TVET Colleges offer a diverse educational experience, blending theoretical and practical knowledge, making them an excellent choice for those seeking further education. The Department of Higher Education is actively preparing TVET Colleges for the upcoming academic year in 2024.
A Total of 480 000 Students Will Enroll in TVET Colleges in 2024 | NSFAS
TVET Colleges in South Africa
South Africa is home to fifty TVET colleges, distributed across more than 250 campuses. These institutions offer comprehensive training across various disciplines, including engineering, media, hospitality, business, utilities, and tourism.
2024 Enrollment Plans and Funding
For the academic year 2024, TVET colleges are gearing up to enroll an impressive total of 482,244 learners in various programs. Ministerial programs will see 421,518 learners, with 166,634 being new additions. The Department of Higher Education plans to fund 407,762 learners, and additional costs for these enrollments will be covered by the National Skills Fund, Setas, learners, and the reserve fund utilized by TVET colleges.
Budget Challenges Impacting TVET Colleges
Despite an increase in the budget for TVET Colleges last year, challenges persist. The Department notes a more than 10% increase in program costs and employee compensation for 2024, leading to a real decline in the budget allocated to colleges. Consequently, Ministerially funded enrollment is set to decrease by over 15%, limiting opportunities for new TVET College students.
2024 TVET College Calendar
The 2024 academic calendar for TVET colleges provides a detailed overview of the year’s structure, divided into terms and semesters.
NCV Programmes Calendar
Term 1 for NC(V) programs begins on 15 January and concludes on 10 March. Term 2 starts on 3 April, ending on 14 June, followed by Term 3 from 9 July to 20 September, including 14 days for internal examinations. Term 4 spans from 1 October to 1 November, with additional components scheduled from 28 October to 1 November and examinations from 4 November to 6 December. The academic year concludes on 11 December, featuring 177 lecturing days and 210 staff service days.
NATED Programmes Calendar
Semester 1 classes commence on 8 January, concluding on 20 March. Term 2 of the first semester starts on 3 April and ends on 17 May, with examinations from 20 May to 14 June. Semester 2’s Term 3 runs from 9 July to 20 September, and Term 4 spans from 1 October to 1 November, with examinations from 5 November to 6 December. The year concludes on 11 December, totaling 153 lecturing days and 210 staff service days.
Natural Science Studies
Trimester 1 begins on 8 January, ending on 20 March. Trimester 2 starts on 13 May, concluding on 20 May, with examinations from 24 July to 16 August. Trimester 3 spans from 2 September to 10 September, with examinations from 15 November to 9 December. The year wraps up on 11 December, featuring 142 lecturing days and 210 staff service days.
Conclusion
As TVET Colleges gear up for 2024, challenges in budget allocation pose hurdles. However, the diverse offerings and structured academic calendars underline the commitment to providing quality education and training opportunities for over 480,000 students. The dedication of these institutions remains unwavering, ensuring a robust learning experience despite financial constraints.
