Central Johannesburg TVET College (CJC) is that institution. With 8 campuses, 56+ courses, NSFAS funding, and a focus on real-world skills, CJC is built to take you from where you are to where you want to be. This guide gives you everything you need — the campuses, the courses, the requirements, and the exact steps to apply for 2026.
What Is Central Johannesburg TVET College?
Central Johannesburg TVET College (CJC) was established on the 11th of September 2003, when the late Minister Prof. Kadar Asmal launched the landscape for the then Further Education and Training (FET) sector at the Alexandra campus. Since then, it has grown into one of the most prominent public vocational colleges in the country.
CJC is a public vocational college under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) that focuses on practical, job-ready skills to prepare students for employment and entrepreneurship.
The college offers a wide range of qualifications from NQF Level 2 to NQF Level 4 — from National Technical Education (NATED) programmes to the National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)) to Skills courses and Learnerships. There are over 56 full-time study opportunities across four Schools.
The College’s vision is to be a public TVET College of choice, with a mission to lead students toward employment and entrepreneurship opportunities that contribute to economic development through responsive education and training.
CJC Campuses: The 8 Campuses Explained
This is where most students go wrong. CJC is not one building — it is eight separate campuses, each specialising in different programmes. Applying to the wrong campus means automatic rejection. Study this table carefully before you apply.
| Campus | Location | What It’s Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Ellis Park | Doornfontein (Currey St) | Engineering HQ — Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Building. The biggest technical campus. |
| Parktown | Parktown (Ubla Ave) | Business HQ — Human Resources, Business Management, Management Assistant. |
| Smit Street | Braamfontein (Juta St) | Creative Arts — Art & Design, Music, Clothing Production (Fashion), some Hospitality. |
| Alexandra | Alexandra (9th Ave) | Engineering & Skills — Motor Mechanics, Welding, Community Development. |
| Langlaagte | Langlaagte (De Vos St) | Finance & ICT — Financial Management, Computer Science, Marketing. |
| Riverlea | Riverlea (Ashburton St) | Tourism & Engineering — Travel & Tourism and Engineering programmes. |
| Troyeville | Troyeville (Pretoria St) | Business Studies — Marketing, Public Management. |
| Crown Mines | Crown Mines | Skills & Occupational programmes. |
Pro tip: If you want to study Sound Engineering or Music, you MUST apply to Smit Street campus. If you apply to Ellis Park, you will be rejected. The same logic applies to every programme — always confirm which campus offers your chosen course before submitting your application.
All seven campuses are spread within a radius of approximately 10 km from the College’s Central Office in Parktown, next to the Rodean School.
List of Courses Offered at Central Johannesburg TVET College
CJC’s curriculum is structured around four Schools, each covering a cluster of related qualifications. Here is a comprehensive breakdown:
School for Engineering Studies
This school is primarily based at the Ellis Park and Alexandra campuses and offers NATED (Report 191) N1–N6 programmes in:
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current & Light Current)
- Civil Engineering (Building & Structural)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Motor Mechanics / Automotive Repair & Maintenance
- Welding & Fabrication
- Computer Hardware
Entry Requirement: NATED Engineering (N4–N6) requires Matric (NSC) with Pure Maths and Physical Science. Mathematical Literacy is usually rejected for Engineering programmes — particularly Electrical, because N4 Maths is calculus-heavy.
School for Enterprise and Business Development (EBD)
Based primarily at Parktown, Langlaagte, and Troyeville campuses, this school offers N4–N6 NATED programmes in:
- Business Management
- Financial Management
- Human Resources Management
- Marketing Management
- Public Management
- Management Assistant
Entry Requirement: NATED Business (N4–N6) requires a Matric (NSC) Pass. For Financial Management, Accounting or Maths in Matric is typically required.
School for Creative Arts and Hospitality
Based at the Smit Street campus, this school is unique in South Africa’s TVET landscape:
- Art & Design (NATED)
- Music (NATED) — Sound Engineering, Music Performance
- Clothing Production / Fashion
- Hospitality Studies
- Food & Beverage Services
Entry Requirement: Art & Design and Music programmes at Smit Street often require a Portfolio of Work or an Audition before final acceptance.
School for ICT and Applied Sciences
Based primarily at Langlaagte campus:
- Computer Science (NATED N4–N6)
- Information Technology (NC(V))
- Travel & Tourism (NC(V) and NATED)
National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)) Programmes
The NC(V) is a three-year qualification (Levels 2, 3, and 4) equivalent to Grade 10, 11, and 12. It is designed for learners who want a vocational alternative to the traditional matric route. CJC offers NC(V) programmes in:
- Information Technology & Computer Science
- Engineering & Related Design
- Tourism
- Hospitality
Note: NC(V) is a January-start, year-long course. Applications generally close in November of the preceding year. If you try to apply for it in May, the system will show no available qualification — you would need to apply for NATED instead.
Entry Requirements: What Do You Need to Study at CJC?
Applicants must submit a certified copy of their latest school report or National Senior Certificate, a certified copy of their identity document, and proof of residential address not older than three months.
