TVET colleges promoted as universities hit capacity limits

By Omphile Mokwena

Judicial Sebatana

Education leaders have urged matriculants to consider Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as a post-school option as universities struggle to accommodate record numbers of applicants.

North-West University (NWU) said this week it had received more than 420,000 applications for its 2026 academic programmes but will admit only 11,800 first-year students, including contact and distance learners, in line with enrolment targets set by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

The university also confirmed that no walk-in enquiries or applications will be accepted during the 2026 first-year registration period because of capacity constraints.

Education expert Dr Judicial Sebatana said the mismatch between demand and available university places highlighted the need for learners to consider alternative pathways after school.

“University is not the only route to success. TVET colleges offer practical, industry-aligned training that can lead more directly to employment, particularly in areas where there is strong demand for technical skills,” Sebatana said.

He said TVET institutions played an important role in addressing youth unemployment by equipping students with job-ready skills while still allowing progression to further qualifications.

The CEO of Universities South Africa (USAf), Dr Phethiwe Matutu, has previously described TVET colleges as “high-value alternatives” to university study, noting that demand for university places continues to exceed available capacity.

“TVET colleges are closely aligned to workplace needs and prepare students directly for the labour market,” Matutu said .

 Education officials said TVET graduates are able to enter trades, pursue self-employment or work in sectors such as construction, engineering, manufacturing, information technology and hospitality, where skills shortages persist.

 NWU said applicants who received conditional offers would be informed shortly after the release of matric results, but warned that limited capacity means some qualifying candidates will not be admitted, reinforcing the need for learners to plan alternative post-school options, including TVET training.