Thekwini TVET College is a public technical and vocational college in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, with campuses in Asherville, Cato Manor, Centec (Roseglen), Melbourne (Dalbridge), Springfield and Umbilo. It offers NCV (National Certificate Vocational) programmes at Levels 2 to 4, NATED (Report 191) programmes at N4 to N6, an occupational hairdressing qualification, a pre-vocational learning programme and a range of trade and skills programmes. Applications are made through the college’s online application system, and qualifying students can apply separately for NSFAS funding.
This guide explains the campuses, programmes, entry requirements, application dates, required documents, funding and application steps for the 2026/2027 period. Programme lists and dates change between intakes, so confirm the final details with the college before you apply.
About Thekwini TVET College
Thekwini TVET College is one of the public TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal and operates under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Its qualifications are nationally registered, and tuition is subsidised by government. The college serves the greater Durban area and draws students who want practical, job-focused training in engineering, business, hospitality, information technology, transport and similar fields.
Unlike a university, a TVET college combines theory with practical training, and many programmes include workplace exposure. This makes the college a common choice for students who want a trade, a technical diploma route or a business qualification without going directly to university.
Thekwini TVET College Campuses
The college runs six campuses, and each one specialises in particular fields. The table below shows the main campus offerings as published in current college listings. Offerings can change from year to year, so check the latest prospectus or contact the campus before you choose.
| Campus | Area | Main programmes |
|---|---|---|
| Asherville | Durban | Public Management (NATED); Education and Development (NCV) |
| Cato Manor | Durban | Hospitality (NCV); Hairdresser (Occupational Certificate); Pre-Vocational Learning Programme |
| Centec | Roseglen, Durban | Financial Management, Hospitality and Catering Services, Travel and Tourism (NATED); Office Administration (NCV) |
| Melbourne | Dalbridge, Durban | Information Technology and Computer Science (NCV); civil and electrical engineering (NATED); trade and skills programmes |
| Springfield | Durban | Business Management, Marketing Management, Public Relations Management, Mechanical Engineering (NATED); Engineering and Related Design (NCV) |
| Umbilo | Durban | Transport and Logistics (NCV) |
Because campuses focus on different fields, the programme you want decides the campus you apply to. Some students travel between suburbs for the right course, so consider transport costs and distance when you choose.
Programmes Offered
NCV programmes (Levels 2 to 4)
The NCV runs over three years, from Level 2 to Level 4, and combines academic subjects with vocational training. Level 4 is equivalent to NQF Level 4, the same level as Grade 12. Fields available at Thekwini include:
- Education and Development
- Engineering and Related Design
- Hospitality
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Office Administration
- Transport and Logistics
NATED (Report 191) programmes
NATED programmes run in levels N4 to N6 and are offered in semesters or trimesters. After passing N4 to N6 and completing the required work experience, students qualify for a National Diploma. Fields listed for the college include:
- Business Management, Marketing Management and Public Relations Management
- Financial Management
- Public Management
- Hospitality and Catering Services
- Travel and Tourism
- Mechanical, Civil and Electrical Engineering
Occupational, pre-vocational and skills programmes
The college offers an Occupational Certificate in Hairdressing at Cato Manor and a one-year Pre-Vocational Learning Programme, which works as a bridging or foundation year for students who need to strengthen their basic skills. The Melbourne campus lists skills programmes in bricklaying, electrical work, hairdressing and plumbing, along with trade tests for electrical, hairdressing and plumbing candidates.
Entry Requirements
Requirements depend on the programme and level. The table below gives the general pattern for TVET colleges, together with the minimums published for the Melbourne campus. Always confirm the exact requirement for your chosen programme.
| Programme | Minimum entry |
|---|---|
| NCV Level 2 | Grade 9 or an equivalent qualification; subject requirements vary by programme |
| NCV Information Technology and Robotics (Melbourne) | Grade 9 or higher with at least 40% in Mathematics; Physical Science is an advantage |
| NATED Civil or Electrical Engineering (Melbourne) | Grade 12 with at least 40% in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, plus Physical Science or Technical Science |
| Other NATED N4 programmes | Grade 12 or an NQF Level 4 qualification, often with subject requirements for business or engineering streams |
TVET colleges do not rely on the university-style APS (Admission Point Score). Instead they look at your highest completed grade, the subjects you passed and the marks in subjects relevant to the field.