Candidates must also meet the individual subject admission requirements for the qualification and the minimum APS score applicable to the programme they are applying for.
APS Score Calculation Example:
| Subject | Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| English | 40% | 4 |
| Mathematics / Math Literacy | 30% | 3 |
| Subject 3 | 40% | 4 |
| Subject 4 | 33% | 3.3 |
| Subject 5 | 50% | 5 |
| Subject 6 | 25% | 2.5 |
| Total APS | ~22 |
For foreign students: foreign students must have their certificates and qualifications evaluated by SAQA before applying.
How to Apply for Central Johannesburg TVET College 2026
This is the most important section of this guide. Follow these steps carefully and you will avoid the mistakes that cause thousands of applications to fail every year.
Step 1: Complete the Compulsory Placement Test (Do Not Skip This)
CJC will not allow you to apply without completing the Placement Screening first. Go to the CJC website at www.cjc.edu.za, click on “Placement Screening” or “Career Guidance,” and complete the profiling questions about your marks and interests. Save the proof — the system links your result to your ID number.
Be honest during this test. If you fail the Numeracy section, the system will recommend you do not pursue Engineering. It’s better to know this now than to fail N4 Maths later.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Before going online, get the following certified (at a police station or by a commissioner of oaths):
- Certified copy of your ID or Smart Card
- Certified copy of your Matric Certificate / NSC / latest school report
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or affidavit — not older than 3 months)
Important for NSFAS applicants: Your proof of address is critical for the transport allowance calculation. If you travel from areas like Soweto or Orange Farm, a valid proof of address ensures you receive the correct transport allowance.
Step 3: Apply on the iEnabler Portal
CJC uses the Coltech/iEnabler online system. New students should go to the iEnabler portal (linked from cjc.edu.za), select “New Application,” and create a profile using their ID number, email address, and phone number. A 5-digit PIN will be sent via SMS — keep this secure.
Once logged in:
- Click “Submit Application”
- Select Year: 2026
- Select Period: Semester 2 (for Business) or Trimester 2 (for Engineering)
- Select your Campus (refer to the campus table above)
- Select your Course (e.g., National Certificate: Financial Management N4)
- Upload all certified documents as PDF files
- Submit and save your application reference number
Step 4: Apply for NSFAS Funding
CJC is a public college, which means NSFAS covers eligible students for tuition, transport, and — in some cases — accommodation. Students who do not apply or do not qualify for the DHET NSFAS Bursary Scheme must pay at least 40% of tuition fees upon registration.
Apply for NSFAS separately and as early as possible at www.nsfas.org.za.
2026 Application Dates for CJC
CJC follows the standard DHET academic calendar. For Engineering (Trimester) programmes, the Trimester 2 intake application window opens around April 2026 with classes starting in May 2026. For Business (Semester) programmes, the Semester 2 application window runs from approximately April to May 2026, with classes commencing in July 2026.
Mark 1 April 2026 in your calendar as the target date to begin your application.
Heads up on the website: On the day applications open, the CJC website often crashes due to high traffic volume. Try applying at 06:00 AM or late at night around 11:00 PM to avoid the rush. Persistence pays off.
Tuition Fees and Payment Options
CJC prescribes fees at the beginning of each academic year. Contact your specific campus for the exact fee schedule. If you are not covered by NSFAS, the payment structure requires at least 40% of tuition fees on registration. For trimester students, the remaining balance is due by the end of the first month after registration. For semester students, the balance is due by end of April (first semester) or end of September (second semester).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to more than one campus? It is advisable to apply to the specific campus that offers your chosen programme. Applying to multiple campuses without confirming course availability can create confusion and delays.
What if I didn’t pass matric? You can still apply for NC(V) Level 2, which is the vocational equivalent of Grade 10. You will need a Grade 9 pass to enrol.
Is CJC accredited? Yes. CJC is one of 50 public TVET colleges in South Africa operating under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). All qualifications are nationally recognised.
What if I studied N3 at another college? You can apply directly for N4 at CJC. Bring your certified N3 results and make sure your subjects align with the N4 programme you want to join.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Step Starts Today
Central Johannesburg TVET College is not a fallback option — it is a powerful launchpad. Electricians, accountants, fashion designers, musicians, software developers, and tourism managers have all walked through CJC’s doors and gone on to build thriving careers.
The only thing standing between you and your future is action. The campuses are accessible. The courses are practical. The funding is available. And the application process — while it has a few strict rules — is entirely manageable when you follow the steps above.
Here is your three-step action plan starting today:
- ✅ Do the Placement Test at www.cjc.edu.za — it takes about 15 minutes.
- ✅ Get your documents certified — ID, matric results, proof of address.
- ✅ Mark April 2026 on your calendar and set a reminder to check the CJC website for the exact application opening date.
The opportunity is there. Now it’s up to you to take it.
Information in this article is based on publicly available data from the CJC official website and the DHET. Course offerings and campus specialisations can change. Always verify details directly with CJC’s Central Office in Parktown before submitting your application.
