Planning to study at Vhembe TVET College in 2026? This guide covers everything you need — courses offered, campuses, admission requirements, fees, NSFAS funding, and a step-by-step application walkthrough. Bookmark this page and share it with a friend who might need it!
What Is Vhembe TVET College?
Vhembe TVET College is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution located in the Vhembe District Municipality in the far north of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The college is regulated by the National Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and is one of 50 public TVET colleges in the country.
The college traces its roots to 1963, when it was originally established as the Bantu State School. It evolved through several name changes — becoming Finyazwanda College, then the Technical College of Venda (Techniven), before taking its current form as Vhembe TVET College in 2014. Today it serves the Thulamela, Makhado, Collins Chabane, and Musina municipalities across a coverage area of approximately 21,000 km², which is about 18% of the entire Limpopo Province.
Its motto — “Geared For Excellence” — speaks to the college’s mission of producing skilled graduates who are responsive to industry needs. Due to the vastness of the area it serves, Vhembe is one of the highest-enrolled TVET colleges in the country. The college has also received an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa in consecutive years, a mark of sound financial governance.
Campuses at Vhembe TVET College
Vhembe TVET College has seven main campuses and a hospitality satellite centre, spread across the Vhembe District. The Central Office is situated in Sibasa, approximately 3 km from the Makwarela Campus.
Thulamela Municipality — Main & Largest Campus
Address: Portion 15 OF 278 Mphaphuli, Sibasa 0970
Email: makwarela@vhembecollege.edu.za
The oldest campus, established in 1963. Offers NCV (Business & Engineering) and NATED programmes
Makhado Municipality
Address: Stand 016 Luvhalani, Tshakhuma Village 0958
Email: tshisimani@vhembecollege.edu.za
Approximately 31 km from the Central Office. Offers a broad range of NCV and Report 191 programmes
Makhado Municipality
Address: Stand 19, Mashamba Village 0920
Email: mashamba@vhembecollege.edu.za
About 77 km from the Central Office. Notable for its greenhouse and agri-horticulture training facility
Makhado Municipality
Address: Plot 2769 Makongoza Biaba, Dzanini 0920
Email: mavhoi@vhembecollege.edu.za
Approximately 49 km from the Central Office. Initiated in 1983 by Makwarela Campus staff.
Mutale Area — Learnerships & Short Skills
Address: Stand 1000, Tshilamba Village 0970
Email: thengwe@vhembecollege.edu.za
About 29 km from the Central Office. Specialises in learnerships, short skills, and also offers NCV & NATED Business Studies.
Collins Chabane Municipality — Malamulele Area
Address: 520 Madonsi Boltman B Menele, Malamulele 0982
Email: shingwedzi@vhembecollege.edu.za
Launched in 2017, about 42 km from the Central Office. Expanding access in the Malamulele area.
Musina Municipality — Mining & Industry Focus
Address: 761 Whyte Road, Extension 2, Musina 0900
Email: musina@vhembecollege.edu.za
Serves the mining-heavy Musina area. Engineering students complete workplace learning in mineral processing and mining support.
Makhado — Satellite Centre
A dedicated hospitality training centre serving students in the Makhado area. Enhances access for Tourism and Hospitality programmes.
Courses Offered at Vhembe TVET College in 2026
Vhembe TVET College offers three main qualification types: National Certificate Vocational (NCV), NATED Report 190/191, and Occupational Certificates accredited by the QCTO. Here is a complete breakdown:
National Certificate Vocational (NCV) — Levels 2, 3 & 4
NCV programmes run over 3 years (36 months) covering Levels 2 through 4. They are ideal for students who have completed Grade 9 or higher and want a career-focused qualification.
