makes uMgungundlovu a common choice for students who want a trade, a technical certificate or a business qualification without going straight to university. The college’s administrative address is listed as 44 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201.
uMgungundlovu TVET College Campuses
Published directories list nine campuses. Some news articles mention only six, because they name the larger campuses only. Use the college’s own list as the reference.
| Campus | Area |
|---|---|
| Edendale | Pietermaritzburg |
| Midlands | Pietermaritzburg |
| Msunduzi | Pietermaritzburg |
| Northdale | Pietermaritzburg |
| Plessislaer | Pietermaritzburg |
| Richmond | Richmond |
| Ntabamhlophe | Estcourt |
| Mawele | Msinga |
| Hlanganani | KwaZulu-Natal (town not specified) |
Programmes are not offered at every campus. The portal shows the campus attached to each course, and where an allocation is not shown, the campus admissions office can confirm it. Check the location and transport costs before accepting a place.
Programmes Offered
NC(V) programmes (Levels 2 to 4)
The National Certificate (Vocational) runs over three years, from Level 2 to Level 4. Level 4 sits at NQF Level 4, the same level as Grade 12. Fields listed for the college include:
- Civil Engineering and Building Construction
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Engineering and Related Design
- Mechatronics
- Finance, Economics and Accounting
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Office Administration
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Primary Agriculture
- Transport and Logistics
- Education and Development
- Safety in Society
- Process Plant Operations
The college may change this list from year to year, so treat it as a guide rather than a guarantee.
NATED (Report 191) programmes
NATED programmes run from N1 to N6. Engineering streams start at N1, while business and general streams usually start at N4. After N6, students complete 18 months of relevant work experience to earn a National N Diploma. Listed fields include Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Business Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, Public Management, Management Assistant, Hospitality, Tourism, Educare, Farming Management and Clothing Production. DHET is phasing out parts of the NATED offering, so confirm which N-levels still accept new students.
Occupational programmes
Occupational programmes lead to a specific trade or role. Listed examples are Electrician, Plumber, Diesel Mechanic, Chef, Hairdressing, Early Childhood Development Practitioner and Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician. Entry rules, duration and cost differ by programme.
Part-time engineering and online learning
In the previous cycle, the college ran separate application windows for online learning and part-time engineering studies, with timelines different from the main full-time intake. Expect a similar arrangement for 2027, and check the portal for the current windows.
Entry Requirements
TVET colleges do not use a university-style APS score. Entry depends on the level and the field, and requirements are programme-specific: meeting the rules for one programme does not guarantee admission to another.
| Programme | Usual minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| NC(V) Level 2 | Grade 9 certificate, or Grade 10, 11 or 12 results, or an equivalent NQF Level 2 qualification |
| NATED N1 to N3 (engineering) | Grade 9 or 10, depending on the programme, with Mathematics and Science for technical streams |
| NATED N4 (business and general) | Grade 12 certificate or an N3 certificate |
| NATED N4 (engineering) | N3 certificate, with Mathematics and Science |
| Occupational programmes | Varies; some need Grade 9 or 12, others have different entry rules |
Engineering and technical programmes generally expect Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) and Physical Science. The placement screening test helps the college match applicants to a suitable programme.
Application Dates for 2026/2027
Some guides report that 2027 applications are open and expected to close on 30 September 2026. Other pages quote different dates, and one gives a clearly mistaken date. Because published sources conflict, treat any closing date as unconfirmed until it appears on the college’s own application portal. National TVET application drives normally start in the second half of the year for the January intake, and late applications are accepted only where places remain.
| Intake | What to expect |
|---|---|
| January 2027 (NC(V) and NATED) | Online applications; closing date reported as 30 September 2026 but not confirmed |
| Part-time engineering and online learning | Separate windows, usually later than the main intake |
| Late applications | Only where places remain; contact the campus directly |
Documents Required
- South African ID or birth certificate (passport and study permit for foreign applicants)
- Latest school results, such as a Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 report, or the matric certificate
- Proof of residential address
- Any previous post-school qualification or N-level certificate
- A working cellphone number and email address
Some guides advise that certified copies should be recent, dated within the last three months. Scan documents clearly and keep each file within the size limit on the portal, because blurry or incomplete uploads delay applications.
How to Apply Online
- Open the college’s website and go to the applications section. The portal address has been reported as utvet.co.za/applications, and the college is also linked to ufetc.edu.za, so reach the portal from the college’s main site rather than from an unknown link.
- Complete the compulsory placement screening test.
- Register on the application portal and create a student profile with your ID number, email address and cellphone number.
- Choose your programme and preferred campus.
- Upload clear copies of your documents.
- Submit the application and keep the reference number sent to your email.
- Check your status through your profile, email or SMS.
Some sources say an offline PDF form is available through the admissions office, while others say the process is online only. Applicants without internet access should ask the nearest campus for help. The college is listed with the phone number 086 010 5790, which should be confirmed before use.
NSFAS Funding at uMgungundlovu TVET College
NSFAS funds eligible students at public TVET colleges. Funding is a separate application, so a student must apply to both the college and NSFAS. The general rules include:
- The applicant is a South African citizen.
- Combined household income is not more than R350,000 a year.
- Students who receive a SASSA grant qualify on that basis.
- The applicant is a first-time student or has not exhausted allowable funding.
- The programme is at a public institution and is funded by NSFAS.
NSFAS bursaries at TVET colleges generally cover tuition and may include allowances for transport, accommodation and learning material. Apply through the myNSFAS online account on the official NSFAS website and upload the required documents. Self-funded programmes, such as some part-time courses, are not covered.
Fees
The college does not publish a full fee table in the sources available. Fees depend on the programme, level and whether the student is funded. Funded students usually do not pay tuition, while self-funded students should request a written quotation from the campus finance office before registering. Budget separately for textbooks, stationery, travel and any tools or protective clothing needed for practical subjects.
After You Apply
The college reviews each application against the programme requirements and the placement screening result. Successful applicants are told how and when to register, usually by email or SMS. At registration, bring original and certified documents, proof of NSFAS status where relevant, and payment details if the programme is self-funded. Students who are not placed in their first choice may be offered another programme that fits their results, and they can decline it and apply elsewhere. Keep your reference number and check your profile regularly, since registration dates can be short and late registration may cost a place.
Choosing Between NC(V), NATED and Occupational Routes
NC(V) suits learners who finish Grade 9 or 10 and want a full three-year qualification with academic and practical subjects. NATED suits learners who already hold Grade 12 or an N3 and want a diploma path in business or engineering. Occupational programmes suit people aiming at a specific trade, such as electrician or plumber, and often lead to a trade test or recognised certificate. Compare duration, funding and the job market in your area before choosing.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply to the college and to NSFAS in the same period.
- Choose a programme that matches your school subjects, especially for engineering.
- Use your own email address and keep it active.
- Upload the correct documents on the first attempt.
- Confirm the campus and transport before accepting a place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does uMgungundlovu TVET College use an APS score?
No. Entry depends on the school level required for the programme and, for some fields, on Mathematics and Science.
Can I apply with a Grade 9 certificate?
Yes, for NC(V) Level 2 and some occupational programmes. N4 to N6 programmes need Grade 12 or an N3 certificate.
Is the placement test compulsory?
Reports say yes, and applicants complete it before the application is finalised.
Read also: Eastcape Midlands TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
Do I apply for NSFAS at the college?
No. NSFAS applications are made separately on the NSFAS website.
Where can I confirm the closing date?
On the college’s official application portal or by contacting a campus admissions office.
Read also: Buffalo City TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027