VerifiedNo government body ranks private TVET colleges, so any “best” list is someone’s opinion. What you can check is whether a college is legally allowed to offer your qualification. For NC(V) and adult education, that means appearing in the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Register of Private Colleges, last updated on 15 July 2026.
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Which body to check, by qualification
| If the college offers | Check with | How |
|---|---|---|
| NC(V) or Adult Education and Training | DHET register, plus Umalusi accreditation | Search the register PDF; Umalusi lists accredited providers in its online directory |
| Occupational qualifications or SETA skills programmes | QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) | Check the provider and the specific qualification at qcto.org.za or call 012 003 1800 |
| Higher certificates, diplomas or degrees | DHET register of private higher education institutions | A separate register on dhet.gov.za |
Reading the DHET register
- Section A lists colleges whose registration was cancelled. DHET warns that students at those colleges will not be allowed to write NC(V) exams or receive certificates.
- Section B lists registered colleges with the qualifications, NQF levels and delivery sites each may offer.
- Each registered college has a number in the format 2018/FE07/054.
- Because approved delivery sites are listed, check the campus you would actually attend.
Private colleges may no longer offer N1 to N3. A college still selling these is a warning sign.
Before you pay a deposit
- Ask for the registration or accreditation certificate and check that the name and campus match.
- Look the college up yourself; do not rely on a logo on its website.
- Remember that NSFAS does not fund private colleges, so you must budget for the full fees.
DHET ran a bogus-college crackdown in Pretoria in March 2026 after closing an unregistered college in Randburg. Complaints about private colleges go to PCComplaints1@dhet.gov.za.
Compare with accredited private colleges and the 50 public colleges in our provincial list.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official ranking of private TVET colleges?
No. Check registration and accreditation instead of rankings.
Where do I check if a private college is registered?
In DHET’s Register of Private Colleges for NC(V), or with the QCTO for occupational programmes.
Does NSFAS pay for private TVET colleges?
No. NSFAS funds only public institutions.