| Category | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Studies | Finance, Economics & Accounting (FEA) | 3 years (L2–L4) |
| Business Studies | Generic Management | 3 years (L2–L4) |
| Business Studies | Marketing Management | 3 years (L2–L4) |
| Business Studies | Office Administration | 3 years (L2–L4) |
| Primary Agriculture | Primary Agriculture | 3 years (L2–L4) |
| Engineering Studies | Electrical Infrastructure Construction | 3 years (L2–L4) |
| Engineering Studies | Civil Engineering & Construction | 3 years (L2–L4) |
| Engineering Studies | Engineering & Related Design | 3 years (L2–L4) |
| IT & Computer Science | IT and Computer Science | 3 years (L2–L4) |
| Utility Studies | Utility Studies | 3 years (L2–L4) |
| Hospitality | Hospitality Services | 3 years (L2–L4) |
| Tourism | Tourism | 3 years (L2–L4) |
NATED Report 190/191 Programmes
NATED programmes offer N1 to N6 certificates in engineering and business studies. After completing N6 and 18 months of workplace experience, students qualify for a National Diploma.
| Category | Programme | Levels Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Business Studies | Marketing Management | N4 – N6 |
| Business Studies | Human Resource Management | N4 – N6 |
| Business Studies | Financial Management | N4 – N6 |
| Business Studies | Business Management | N4 – N6 |
| Business Studies | Public Management | N4 – N6 |
| Business Studies | Management Assistant | N4 – N6 |
| Business Studies | Farming Management | N4 – N6 |
| Engineering Studies | Electrical Infrastructure Construction | N1 – N6 |
| Engineering Studies | Civil Engineering & Construction | N1 – N6 |
| Engineering Studies | Mechanical Engineering | N1 – N6 |
| Engineering Studies | Chemical Engineering | N1 – N6 |
| Utility Studies | Utility Studies | N1 – N6 |
💡 Tip:
NATED N1–N3 are engineering entry levels requiring a Grade 9 pass. N4–N6 are the business and advanced engineering levels requiring at least Grade 12 (Matric). After completing N6 and 18 months of practical experience, you qualify for a National Diploma — equivalent to a university diploma.
Occupational Certificates (QCTO)
Vhembe TVET also offers short skills programmes, learnerships, and occupational certificates accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), particularly at Thengwe Campus. These are often industry-linked and funded by SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) including SSETA, PSETA, MQA, and BankSETA.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of programme you want to study:
| Programme | Minimum Requirement | Age Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| NCV Level 2 | Grade 9 (completed) | Typically under 23 for first-time L2 students |
| NCV Level 3 | NCV Level 2 pass or Grade 11 | No upper age restriction |
| NCV Level 4 | NCV Level 3 pass or Grade 12 | No upper age restriction |
| NATED N1–N3 (Engineering) | Grade 9 minimum (Grade 10/11 recommended) | No upper age restriction |
| NATED N4–N6 (Business) | Grade 12 / Matric | No upper age restriction |
| NATED N4–N6 (Engineering) | N3 certificate or Matric with Maths & Science | No upper age restriction |
| Learnerships / Short Skills | Varies by programme (Grade 9 – Matric) | Varies |
Documents Required for Application
- Certified copy of South African ID or Birth Certificate
- Certified copies of your latest academic results (Grade 9, 10, 11, or Matric certificate)
- Proof of residential address (e.g., utility bill or affidavit)
- For transfer students: previous TVET academic transcript/results
- Passport-sized photograph
- Email address (required for the online portal)
Vhembe TVET College Fees 2026
Fees at Vhembe TVET College depend on the type of programme. The college publishes an annual fee schedule, and students are advised to confirm exact figures directly with the campus or through the official college website before registering.
| Programme Type | Estimated Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| NCV (Levels 2–4) | R4,000 – R15,000 per year | Annual fee per programme |
| NATED (N1–N6) Business | R600 – R1,200 per subject per semester | Billed per subject enrolled |
| NATED (N1–N6) Engineering | R600 – R1,200 per subject per semester | Billed per subject enrolled |
| Registration Fee | Varies — check with campus | Non-refundable |
| NSFAS-funded students | R0 — Fully Covered | Tuition, books & allowances covered |
⚠️ Important: The fees listed above are estimates based on publicly available information. Always confirm the exact fee schedule with the specific campus or by downloading the official prospectus from www.vhembecollege.edu.za before enrolling.
