Buffalo City TVET College (also written Buffalo City College or BCC) is a public technical and vocational college in East London, Eastern Cape. It offers NC(V) programmes, NATED (Report 191) programmes and occupational and skills programmes across four campuses. Applications are made through the college’s online application portal, and funding is applied for separately through NSFAS.
This guide covers the campuses, programme types, entry requirements, application timing, documents, funding and application steps for the 2026/2027 period. The college has not confirmed every 2027 date in the sources reviewed, so the dates below are explained as patterns and should be confirmed with the college before applying.
About Buffalo City TVET College
The college falls under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Its qualifications are nationally registered, and tuition for eligible students is subsidised by government. It serves East London, Mdantsane and the surrounding Buffalo City Metropolitan area.
The college is organised into schools: business, engineering, a combined business and engineering school, and occupational training. Its most popular fields include motor mechanics, electrical work and office administration. The head office address is 43 King Street, Southernwood, East London, 5201, and the main telephone line is 043 880 0177, answered on weekdays during office hours.
Buffalo City TVET College Campuses
The college operates four campuses. Each one focuses on a different set of programmes, so the campus often depends on the course chosen.
| Campus | Area | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| East London Campus | East London | Business and NC(V) programmes |
| John Knox Bokwe Campus | Mdantsane | Engineering and construction |
| St Marks Campus | East London | Business and engineering |
| King Street Campus | East London | Occupational training |
Programme availability can change between intakes, so check the campus listed for a course on the official programmes page before choosing.
Programme Types at the College
Three kinds of programme are offered, and each has a different entry point and length.
- NC(V) (National Certificate Vocational): a full-time qualification at Levels 2, 3 and 4, combining theory and practical work. It is the main route for students who leave school after Grade 9 or Grade 10 or who complete Grade 12.
- NATED (Report 191), N4 to N6: trimester or semester based programmes that lead to an N6 certificate and, after workplace experience, a National Diploma. The college states that N4 to N6 programmes are being phased out and replaced by occupational qualifications.
- Occupational and skills programmes: shorter, trade-focused qualifications, including apprenticeships and learnerships, that prepare students for a specific job.
NC(V) Programmes
NC(V) fields listed for the college include:
- Civil Engineering and Building Construction
- Education and Development
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Engineering and Related Design
- Finance, Economics and Accounting
- Information Technology and Computer Practice
- Mechatronics
- Office Administration
- Safety in Society
- Tourism
Business and general fields are mostly based at the East London Campus, while engineering, construction and safety fields are mostly based at John Knox Bokwe. An NC(V) student studies seven subjects per level: three fundamental subjects (language, mathematics or mathematical literacy, and life orientation) and four vocational subjects.
NATED (Report 191) Programmes
NATED fields listed for the college include:
- Business Management
- Educare
- Financial Management
- Human Resources Management
- Management Assistant
- Public Management
These are offered mostly at East London and St Marks. Because the phase-out affects N4 to N6, applicants should ask whether a given NATED course is accepting new students for the intake they want.
Occupational and Skills Programmes
Occupational programmes are concentrated at King Street Campus. Fields listed include:
- Accounting Technician
- Automotive and Motor Mechanic
- Automotive Repair and Maintenance
- Early Childhood Development
- Electrical
- End User Computing
- Fibre Processing and Manufacturing
- Fitting, and Fitting and Turning
- Furniture Making
- General Security Practice
- Mechatronics
- Sports Coaching
- Water and Waste Water Treatment, and Water Reticulation Services
- Wholesale and Retail Operations
Some secondary sources also mention occupational courses such as Electrician, Bricklayer, Carpenter and Public Service Administrator for 2027. These are not confirmed by the college’s main pages, so verify them with the college directly.
