Unisa TVET Colleges Application 2026
TVET colleges
Unisa has an agreement with a number of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to offer tuition for selected qualifications, but primarily higher certificates.
These classes have proved to mostly improve the throughput rate of students who enrol for them. Successful completion of the higher certificates may give you a better chance to qualify for degree studies at Unisa.
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a QuestionColleges that have an agreement with Unisa
The following TVET colleges have agreements with Unisa:
Province | College | Website address |
---|---|---|
Eastern Cape | Eastcape Midlands College | www.emcol.co.za/ |
Port Elizabeth College | www.pecollege.edu.za/ | |
Gauteng | Western College | www.westcol.co.za/ |
Ekurhuleni East College | www.eec.edu.za/ | |
KwaZulu-Natal | Umfolozi College | www.umfolozicollege.co.za/ |
Limpopo | Letaba College | www.letabafet.co.za/ |
Mpumalanga | Gert Sibande College | www.gscollege.co.za/ |
Western Cape | College of Cape Town | www.cct.edu.za/ |
False Bay College | www.falsebaycollege.co.za/ | |
Northlink College | www.northlink.co.za/ | |
West Coast College | westcoastcollege.co.za/ |
Unisa qualifications offered by TVET colleges
Selection of courses approved by the Minister of Higher Education and Training
College | Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Development: Foundation Phase) (02593) | Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences (98201) | Higher Certificate in Banking (98225) | Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences (98237) | Higher Certificate in Tourism Management (98226) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Modules | AUE1501 BNU1501 CLA1501 ENN1504 FAC1501 FAC1502 MAC1501 MNB1501 SUS1501 TAX1501 |
BAN1501 BAN1502 BAN1503 BSM1501 CBC1501 CRM1501 ECS1501 FAC1501 QMI1500 RSK1501 |
BNU1501 BSM1501 CLA1501 ECS1500 ENG1511 FAC1501 FAC1502 INF1505 QMI1500 SUS1501 |
DTM1501 ENN1504 EUP1501 FAC1501 IOP1502 MNG1502 MNM1503 QMI1500 SUS1501 TRT1502 |
|
College of Cape Town | yes | yes | |||
East Cape Midlands College | yes | yes | |||
Ekurhuleni East College | yes | ||||
False Bay College | yes | ||||
Gert Sibande College | yes | yes | |||
Letaba College | yes | ||||
NorthLink College | yes | ||||
Umfolozi College | yes | yes | |||
Port Elizabeth College | yes | yes | |||
West Coast College | yes | yes | |||
Western College | yes | yes |
What is a TVET college?
It is a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. Unisa has an agreement with 11 TVET colleges to offer classes in its higher certificate qualifications.
How can I benefit?
The TVET colleges with whom Unisa has agreements offer classes and support on Unisa’s study material. Students who follow this route have been very successful in their studies.
Will I have to pay extra?
Yes, the colleges charge extra for tuition and support. This cost is, however, subsidised by government to make it more affordable. The cost differs between the colleges. Contact the college where you would like to study to get a quotation for the tuition support it offers.
Do I still apply and register with Unisa?
Yes, you have to apply at Unisa during the normal application period. Once accepted you have to register with Unisa during the registration period. At the same time, you have to register for tuition at the TVET college of your choice. Remember to make sure that the college of your choice offers support in the higher certificate you apply for.
What can I do with a higher certificate qualification?
A higher certificate is an accredited qualification and it may allow you into diploma or bachelor degree studies.
Related Resources
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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:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
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.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 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.