Payment Options
For students who cannot pay fees upfront, Vhembe TVET College offers instalment payment plans spread across the semester or academic year. Students are also encouraged to apply for NSFAS early, as approved applicants pay no fees at all.
NSFAS Funding at Vhembe TVET College
Vhembe TVET College is a registered NSFAS institution, which means qualifying students can receive full financial coverage through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
What Does NSFAS Cover?
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Prescribed textbooks and learning materials
- Transport allowance
- Accommodation allowance (where applicable)
- Living allowance
NSFAS Eligibility Requirements
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Come from a household with a combined annual income below R350,000
- Be registered or accepted at an NSFAS-approved public institution
- Meet the academic requirements for your chosen programme
How to Apply for NSFAS
Create a myNSFAS Account
Go to www.nsfas.org.za and register for a myNSFAS account using your South African ID number and email address.
Complete the Online Application
Fill in the NSFAS application form and upload all required documents including your ID, parent/guardian income proof, and latest academic results.
Wait for Outcome
NSFAS will assess your application and notify you via the myNSFAS portal. Applications for 2026 typically open in September 2025.
Register at Vhembe TVET
Once approved, take your NSFAS approval letter to your chosen campus and complete your college registration. You will not need to pay any fees.
How to Apply to Vhembe TVET College 2026
Vhembe TVET College accepts both online and in-person applications. Here is the step-by-step guide for both methods:
Online Application (Recommended)
1. Visit the Official Website
Go to www.vhembecollege.edu.za/online-application to access the online application portal.
2. Complete the Pre-Entry Placement Test
All applicants must complete a compulsory Pre-Entry Placement Test. This helps the college place you in the most suitable programme. You may still choose your preferred course, but you will need to acknowledge the recommendation.
3. Fill In the Online Application Form
Complete your application form in full, selecting your preferred campus, programme, and qualification level. Keep your username and password safe.
4. Upload Supporting Documents
Upload certified copies of your ID/birth certificate, academic results, and proof of address. Make sure scans are clear and legible.
5. Submit & Track Your Application
Submit your completed application. You will receive confirmation via your email address. Log back into the portal to track your application status.
Walk-In / Physical Application
Students may also apply in person at any Vhembe TVET College campus. Visit your nearest campus, collect an application form, complete it in full, and submit it together with certified copies of all required documents to the campus administration office.
📅 2026 Application Dates:
Online applications for the February 2026 intake typically opened in September–October 2025, with new student applications closing in November 2025. The mid-year July 2026 intake opens approximately in April 2026. Always check the official website for exact current dates.
Vhembe TVET College Student Portal (iEnabler)
The Vhembe TVET iEnabler is the official online student portal available at ienabler.vhembecollege.edu.za. Through this portal, registered students can:
- Access and view their academic results
- Check their registration status
- View subject information and timetables
- Update personal information
- Check fee statements and financial aid status
You will receive your login credentials (username and password) upon successful registration at the college.
Contact Details
For all general enquiries, contact the Central Office in Sibasa:
| Campus | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Central Office (Sibasa) | info@vhembecollege.edu.za | +27 (0)15 963 7000 |
| Makwarela Campus | makwarela@vhembecollege.edu.za | +27 (0)15 963 3490/1 |
| Tshisimani Campus | tshisimani@vhembecollege.edu.za | +27 (0)15 581 6009/10 |
| Mashamba Campus | mashamba@vhembecollege.edu.za | +27 (0)15 873 7904 |
| Mavhoi Campus | mavhoi@vhembecollege.edu.za | +27 (0)15 970 4166 |
| Thengwe Campus | thengwe@vhembecollege.edu.za | +27 (0)15 963 7000 |
| Shingwedzi Campus | shingwedzi@vhembecollege.edu.za | +27 (0)15 963 7000 |
| Musina Campus | musina@vhembecollege.edu.za | +27 (0)15 963 7000 |
Central Office Physical Address: Stand No. 203 Unit A, Sibasa, Limpopo 0970
Official Website: www.vhembecollege.edu.za
