VerifiedTVET colleges train electricians, fitters, welders, plumbers, millwrights and engineering technicians. What you need to get in depends on the type of programme, and the options have changed: NATED N1 to N3 closed to new students in 2024, and N4 to N6 engineering is being phased out. Here are the entry requirements for the routes open in 2027.
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Engineering routes at TVET colleges
| Programme | Typical minimum entry | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NC(V) Level 2 in an engineering field (for example electrical infrastructure construction or engineering and related design) | Grade 9 pass | Mathematics is compulsory in engineering NC(V) programmes |
| Occupational trade qualification (for example electrician, fitter and turner, plumber, welder) | Set per qualification, commonly Grade 9 to Grade 11 with mathematics and science | Includes workplace learning; some colleges require placement with an employer |
| NATED N4 engineering studies | Matric with mathematics and physical science, or N3 with the relevant subjects | Only where the college still has an intake during the teach-out |
Colleges set their own requirements within these rules. Many ask for minimum percentages in mathematics and physical science, and some run placement or entrance tests.
Documents to prepare
- Certified copy of your ID or birth certificate.
- Your latest school or college results.
- Proof of residence.
- For occupational programmes: any proof of an employer placement, if the programme requires one.
Choosing the right route
- You want to become an artisan: choose an occupational trade qualification or an apprenticeship; both lead to a trade test.
- You are in Grade 9 to 11 and want a broad start: an engineering NC(V) gives three years of theory and practical work.
- You have matric with good maths and science: also compare university of technology diplomas, which have their own requirements.
Background: NATED vs NC(V) vs occupational qualifications and what the NC(V) is.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need matric to study engineering at a TVET college?
Not always. Engineering NC(V) programmes accept a Grade 9 pass, and many occupational trade programmes accept Grade 9 to 11, though mathematics is usually required.
Can I still register for N1 engineering?
No. NATED N1 to N3 closed to new students from 1 January 2024.
Which subjects matter most for TVET engineering?
Mathematics and physical science. Colleges often set minimum marks in both, especially for electrical and mechanical programmes.