On this page, we guide learners who want to apply online at the College of Cape Town for the year 2026. We cover all the key aspects of the simplified six-step application process, including the 2026 application dates, how to apply, 2026 application requirements, and what happens after you submit your online application.
College of Cape Town is one of the largest and most reputable public TVET Colleges in South Africa. The college is committed to providing quality vocational education that supports both academic development and hands-on workplace training. It serves over 11,000 students with a certification rate of 81%, offering 14 academic programmes and 58 occupational qualifications across multiple campuses.
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How to Apply online at the College of Cape Town for 2026
There is a strict process that you must follow when applying online for 2026 at the College of Cape Town. Applications that do not meet these steps may be rejected or delayed. Follow these steps exactly:
Step 1: Start your online application
Go to www.cct.edu.za and click on “Student Applications.” Choose the year 2026. Start by entering your ID or passport number to begin the application.
Step 2: Complete the Pre-Screening Test
All applicants must complete a compulsory placement screening test. This helps the college assess whether the programme you are applying for is suitable for your skills and interests.
Step 3: Upload certified documents
You must upload the following:
- Certified copy of your latest school results
- Certified copy of your ID (or passport if you are an international applicant)
- Proof of address not older than 3 months
- Certified copy of parent or guardian ID (if under 18)
- Medical documents if you have a disability
Step 4: Submit your application
Once you have uploaded everything, review your application. Then submit. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Step 5: Wait for acknowledgment
If your application is complete, the college will send you an SMS or email confirming receipt. Keep this message. It means your application is now being reviewed.
Step 6: Application review and decision
Your documents will be checked by the administration officer. If something is missing, your application will be referred back to you. If complete, your file will be handed over to the Head of Department for review. You will receive communication once a decision has been made.
Courses Offered at College of Cape Town for 2026
Now that you know exactly how to apply at the College of Cape Town for 2026, let us look closely at what courses are offered.
If you are planning to study at the College of Cape Town in 2026, your course options cover a wide range of fields such as engineering, business, education, health, design, hospitality, and information technology. Whether you are aiming for NC(V), N-courses, or accredited skills certificates, each course has a clear direction, either into employment, trade testing, or further studies.
Mechanical Engineering Courses
If your 2026 goal is to become a qualified artisan in mechanical trades, this course covers every level — from N1 up to N6. You can specialise in motor mechanics, fitting and turning, diesel, or boilermaking. The college also offers practical training backed by SETAs like merSETA and CHIETA.
Levels Offered:
- N1 to N3
- N4 to N6
- NC(V) Engineering & Related Design (L2–L4)
- Practical Skills Courses
Electrical Engineering Courses
The Electrical Engineering course gives you access to both heavy current and light current streams. You will do practical learning in wiring, distribution, digital electronics, and field instrumentation. You can also enrol in hands-on skills courses accredited by industry SETAs.
Levels Offered:
- N1 to N3
- N4 to N6
- NC(V) Electrical Infrastructure Construction (L2–L4)
- Accredited Electrical Skills Courses
Art and Design Courses
This course is for students interested in graphic design, photography, or visual communication. The College offers a full N4–N6 course leading to work in creative industries, advertising, or freelance visual production.
Levels Offered: N4 to N6
Business Studies Courses
From entrepreneurship to office support, the business-related courses prepare students for practical roles. In 2026, you can study business management, marketing, management assistant, or take NC(V) options in finance, office administration, or transport & logistics.
Levels Offered:
- N4 to N6 (Business Management, Marketing, Management Assistant)
- NC(V) Finance, Economics & Accounting (L2–L4)
- NC(V) Management (L2–L4)
- NC(V) Marketing (L2–L4)
- NC(V) Office Administration (L2–L4)
- NC(V) Transport & Logistics (L2–L4)
- Grade 12 – Amended Senior Certificate (for adults)
Education and Training Courses
If your interest is in teaching or working in early childhood development (ECD), this is your route. From Educare N4–N6, to ECD Level 4 and 5, and even a UNISA B.Ed degree, this faculty has every possible entry point.
Courses Offered:
- N4 to N6 Educare
- NC(V) Education & Development (L2–L4)
- Higher Certificate in ECD (Level 5)
- Further Education & Training Certificate ECD (Level 4)
- UNISA B.Ed Foundation Phase Degree
Primary Health Courses
If you want to start in the health field, the NC(V) Primary Health course gives you the fundamentals of healthcare. It is available at Levels 2 to 4.
Levels Offered: L2 to L4
Beauty Therapy Courses
The College is accredited by ITEC, which means your qualifications in Beauty Therapy will be recognised globally. These courses include advanced diplomas in skincare, massage, and aesthetics.
