Maluti TVET College is a public technical and vocational college in the eastern Free State. Its head office is in the Phuthaditjhaba area, and its campuses are spread across Phuthaditjhaba, Harrismith, Bethlehem and Poelong. The college offers the National Certificate (Vocational), NATED Report 191 programmes and occupational and skills programmes. Applications are made online through the college website, and NSFAS funding is applied for separately.
This guide covers the campuses, the programmes by field, entry requirements, application timing, NSFAS funding, registration and the mistakes that cost applicants a place. Published sources do not agree on every detail, so the guide separates what is widely reported from what applicants must confirm directly with the college.
About Maluti TVET College
Maluti TVET College is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and serves the Thabo Mofutsanyana region of the Free State, which includes the Qwaqwa area, Harrismith and Bethlehem. The college trains school leavers and adults for careers in engineering, business, hospitality, education and information technology, and its qualifications sit on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
As a public college it does not charge an application fee. A qualification can lead to employment, an apprenticeship or trade test, further study at a higher NQF level, or a pathway into a university programme.
Campuses of Maluti TVET College
The college is commonly reported to operate eight sites. Programmes differ by campus, so check which site offers a course before applying.
| Campus | Reported location |
|---|---|
| Main Campus (Tshiya) | Mampoi Road, Phuthaditjhaba |
| Itemoheleng Campus | Mampoi Road, Phuthaditjhaba |
| Bonamelo Campus | Stadium Road, Phuthaditjhaba |
| Kwetlisong Campus | Riverside, Phuthaditjhaba |
| Sefikeng Campus | Rosedale, Harrismith |
| Harrismith Campus | Intabazwe, Harrismith |
| Bethlehem Campus | Wessels Street, Bethlehem |
| Lere la Tshepe Campus | Tseki Village, Poelong |
Telephone numbers and street addresses in third-party listings differ, so use the contact page on the official college website for the current details of the campus you plan to attend.
Programme Types Offered
The college groups its offering into three main types.
- National Certificate (Vocational), NC(V): a full-time qualification at NQF Levels 2, 3 and 4, completed over three years. Students study vocational subjects in their chosen field together with compulsory subjects such as English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and Life Orientation.
- NATED Report 191 (N1 to N6): engineering and business studies taught in trimesters or semesters. A national diploma is awarded after the N6 theory is passed and the required work experience is completed.
- Occupational and skills programmes: trade-based and short programmes with a practical component, for example electrical and artisan-type qualifications. The list changes between years.
Fields of Study and Courses
Reported course areas at Maluti TVET College fall into the following fields. Confirm which of them a given campus offers for the year you apply.
| Field | Examples of programmes |
|---|---|
| Engineering and related studies | Civil, electrical and mechanical engineering |
| Trades | Bricklaying, welding, boilermaking, panel beating, motor mechanics |
| Business and administration | Marketing, financial management, office administration |
| Hospitality and tourism | Tourism and related services |
| Education and development | Educare (NATED) |
| Information technology | Information technology and computer science (NC(V)) |
Choose a programme that matches your school subjects and career goal. Engineering streams normally expect Mathematics and Physical Science, while business and hospitality streams are more flexible on subject choice.
Entry Requirements
Requirements differ by programme and level. The pattern across public TVET colleges, and the one reported for Maluti, is as follows.
- NC(V) Level 2: a Grade 9 pass or an NQF Level 1 qualification, with some programmes asking for higher marks in fundamental subjects.
- NATED N1 to N3: usually Grade 10, 11 or 12, depending on the stream, with Mathematics and Science for engineering programmes.
- NATED N4: a Grade 12 certificate or an N3 pass in a related field.
- Higher-level entry: an NC(V) Level 4 or Grade 12 pass for programmes at the upper levels.
TVET colleges do not rank applicants with a university-style Admission Point Score. Selection rests on the minimum requirements, the subjects passed and the places available. Every applicant needs a certified copy of an identity document and proof of the latest results.
Application Dates for 2026/2027
Reports state that the application window for the 2026 intake ran from 1 to 30 September 2025, and the college is expected to open applications for the next intake at a similar time of year. No confirmed closing date for 2027 is available in the sources reviewed, so watch the official website and social media pages from August onward. Late applicants sometimes find that places in popular programmes are already filled.
