How much is Buffalo City College course fees?

If you’re considering furthering your education at Buffalo City TVET College in South Africa, one of the key factors to consider is the cost of tuition. This blog post will provide you with insights into Buffalo City College course fees, available programmes, and how to apply.

Buffalo City TVET College: An Overview

Buffalo City TVET College is a leading public college in South Africa offering diverse courses in business, engineering, and vocational training. The college operates across three main campuses:

  • East London Campus — Focuses on business-related NCV programmes.
  • John Knox Bokwe Campus — Offers engineering-focused NCV programmes.
  • King Street Campus — Provides learnerships, apprenticeships, and skills development programmes.

These campuses aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need for the job market.

Courses Offered at Buffalo City TVET College

Buffalo City College offers various courses under three main categories:

1. NCV (National Certificate Vocational) Programmes

These programmes are full-time courses designed to provide hands-on training in specific career paths.

East London Campus Courses (School of Business):

  • Education and Development
  • Finance, Economics, and Accounting
  • Information Technology and Computer Practice
  • Mechatronics
  • Office Administration
  • Tourism

John Knox Bokwe Campus Courses (School of Engineering):

  • Civil Engineering and Building Construction
  • Electrical Infrastructure Construction
  • Engineering and Related Design
  • Safety in Society

2. Learnerships, Apprenticeships & Skills Programmes

These are short-term programmes aimed at providing specialized skills. They are offered at the King Street Campus and include:

  • Automotive Repair and Maintenance
  • Fitting
  • Mechatronics
  • Motor Mechanic
  • Wholesale and Retail Operations
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment
  • General Security Practice
  • Sports Coaching
  • End User Computing
  • Accounting Technician
  • Health and Wealth (HWSETA)
  • Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP & M SETA)
  • Furniture Making
  • Fitting and Turning
  • Electrical
  • Education Training and Development Practices (ETDP-SETA)
  • Early Childhood Development

3. NATED (Report 191) Diploma Programmes

To pursue a NATED Diploma Programme at Buffalo City TVET College, you need a Grade 12 certificate or be in Grade 12 during the year of application. These programmes cover a range of technical and vocational fields.

How Much Are Buffalo City College Course Fees?

The course fees at Buffalo City TVET College vary depending on the programme and its duration. Here’s a general breakdown of costs:

  1. NCV Programmes:
    • The fees for NCV programmes typically range from R2,000 to R30,000 per year, depending on the course and level.
    • Courses like Mechatronics and Engineering may have higher fees due to the use of specialized equipment.
  2. Learnerships, Apprenticeships & Skills Programmes:
    • These short-term courses are often funded by SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) like HWSETA and FP & M SETA.
    • In many cases, students may pay little to no fees for these courses. However, for unfunded programmes, fees can range from R1,500 to R10,000.
  3. NATED Diploma Programmes:
    • For NATED (Report 191) courses, fees vary depending on the field of study.
    • The fees for these courses are estimated at R2,500 to R25,000 per semester, depending on the specific course and duration.

Note: Many students qualify for the NSFAS bursary (National Student Financial Aid Scheme), which covers tuition, accommodation, and even meal allowances. Students are encouraged to apply for NSFAS if they meet the criteria.

How to Pay Buffalo City College Fees

To ensure a smooth enrollment process, you must follow these steps to pay your fees:

  1. Obtain a Student Reference Number — You’ll get this number when you apply online via the Buffalo City Online Application Portal.
  2. Deposit the Fees — Fees should be paid into the official Buffalo City College bank account. Payment details will be provided upon application.
  3. Submit Proof of Payment — Submit your proof of payment to the finance department to confirm your enrollment.

💡 Tip: Ensure you meet payment deadlines to avoid losing your spot in the course.

Can You Study at Buffalo City TVET College for Free?

Yes, you can! Students can apply for funding through NSFAS. If you qualify, NSFAS will cover your tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and living expenses.

How to Apply for NSFAS

  1. Create an NSFAS account on the official NSFAS website.
  2. Submit all required documents, including certified copies of your ID and household income statements.
  3. Wait for approval. If approved, you will receive a confirmation message.

How to Apply for Courses at Buffalo City TVET College

You can apply for Buffalo City College courses in two ways:

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  1. Online Application — Visit the official Buffalo City College Online Application Portal, fill in your details, and upload the required documents.
  2. Walk-in Application — Visit the campus to book an online application session if you don’t have access to the internet.

Required Documents

  • Certified copy of your ID or birth certificate
  • Certified copy of your latest school results or academic transcripts
  • Proof of residential address

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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