Levels Offered:
- ITEC Diplomas: Levels 2, 3, 4, and 5
Hair Care Courses
This course provides SAQA-accredited hairdressing training across three levels. You will learn cutting, styling, colour work, and client care.
Levels Offered:
- National Certificate Hairdressing (Level 2 and 3)
- FET Certificate Hairdressing (Level 4)
Building and Civil Engineering Courses
This field covers both structural engineering and construction-related trades. You can study full N1–N6 civil courses, or NC(V) civil construction. There are also short CAD courses (AutoCAD 2D and 3D), and furniture making (wood and upholstery).
Courses Offered:
- N1 to N3 Building & Civil Engineering
- N4 to N6 Building & Civil Engineering
- NC(V) Civil Engineering & Building Construction
- AutoCAD 2D and 3D (Part-Time)
- Furniture Making: Upholstery (L2), Wood (L3)
Information Technology Courses
This faculty trains you in systems development, networking, programming, and data communication. There are part-time options and vendor-accredited training like Cisco and Microsoft IT Academy.
Courses Offered:
- NC(V) IT & Computer Science (L2–L4)
- Cisco IT Specialist
- Microsoft IT Academy
- Higher Certificate in ICT Service Management (CPUT Level 5)
- IT Short Courses (Part-Time)
Hospitality Services Courses
This course includes both Nated and NC(V) options. You will train in professional cookery, food service, and housekeeping. It prepares you for roles in restaurants, hotels, or catering.
Levels Offered:
- NC(V) Hospitality (L2–L4)
- N4 to N6 Hospitality & Catering Services
Travel and Tourism Courses
Tourism courses focus on tour planning, client services, costing, and South African tourism knowledge. This is perfect for learners who want to work in guest lodges, travel agencies, or tour operations.
Levels Offered:
- NC(V) Travel & Tourism (L2–L4)
- N4 to N6 Tourism
Summary of Courses at College of Cape Town (2026)
| Field of Study | Courses Offered |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | N1–N6, NC(V) Engineering & Related Design, Practical Skills |
| Electrical Engineering | N1–N6, NC(V) Electrical Infrastructure Construction, Accredited Skills Training |
| Art and Design | N4–N6 |
| Business Studies | Business Management, Marketing, Management Assistant, Office Admin, Finance, Logistics, Amended Matric |
| Education & Training | Educare N4–N6, ECD Level 4 and 5, NC(V) Education & Development, UNISA B.Ed |
| Primary Health | NC(V) Primary Health (L2–L4) |
| Beauty Therapy | ITEC Levels 2, 3, 4, and 5 |
| Hair Care | Hairdressing L2–L4 |
| Building & Civil | N1–N6, NC(V), AutoCAD, Furniture Making (Wood & Upholstery) |
| Information Technology | NC(V), Cisco Academy, Microsoft Academy, CPUT ICT Level 5, Short IT Courses |
| Hospitality Services | N4–N6, NC(V) |
| Travel & Tourism | N4–N6, NC(V) |
2026 Application Requirements at College of Cape Town
Before you begin the 2026 online application, you must check that you meet the correct application requirements for the College of Cape Town. These requirements depend on your citizenship status.
For 2026 South African applicants:
- Certified ID copy (not older than 3 months)
- School report (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
- Proof of residence
- Parent or guardian ID (if under 18)
- Pre-screening test results
- Working cellphone number and email
For 2026 international applicants:
- Valid passport
- Valid study visa or permit
- SAQA certificate for qualification evaluation
- Certified school transcripts
- Proof of payment for international fees
Documents must be submitted in PDF or JPG format, clearly scanned, and certified.
When does College of Cape Town open for 2026 applications?
College of Cape Town usually opens early July each year for the following academic year. For 2026, applications will open on 1 July 2025 and close on 30 September 2025. These dates apply to both NCV (National Certificate Vocational) and Report 191 (NATED) programmes. Late applications are generally not accepted unless spaces are still available.
You are advised to apply as early as possible to avoid missing out on space in your preferred programme.
The College of Cape Town is proud of its partnerships with institutions such as UNISA, University of the Western Cape, University of Cape Town, and Cape Peninsula University of Technology. These collaborations give students a path to continue their studies after completing their qualifications at the TVET level.
Other TVET Colleges to apply at around Western Cape:
- Boland TVET College 2026 Application
- College of Cape Town 2026 Application
- False Bay TVET College 2026 Application
- Northlink TVET College 2026 Application
- South Cape TVET College 2026 Application
- West Coast TVET College 2026 Application
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