Entry Requirements
TVET colleges do not use a university-style APS score. Entry depends on the programme and level, and the exact requirements are published per programme by the college.
| Programme type | Usual minimum entry |
|---|---|
| NC(V) Level 2 | Grade 9 certificate or higher; Grade 10 or 11 and Grade 12 also accepted |
| NATED N4 | Grade 12 or NC(V) Level 4; subject requirements apply for engineering and business streams |
| NATED N5 and N6 | Successful completion of the previous level |
| Occupational programmes | Varies by trade; often Grade 9 to Grade 12 plus a placement assessment |
Engineering programmes generally expect mathematics or technical mathematics, and some business programmes expect mathematics or mathematical literacy. Applicants should check the specific programme page.
Application Dates for 2026/2027
The college applies a pattern of opening applications for the new academic year in the second half of the year. For the 2026 Semester 1 intake, new student applications ran from 1 to 30 September 2025. For the 2027 intake, some secondary sources report applications opening on 1 September 2026, but one directory lists the 2027 dates as not yet verified, and the college’s main page does not display a closing date.
Across the sector, many TVET colleges keep applications open until late in the year, and some accept late applications while space remains. Do not wait for the last day: popular programmes such as motor mechanics, electrical and office administration fill quickly. Check the latest notice on the college website or call 043 880 0177 to confirm whether applications are still open.
Documents Required
Prepare clear scans or photos of the following before starting the online form:
- Certified copy of the South African ID (or birth certificate for younger applicants)
- Latest school results: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11 or Grade 12, depending on the level applied for
- Proof of Grade 12 or N3 results for NATED N4 applicants
- A valid email address and cell phone number
- Parent or guardian details and proof of income, if applying for NSFAS
Certification should be recent, and every file should be readable. Blurred or cropped documents are a common reason for delays.
How to Apply
- Visit the college website at bccollege.co.za and open the “How to Apply” page.
- Select the application portal (ienabler.bccollege.co.za) and register with a valid email address.
- Complete the personal, school and contact sections accurately.
- Choose a programme and campus, and add a second choice if the form allows it.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the application and keep the reference number for status checks.
Applicants without internet access can ask the college about walk-in assistance at a campus during office hours. The college lists online support for portal problems on its website.
NSFAS Funding at Buffalo City TVET College
NSFAS funds eligible students at public TVET colleges. Applying to the college and applying to NSFAS are two separate steps, and a college application does not automatically submit an NSFAS application. NSFAS applications are made online through the NSFAS website (nsfas.org.za), usually during the same period colleges accept applications.
Students generally qualify when they are South African citizens, have a combined household income within the current NSFAS threshold (R350,000 a year at the time of the latest published rules), and are registered or accepted at a public TVET college. Funding covers tuition and may include allowances for accommodation, transport and learning materials depending on the programme and rules for the year. Confirm the current allowances on the NSFAS site, because amounts change annually.
Applicants should also look for bursaries from the college, local municipalities and SETAs, especially for occupational and engineering programmes.
After You Apply
After submitting, the college reviews the application against the entry requirements for the chosen programme. Applicants may receive an SMS or email, and some programmes require an interview, placement test or assessment. Successful applicants receive an offer and then complete registration by paying or confirming funding, submitting original documents and collecting a student card. Check the portal regularly for status updates, and register before the registration deadline, as unclaimed places are given to other applicants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for NSFAS but not the college, or the reverse.
- Uploading unreadable or incomplete documents.
- Choosing a programme without checking the subject requirements.
- Using an email address that is no longer active.
- Missing the registration date after receiving an offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buffalo City TVET College located?
The head office is at 43 King Street, Southernwood, East London. The four campuses are East London, John Knox Bokwe in Mdantsane, St Marks and King Street.
Is there an APS score for Buffalo City TVET College?
No. TVET colleges set entry requirements by programme and level, based on school grade completed and, for some courses, specific subjects.
Can I apply to the college and NSFAS at the same time?
Yes, but they are separate applications on different websites. Complete both.
Are NATED N4 to N6 programmes still available?
The college states these are being phased out and replaced by occupational qualifications, so confirm availability for your intake.
How do I check the 2027 application dates?
Check the notice on bccollege.co.za or call 043 880 0177. Dates can change between intakes.