The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is South Africa’s government bursary programme that helps eligible students from low-income households pay for their post-school education. For students at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, NSFAS is often the only pathway to accessing tertiary education without falling into debt.
NSFAS funds ALL 50 public TVET colleges. However, it does NOT fund private colleges. This distinction is crucial, and many students lose their funding because they unknowingly enrol at a private institution thinking it qualifies.
This article gives you the definitive, up-to-date list of all NSFAS-approved TVET colleges, organized by province, together with their contact details, so you can confirm your institution before applying.
Read: NSFAS vs SASSA: What Is the Difference?
Does NSFAS Fund All TVET Colleges in South Africa?
A very common search question from South African students is: “Which TVET colleges are funded by NSFAS?” The straightforward answer: NSFAS funds all 50 public TVET colleges that fall under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). These institutions are government-subsidised, which is what makes them eligible for NSFAS bursaries.
Private TVET colleges — no matter how reputable — are NOT funded by NSFAS. South Africa has hundreds of private colleges, but only the 50 listed in this article are part of the public TVET system. Always verify your college’s status before enrolling if you intend to apply for NSFAS.
NSFAS Eligibility Criteria for TVET College Students
To qualify for NSFAS funding at a public TVET college, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled (or intending to enrol) at an NSFAS-accredited public TVET college.
- Come from a household with a combined annual gross income of R350,000 or less. (For students with disabilities, the threshold is R600,000.)
- Not be enrolled at a private institution or receiving duplicate NSFAS funding.
- Be registered for an approved NSFAS-funded programme (NCV Level 2–4 or NATED N1–N6 / Report 191).
- Returning students must meet their college’s academic progression requirements (generally 50%+ pass rate).
- Not have already completed a qualification that was state-funded at the same NQF level.
For 2025/2026, NSFAS has processed nearly 894,000 funding applications, with over 609,000 already approved. The scheme remains one of the largest student financial aid programmes on the African continent.
What Does NSFAS Cover for TVET Students?
NSFAS funding for TVET college students covers the following components:
| Allowance Type | What It Covers |
| Tuition Fees | Paid directly to the college on your behalf. You never handle this amount. |
| Accommodation Allowance | For students living more than 40km from campus. Paid to an NSFAS-accredited accommodation provider. |
| Transport Allowance | For students living within 40km of campus. Paid directly to your bank account. |
| Living / Meals Allowance | A monthly personal care/meals allowance paid into your bank account. |
| Learning Materials | Covers textbooks, stationery, and study materials. |
| Disability Allowances | Students with disabilities receive additional support: assistive devices, human support, and repairs. Threshold is R600,000 household income. |
Important note: NSFAS-funded students at TVET colleges do not pay registration fees. Your attendance is also monitored — if it drops below 80%, your college can instruct NSFAS to halt your allowance payments.
Read: Bursary vs Student Loan: What’s the Difference?
Which Programmes Does NSFAS Fund at TVET Colleges?
NSFAS funds Ministerial-approved programmes at public TVET colleges. The main funded programmes are:
Engineering Studies (NCV Levels 2–4 | Report 191 N1–N6)
- Engineering and Related Design
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Civil Engineering and Construction
- Information Technology and Computer Science
Business and Utility Studies (NCV Levels 2–4 | Report 191 N1–N6)
- Management
- Marketing
- Finance and Accounting
- Office Administration
- Education and Development
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Safety in Society
- Transport and Logistics
Pre-Learning Programme (PLP)
NSFAS also funds the Pre-Learning Programme, which prepares students who need foundational academic support before entering formal NCV or NATED studies.
NSFAS does NOT fund short skills courses (e.g., a 2-week bricklaying workshop) unless specifically stated in the Bursary Rules and Guidelines. Always verify your programme’s funded status with your college before enrolling.
Complete List of NSFAS-Approved TVET Colleges by Province (2025/2026)
Below is the official, province-by-province list of all 50 public TVET colleges that are funded by NSFAS. Each entry includes the college name, telephone number, and email address so you can contact them directly.
1. Eastern Cape — 8 NSFAS-Funded TVET Colleges
The Eastern Cape has one of the highest concentrations of public TVET colleges in South Africa, including campuses in rural towns and urban centres such as East London and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). NSFAS transport allowances are especially important for students in this province.
| College Name | Phone Number | Email Address |
| Buffalo City TVET College | 043 722 5453 | hq@bolandcollege.com |
| East Cape Midlands TVET College | 041 995 2000 | info@emcol.co.za |
| Ikhala TVET College | 045 838 2593 | africa.mgaleli@ikhala.edu.za |
| Ingwe TVET College | 039 255 0188 | canca@ingwecollege.org.za |
| King Hintsa TVET College | 047 492 0060 | pumla.toboti@kinghintsa.org.za |
| King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College | 047 505 1001/2 | ericmatola@ksdfetcollege.org.za |
| Lovedale TVET College | 043 604 0700 | headquarters@lovedale.org.za |
| Port Elizabeth TVET College | 041 586 0002 | bridgetm.pefet@feta.gov.za |
2. Western Cape — 6 NSFAS-Funded TVET Colleges
The Western Cape is home to six public TVET colleges covering the Cape Metro, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, and the West Coast. These colleges are heavily oversubscribed, especially College of Cape Town — apply early.
