uMfolozi TVET College is a public technical and vocational college in northern KwaZulu-Natal, with its head office in Richards Bay and campuses spread across the uThungulu and surrounding areas, including Eshowe, Esikhawini, Mandeni and Nkandla. It offers NC(V) programmes, remaining NATED (Report 191) programmes, skills training, artisan training and trade tests, and distance learning courses. Applications for the 2027 NC(V) and occupational programmes are made online through the college’s application portal, and qualifying students can apply separately for NSFAS funding.
This guide explains the campuses, programme types, entry requirements, application dates, documents, funding and application steps for the 2026/2027 period. Dates, programme lists and campus offerings change between intakes, so confirm final details with the college before you apply.
About uMfolozi TVET College
uMfolozi TVET College is one of the public TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal and falls under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Its qualifications are nationally registered and tuition is subsidised by government. The college serves the Richards Bay, Empangeni and Eshowe regions and the surrounding rural communities, which means several campuses are located in smaller towns and townships rather than in a single city centre.
A TVET college combines theory with practical training and, in many programmes, workplace exposure. This makes uMfolozi a common choice for students who want a trade, a technical certificate or a business qualification without going straight to university.
The head office address is Naboomnek Street, Arboretum, Richards Bay, 3900. The college can be reached on +27 (35) 902 9501 or by email at info@umfolozi.edu.za.
uMfolozi TVET College Campuses
The college lists nine main campuses on its website, plus several skills centres. Counts differ slightly between sources because some campuses are paired in descriptions, so use the college’s own list as the reference.
| Type | Locations |
|---|---|
| Main campuses | Chief Albert Luthuli, Richtek, Eshowe, Esikhawini, Mandeni, Isithebe, Sundumbili, Bambanani, Nkandla |
| Skills centres | Jininindomnyama, Nseleni, Thubelihle, Alton, Maphumulo, ZCBF Community Park |
Campuses specialise in different fields. Richtek, in the Richards Bay industrial area, is associated with engineering and technical training, including part-time engineering programmes. Nkandla and Bambanani are linked to agriculture and farming management. Other campuses offer business, public management, hospitality and similar fields. Because the programme decides the campus, check the current prospectus or ask the campus admissions office which site offers your chosen course.
Programmes Offered
NC(V) programmes (Levels 2 to 4)
The National Certificate (Vocational) runs over three years, from Level 2 to Level 4, and combines academic subjects with vocational training. Level 4 sits at NQF Level 4, the same level as Grade 12. Typical NC(V) fields at KwaZulu-Natal colleges, and listed for uMfolozi in college and directory listings, include:
- Engineering and Related Design
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Civil Engineering and Building Construction
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Office Administration
- Transport and Logistics
- Primary Agriculture
- Hospitality
Not every field is offered at every campus, and the college may change the list for a given year.
NATED (Report 191) programmes
NATED programmes run from N1 to N6 in trimesters or semesters. N4 to N6 combine with 18 months of relevant work experience to earn a National N Diploma. The college has announced that NATED programmes are being phased out in line with DHET policy, so fewer N-level intakes are available than in the past. Examples that have been mentioned in college news include Business Management, Public Management and Hospitality and Catering Services. Confirm with the college which N-level programmes still enrol new students.
Occupational, skills and artisan programmes
The college also runs occupational programmes, short skills courses, artisan training and trade tests, and a Government Certificate of Competency route. These are suited to people who want a specific trade or to formalise skills they already use at work. Entry rules, duration and cost differ by programme and are set by the college or the sector training body involved.
Distance learning
Distance learning courses are listed on the college website for students who cannot attend a campus full time. Ask the college which qualifications are offered this way and how assessments are done.
Entry Requirements
TVET colleges do not use a university-style APS score. Entry depends on the level and the field.
| 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 and skills programmes | Varies by programme; some require Grade 9 or 12, others need no formal schooling |
Engineering programmes generally expect Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) and Physical Science. First-time applicants may be asked to complete a placement assessment and a career questionnaire so the college can match them to a suitable programme. The college also points applicants to a free career guidance questionnaire to help choose a field.
Application Dates for 2026/2027
The college announced in September 2026 that online applications for 2027 NC(V) and occupational programmes are open. No official closing date appears on the college website at the time of writing. Past cycles show the pattern: the 2025 application period ran from 17 March to 19 April 2025, and the NC(V) window for the 2026 intake closed in October 2025. Treat any closing date quoted on third-party sites as unconfirmed, and apply as early as possible after the window opens.
| Intake | What to expect |
|---|---|
| January 2027 (NC(V)) | Online applications open now; check the portal for the closing date |
| NATED and part-time programmes | Dates published separately by the college; confirm availability first |
| Late applications | Accepted only where places remain; contact the campus directly |
Documents Required
- Certified copy of your South African ID (or 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 residence, where requested
- Parent or guardian ID copy for applicants under 18, where requested
- Any previous TVET or N-level certificates, for NATED applicants
- A working cellphone number and email address for application updates
Scan documents clearly and keep each file within the size limit shown on the portal. Blurry or incomplete uploads are a frequent cause of delays.
How to Apply Online
- Go to the college website and select the application link. The online system is hosted at umfolozi.coltech.co.za.
- Register with your ID number, a personal email address and a cellphone number, then log in.
- Complete the personal details, school history and contact sections.
- Choose your programme and preferred campus. Add a second choice if the system allows it.
- Upload your supporting documents.
- Complete the placement assessment or questionnaire if the system asks for it.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation or reference number.
After submission, log in again regularly to check the application status. The college contacts shortlisted applicants about registration dates and any extra requirements. Applicants without internet access can ask the nearest campus admissions office for help.
NSFAS Funding at uMfolozi TVET College
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds eligible students at public TVET colleges. Funding is separate from the college application, so a student must apply to both. The general eligibility rules from NSFAS include:
- The applicant is a South African citizen.
- Combined household income is not more than R350,000 a year.
- The applicant is a first-time student or has not yet exhausted their allowable funding.
- Students who receive a SASSA grant qualify on that basis.
- The student has been accepted, or is applying, for a funded programme at a public institution.
NSFAS bursaries at TVET colleges generally cover tuition, and may cover transport, accommodation and learning material allowances where the student qualifies. Apply through the myNSFAS online account, upload the required documents and keep the account details safe. NSFAS opens applications for the following academic year late in the year, so check the NSFAS website for the exact dates. Some programmes, such as part-time engineering at Richtek, are self-funded and are not covered by NSFAS.
Fees
The college does not publish a full tuition fee table on its main page. Fees depend on the programme, level and whether the student is funded. Funded students usually do not pay tuition out of pocket, while self-funded students should request a quotation from the campus finance office before registering. Budget separately for textbooks, stationery, travel and, where relevant, tools or protective clothing for practical subjects.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply for both the college and NSFAS in the same period.
- Choose a programme that matches your school subjects, particularly for engineering.
- Use your own email address and keep it active.
- Upload the correct documents on the first attempt.
- Confirm campus location and transport before accepting a place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does uMfolozi TVET College use an APS score?
No. Entry is based on the level of schooling 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.
Where do I apply?
Online through the college application portal, or with help from a campus admissions office.
Is there an application fee?
Confirm this on the portal or with the college, as fee rules can change between cycles.
How do I contact the college?
Call +27 (35) 902 9501 or email info@umfolozi.edu.za.
Read also: Eastcape Midlands TVET College Courses, Application Dates, NSFAS & How to Apply 2026/2027
Related guides on TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal: Thekwini TVET College and Mthashana TVET College.