Thekwini TVET College Application Dates 2026/2027
Verified 2027 application dates are not yet published in the sources checked for this guide. The college has used a main application window at the start of the academic year, followed by late applications. For the 2026 intake, online applications were reported open in January 2026, with late applications closing on 15 January 2026. A mid-year intake window for some programmes was reported from 30 March to 15 April 2026.
For 2027, expect the same pattern: applications open late in the previous year or in the first weeks of January, and close soon after the start of the year. Watch the college’s official application portal for the confirmed opening and closing dates, and apply as early as possible. Popular programmes such as engineering, information technology and hospitality fill quickly.
Documents Required
Prepare these documents in a clear scanned format before you start the application:
- A certified copy of your South African ID (or the ID of your parent or guardian if you are under 16)
- Your latest academic results, such as a Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11 or Grade 12 report, or your NSC statement of results
- For NATED engineering and some business programmes, proof of the subject marks required
- Any additional documents requested for your programme, such as proof of previous N-level results
Certified copies should be recent. Some guides advise that certification is no older than three months, so certify your copies close to the time you apply. Upload documents in the format the portal accepts, and check that every page is readable.
How to Apply
The college accepts applications through its online application system, linked from its official website. An offline option using a downloadable application form has also been listed for students without reliable internet access. Follow these steps for the online route:
- Open the college’s official application portal and create a profile using your ID number, a working email address and a cellphone number.
- Choose your programme and campus. Select a second option where the form allows it.
- Enter your personal details and school information accurately.
- Upload your certified ID copy and your latest results.
- Review the form, submit it and save the confirmation or reference number.
- Check your email and the portal regularly for a response, and respond to any request for extra documents quickly.
Use only the college’s official portal. Colleges do not charge a fee to process a standard application, so avoid anyone who asks for payment to secure a place.
NSFAS Funding at Thekwini TVET College
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funds eligible students at public TVET colleges, but the NSFAS application is separate from the college application. Applying to the college does not apply for funding, and NSFAS funding does not guarantee a place.
In general, NSFAS supports South African citizens who are enrolled or have been accepted at a public TVET college and whose combined household income falls within the NSFAS limit, which has been R350,000 a year. Students who receive a SASSA grant also qualify on the income criterion. Funding usually covers tuition, and may include allowances for accommodation or transport, learning materials and living costs, depending on NSFAS rules for the year.
To apply for NSFAS, create an account on the myNSFAS portal, complete the online application, upload the required documents and track the outcome on the same portal. Apply during the NSFAS window, which normally opens at the end of the year, and keep your contact details up to date.
Fees and Payment
Fees differ by programme and level, and no current fee figures are confirmed in the sources used here. The college publishes class fees on its student information pages. Students who are not funded by NSFAS or a bursary normally pay a registration fee and the programme tuition fee, with instalment arrangements available through the college’s finance office. Contact the finance office for a written fee quote before registration.
After You Apply
After the closing date, the college reviews applications, checks that each applicant meets the minimum requirements and offers places. Successful applicants receive an offer and then register by paying the required fee or submitting proof of NSFAS or bursary funding. Check your application status on the portal and by email. If you receive no response, contact the college admissions office or visit the campus in person with your reference number.
Common Application Mistakes
- Uploading unreadable or uncertified documents
- Choosing a programme at a campus that does not offer it
- Missing the closing date for the chosen intake
- Entering a wrong email address or cellphone number
- Assuming an NSFAS application replaces the college application
Frequently Asked Questions
How many campuses does Thekwini TVET College have?
The college has six campuses: Asherville, Cato Manor, Centec, Melbourne, Springfield and Umbilo.
Can I study engineering at Thekwini TVET College?
Yes. Engineering programmes are offered at Springfield (mechanical engineering and engineering and related design) and Melbourne (civil and electrical engineering), subject to the entry requirements.
Do I need an APS score to apply?
No. TVET colleges use minimum grade and subject requirements rather than APS.
Read also: Eastcape Midlands TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
Is there an application fee?
Standard applications are free of charge at public TVET colleges. Confirm any fee on the official portal.
Does NSFAS pay for all programmes?
NSFAS funds eligible students in approved NCV and NATED programmes at public TVET colleges. Check that your programme is funded when you apply.
Read also: Buffalo City TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027