| College Name | Phone Number | Email Address |
| Boland TVET College | 021 886 7111 | hq@bolandcollege.com |
| College of Cape Town | 021 404 6700 | info@cct.edu.za |
| False Bay TVET College | 021 003 0600 | Edward.Forrester@falsebay.org.za |
| Northlink TVET College | 021 970 9200 | nvstaden@northlink.co.za |
| South Cape TVET College | 044 884 0359 | central@scccollege.co.za |
| West Coast TVET College | 022 482 1143 | enquiries@westcoastcollege.co.za |
3. Northern Cape — 2 NSFAS-Funded TVET Colleges
The Northern Cape has only two public TVET colleges, but both are fully funded by NSFAS. These colleges serve a geographically vast province with campuses focused on mining, agriculture, and technical trades.
| College Name | Phone Number | Email Address |
| Northern Cape Rural TVET College | 054 331 3836 | info@ncrfet.co.za |
| Northern Cape Urban TVET College | 053 839 2000 | dchrist@ncufetcollege.edu.za |
4. Free State — 4 NSFAS-Funded TVET Colleges
All four public TVET colleges in the Free State are funded by NSFAS. The province’s colleges offer strong programmes in engineering, business, and social sciences, serving both urban and rural communities.
| College Name | Phone Number | Email Address |
| Flavius Mareka TVET College | 016 976 0829/15 | principal@flaviusmareka.net |
| Goldfields TVET College | 057 391 0500/15 | adm@gfc.za.net |
| Maluti TVET College | 058 713 3048/6100 | centraloffice@malutifet.co.za |
| Motheo TVET College | 051 411 2000 | maboya@motheofet.co.za |
5. KwaZulu-Natal — 10 NSFAS-Funded TVET Colleges
KwaZulu-Natal has the highest number of public TVET colleges of any province in South Africa — ten in total. From the coastal campuses of Coastal KZN and Thekwini to the inland colleges of Majuba and Mnambithi, there is wide geographic coverage for KZN students.
| College Name | Phone Number | Email Address |
| Coastal KZN TVET College | 031 905 7200 | rector@coastalkzn.co.za |
| Elangeni TVET College | 031 716 6700 | info.elangeni@feta.gov.za |
| Esayidi TVET College | 039 684 0110 | info@esayidifet.co.za |
| Majuba TVET College | 034 326 4888 | patb@majuba.edu.za |
| Mnambithi TVET College | 036 638 3800 | phindi@mfet.co.za |
| Mthashana TVET College | 034 980 1010 | russonr.mthcao@feta.gov.za |
| Thekwini TVET College | 031 250 8400 | info.thekwini@feta.gov.za |
| Umfolozi TVET College | 035 902 9503 | info.umfcao@feta.gov.za |
| Umgungundlovu TVET College | 033 341 2100 | khuzwayo.s@ufetcollege.co.za |
6. North West — 3 NSFAS-Funded TVET Colleges
The North West Province has three public TVET colleges, each serving a distinct region. The province’s economy is driven by mining, platinum, and agriculture — making technical NATED engineering programmes particularly popular.
| College Name | Phone Number | Email Address |
| Orbit TVET College | 014 592 7014 | info@orbitcollege.co.za |
| Taletso TVET College | 018 363 4187 | info@taletsofetcollege.co.za |
| Vuselela TVET College | 018 406 7800 | enquiries@vuselelacollege.co.za |
7. Gauteng — 8 NSFAS-Funded TVET Colleges
Gauteng is South Africa’s economic heartland and home to eight public TVET colleges spread across Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, and Tshwane. These colleges are high-demand and often close applications earlier than other provinces — always apply as early as possible.
| College Name | Phone Number | Email Address |
| Central Johannesburg TVET College | 011 484 1388 | info@cjc.co.za |
| Ekurhuleni East TVET College | 011 736 4400 | info@eec.edu.za |
| Ekurhuleni West TVET College | 011 323 1600 | info@ewc.edu.za |
| Sedibeng TVET College | 016 422 6645 | info@sedcol.co.za |
| South West Gauteng TVET College | 011 527 8300 | callcentre@swgc.co.za |
| Tshwane North TVET College | 012 401 1600 | central@tnc4fet.co.za |
| Tshwane South TVET College | 012 401 5021 | info@tsc.edu.za |
| Western College for TVET | 011 692 4082 | info@westcol.co.za |
8. Mpumalanga — 3 NSFAS-Funded TVET Colleges
Mpumalanga has three public TVET colleges, spread across the Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande, and Nkangala districts. Given the province’s coal-mining and manufacturing sectors, engineering programmes are in high demand here.