Some programmes also start at other points in the year, for example mid-year NATED intakes, which are announced separately. Apply early even if the college keeps a late-application window.
How to Apply to Maluti TVET College
Applications are made online through the college website, malutitvet.co.za. Walk-in help is available at campuses for applicants without internet access. The steps reported by the college guidance are:
- Open the college website and go to the student registration or online application portal.
- Read the instructions on the portal page.
- Complete the placement test if the portal requires one. Reports describe it as compulsory, and it allows you to state a programme preference.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal and school details.
- Upload or prepare the supporting documents listed below.
- Check every entry, then submit, and save the reference or confirmation message.
Documents to Prepare
- Certified copy of the South African ID or birth certificate
- Latest school results, such as Grade 9, 10, 11 or the Grade 12 statement of results
- Proof of residence, if the portal requests it
- A working email address and cellphone number
Certified copies must carry a recent stamp from a police station or commissioner of oaths. Scan documents clearly so that every page and stamp is readable.
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NSFAS Funding at Maluti TVET College
NSFAS funds eligible students at public TVET colleges. The usual rules, which applicants should confirm on the official NSFAS website, are:
- The applicant is a South African citizen.
- The combined gross household income does not exceed R350,000 a year.
- The student is registered for an NC(V), Report 191 or approved programme at a public college.
- Students with disabilities and SASSA grant recipients are treated under their own criteria.
The bursary generally covers tuition and may include allowances for accommodation or transport, learning materials and living costs. NSFAS applications are separate from the college application, so apply to both. A college place is required before NSFAS can fund a student, and NSFAS funding is not automatic. Never pay anyone to submit an NSFAS application, because the process is free.
Choosing Between NC(V) and NATED Programmes
The NC(V) suits learners who finish Grade 9 or 10 and want a structured three-year route that combines theory with practical work. It leads to an NQF Level 4 certificate that is comparable to a Grade 12 qualification for further study. The NATED route suits learners who already hold Grade 12 or an N3 pass and want a direct path to a national diploma in engineering or business. NATED programmes require a period of relevant work experience after N6 before the diploma is issued, so planning for workplace placement early helps. Learners who prefer a specific trade, such as welding or bricklaying, should also ask about occupational programmes that lead to a trade test.
Whichever route you choose, compare the subjects required, the length of study, the campus location and the cost of travel or accommodation. Campuses in Phuthaditjhaba, Harrismith and Bethlehem are in different towns, so living costs and transport differ. A programme at a campus near home can reduce expenses even when NSFAS allowances are available.
Read also: Northern Cape Rural TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
Fees and Payment
The college does not publish a single fee table for all programmes on its main page. Fees depend on the programme, the level and whether the student is funded. Students without NSFAS funding usually pay a registration amount and then instalments, and the college finance office confirms the amounts. Ask the campus for a written fee quotation before you register.
After You Apply
Once the application is submitted, the college processes it and contacts shortlisted applicants by email, SMS or through the portal. Successful applicants receive an offer and are told when to register in person with their original documents. Check your status regularly, and make sure your phone number and email address are correct.
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Registration normally requires the original ID, original results, proof of NSFAS status or payment, and passport-size photographs. Missing the registration date can lead to the place being given to another applicant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying after the closing date or waiting for the last week.
- Choosing a programme without checking the entry requirements.
- Submitting uncertified or unreadable documents.
- Using an email address that is not checked regularly.
- Assuming an NSFAS application replaces the college application.
- Paying agents or unofficial websites for a guaranteed place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Maluti TVET College located?
The college serves the eastern Free State, with campuses in Phuthaditjhaba, Harrismith, Bethlehem and Poelong.
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How do I apply to Maluti TVET College?
Apply online through the college website, complete any placement test the portal requires and submit the application form with your documents.
Is there an application fee?
Public TVET colleges do not normally charge one. Confirm with the college before paying anything.
Read also: Ehlanzeni TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
Does the college use an APS score?
No. Entry rests on the minimum requirements for each programme, not a university-style APS.
Can NSFAS pay for my studies?
Yes, if you meet the income and citizenship rules and are registered for an approved programme. Apply for NSFAS separately.
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Confirm all dates, programmes and requirements with Maluti TVET College and NSFAS before applying, as they can change from year to year.