TVET Colleges In South Africa For International Students

TVET Colleges In South Africa For International Students

All students who are not South African citizens and therefore do not have an SA ID are regarded as international students. We welcome all international students to attend IIE TVET colleges and choose from the many IIE qualifications. Note that admission criteria may vary depending on mode, faculty, or qualification. Different application and registration fees apply to international students. Foreign students are persons admitted by a country other than their own, usually under special permits or visas, for the specific purpose of following a particular course of study in an accredited institution of the receiving country. For this fact sheet, foreign students refer to all students enrolled in the PSET institutions who are non-South African citizens. This means that the students who have permanent residence status are considered foreign students.

READ ALSO: TVET Courses 2026

TVET Colleges In South Africa For International Students To Study

South African TVET institutions provide a wide range of courses in a variety of fields, including engineering, hospitality, computer technology, business studies, agriculture, and others. International students can choose from a wide range of programs that correspond to their interests and professional goals. Below are the qualifications offered at TVETY Colleges for international students:

National Certificate (Vocational): NC(V) programs are administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training, with quality assurance provided by Umalusi.
Students get a broad variety of knowledge and practical skills in certain industry domains as a result of the programs’ integration of theory and practice.
NATED / Report 191: Under the authority of the Department of Higher Education and Training, NATED / Report 191 programs are provided and quality assured by Umalusi.
The programs last 18 months and include 18 months of academic study at colleges and 18 months of relevant practical experience in the workplace.
N1–N6 are engineering studies, while N4–N6 are business and utility studies.
National Higher Certificate: These are higher education programs offered at colleges in partnership with higher education institutions.
Learnership: These programs are based on a cluster of NQF registered unit standards and are offered under the auspices of SETAs and quality assured by SETA ETQAs. Skills programs can build up to a full qualification.
NQF Full Time: National Qualifications Framework (NQF) registered qualifications offered to full-time private students under the auspices of SETAs and quality assured by SETA ETQAs
Non-formal: enrichment programs that culminate in a certificate of attendance or company-based training in response to a specific demand.
ABET Or AET: adult (basic) education and training programs.

International Students Application Requirments For TVET Colleges In South Africa

You must have an equivalent qualification to those below.

Your equivalent qualification is evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA);
You must have a valid study visa issued in the name of The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) that covers the duration of your studies.
An USAf Exemption Certificate is required; the Office of the Registrar will facilitate, on behalf of the student, an application for degree admission to USAf once the student has provided proof of payment to USAf.
All qualification documents, i.e., the highest school certificate issued by the official examining body.
Complete and legible transcripts of academic records in respect of all other qualifications, together with the final certificates.
Preceding qualifications leading to any other advanced qualification where the latter is submitted.
Certificates in foreign languages should be submitted together with translations into English by a sworn translator.
The relevant evaluation fees

NOTE:

All international students who are not South African citizens (or who do not have South African residence status) who plan to study in South Africa are required to obtain a study permit before leaving their country. The Department of Foreign Affairs establishes the procedure to be used to apply for a permit. The student will need:

Valid passport (which should expire no less than 30 days [six months is recommended] after the end of the proposed period of study in South Africa and must have at least one blank page available)
Visa for study in South Africa. Students may not arrive on a holiday visa and then apply for a study permit; this must be done before leaving the country of origin.
A vaccination certificate will likely need to accompany the visa application.
Letter of acceptance from the College of Cape Town to the issuing authorities,
Deposit for repatriation or a valid return plane ticket, and
All the applicable fees for the visa and study permit applications,
Address while studying.

How To Apply Online At A TVET College As An International Students

Follow the step-by-step guide below to apply online for the 2026 academic year;

Download your online application form from the official website of the TVET College of your choice. During the application process, please make sure you include a valid and working e-mail address as well as one telephone number.
Complete the online application form with the required information. Provide your email, ID, and cell phone number verification. Your ID, e-mail, and cell phone are used to verify your identity.
Upload certified copies of supporting documents. Ensure that all supporting documents are attached. All applicants who are beginning a new qualification must submit the following certified documents:
Review and submit your completed application. You will receive a confirmation email containing all of the application information.

Contact Details For TVET Colleges

TVET Colleges In South Africa For Foreign Students

Visit Us
123 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria, South Africa

Contact Details
0800 87 2222 | callcentre@dhet.gov.za

We’re Open
Monday: 08h00 – 16h00
Tuesday: 08h00 – 16h00
Wednesday: 08h00 – 16h00
Thursday: 08h00 – 16h00
Friday: 08h00 – 13h00
Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays

TVET colleges in South Africa have emerged as a vibrant option for overseas students seeking hands-on training and quality education. These universities provide a comprehensive experience that prepares students for a successful career in their chosen disciplines by offering a diverse selection of courses, industry-relevant training, affordability, and a supportive learning environment. For more information, visit the TVET Colleges official website. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

RELATED LINKS