| College Name | Phone Number | Email Address |
| Ehlanzeni TVET College | 013 752 7105 | admin@ehlanzenifet.co.za |
| Gert Sibande TVET College | 017 712 9040 | info@gsc4u.com |
| Nkangala TVET College | 013 690 1430/3824 | info@nkangalafet.edu.za |
9. Limpopo — 6 NSFAS-Funded TVET Colleges
Limpopo has six public TVET colleges, supporting learners across both rural areas and urban centres like Polokwane. The province’s colleges have a strong focus on technical and agricultural vocational training.
| College Name | Phone Number | Email Address |
| Capricorn TVET College | 015 291 3115/8 | kmadzhie@capricorncollege.co.za |
| Lephalale TVET College | 014 763 2252/1014 | raath@ellisrascollege.co.za |
| Letaba TVET College | 015 812 3221 | centraloffice@letabafet.co.za |
| Mopani South East TVET College | 015 781 5721/5 | info@mopanicollege.edu.za |
| Sekhukhune TVET College | 013 269 0278 | sekfet@sekfetcol.co.za |
| Vhembe TVET College | 015 963 3156 | fetcol@mweb.co.za |
| Waterberg TVET College | 015 483 2441 | hq@waterbergcollege.co.za |
How to Apply for NSFAS Funding at a TVET College (Step-by-Step)
Applying for NSFAS is done online through the myNSFAS portal. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za and click on “myNSFAS” to create your account.
- Complete the online application form. You will need: your valid South African ID or birth certificate, proof of household income (IRP5, payslips, SASSA grant letter), and your parents’/guardian’s IDs.
- Apply to your chosen public TVET college (on the list above) and obtain an offer of admission/enrolment confirmation.
- Submit all required supporting documents within the NSFAS deadline. Incomplete applications are rejected.
- Track your application status via myNSFAS. Outcomes are communicated by email and SMS.
- Once approved, ensure your banking details are captured accurately on the NSFAS portal so your allowances are paid directly to your personal bank account.
- If your application is declined, submit an appeal within 30 days of receiving the outcome notification. Include all supporting documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — NSFAS and TVET Colleges
Q: Does NSFAS fund all TVET colleges?
NSFAS funds all 50 public TVET colleges under the DHET. Private colleges are not funded. Always confirm that your college appears on the official public list before applying.
Q: Can I get NSFAS if I failed at a TVET college?
Returning students must demonstrate acceptable academic progress as per their college’s progression policy. If you failed, you may need to appeal to NSFAS with supporting documents explaining your circumstances.
Q: Is NSFAS for TVET a bursary or a loan?
NSFAS funding for TVET colleges is a bursary — it does not need to be repaid. This is different from some older university NSFAS loans that required repayment above a certain income threshold.
Q: Does NSFAS pay registration fees at TVET colleges?
Yes. NSFAS-funded students at public TVET colleges do not pay registration fees. Fees are covered by the NSFAS bursary and paid directly to the institution.
Q: Can I use NSFAS at a TVET college AND a university?
No. A student can only be funded for one qualification at one institution at any one time. If you transfer from a TVET college to a university, you must update your NSFAS registration accordingly.
Q: What is the NSFAS income threshold for TVET?
The household income threshold is R350,000 gross per year. For students with disabilities, the threshold is R600,000 per year.
Q: Does NSFAS cover accommodation at TVET colleges?
Yes. If you live more than 40km from your campus, you qualify for an accommodation allowance. The accommodation must be accredited by NSFAS. If you live within 40km of campus, you receive a transport allowance instead.
Q: When does NSFAS open for applications?
NSFAS typically opens applications around September/October each year for the following academic year. Watch the official NSFAS website (nsfas.org.za) and social media channels for announcement dates.
Pro Tips for NSFAS Applicants at TVET Colleges
- Apply as early as possible — funding is limited and late applications risk being deprioritised.
- Only apply to colleges on the official public TVET list. Enrolling at a private college will result in NSFAS rejection.
- Ensure all your documents are certified and complete. Incomplete applications are a leading cause of rejections.
- Keep your attendance above 80% at all times. Falling below this threshold can trigger a suspension of allowance payments.
- Update your banking details on the myNSFAS portal before the start of the semester to avoid payment delays.
- Beware of scams. NSFAS does not charge fees to apply. Anyone asking for money to ‘process your application’ is a fraudster.
- Use the Central Application Service (CAS) if you have not yet been accepted at a college — it helps direct students to available institutions.
- If your application is rejected, submit a formal appeal within 30 days with all required supporting documents.
Conclusion
South Africa’s 50 public TVET colleges represent an essential pillar of the country’s post-school education landscape. Thanks to NSFAS, thousands of students from low-income households are able to access quality technical and vocational training every year — with tuition, accommodation, transport, and living costs covered.
The key takeaway from this guide is straightforward: NSFAS funds ALL public TVET colleges and NONE of the private ones. Before you enrol, cross-check your chosen institution against the official province-by-province list above. Once you have confirmed your college is on the list, visit nsfas.org.za to apply as early as possible.
Whether you are studying engineering in KwaZulu-Natal, business in Gauteng, or hospitality in the Western Cape, there is an NSFAS-funded TVET college near you. Use the contact details provided in each table to reach out directly to your nearest college and begin your journey toward a funded qualification.
