Looking for Gert Sibande TVET College courses for 2027? This guide explains the programmes offered, campuses, admission requirements, application process, NSFAS funding, engineering and business courses, and what prospective students should know before applying.
If you are looking for an affordable route into technical skills, business, engineering, agriculture, hospitality, IT or other vocational careers, Gert Sibande TVET College is one of the public TVET colleges serving students in Mpumalanga.
NextStepZA update: Application information can change, so always confirm the latest dates and requirements through the official Gert Sibande TVET College application system before submitting an application.
What Is Gert Sibande TVET College?
Gert Sibande TVET College is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution situated in the Gert Sibande region of Mpumalanga.
The college was established in 2002 through the merger of the technical colleges of Ermelo, Evander and Standerton.
It has since expanded its footprint across the region and provides vocational and technical education through several campuses.
The college’s motto is:
“My Future Starts Today.”
Its programmes are designed to combine education and practical skills, giving students pathways into employment, further education, entrepreneurship and technical careers.
Gert Sibande TVET College Campuses
The college serves students through campuses in:
Balfour
Ermelo
Evander
Sibanesetfu / Mpuluzi
Perdekop
Standerton
The college also has Skills Academy and artisan-development facilities.
Importantly, not every programme is offered at every campus. Students should therefore check the campus and programme combination before applying.
What Can You Study at Gert Sibande TVET College?
Gert Sibande TVET College offers different study pathways, including:
1. National Certificate Vocational (NC(V))
NC(V) programmes generally run from Level 2 to Level 4.
Examples include:
Finance, Economics & Accounting
Management
Marketing
Office Administration
Civil Engineering and Building Construction
Electrical Infrastructure Construction
Engineering and Related Design
Mechatronics
Information Technology and Computer Science
Hospitality
Primary Agriculture
The exact subjects and programme availability depend on the course and campus.
Engineering Courses at Gert Sibande TVET College
Students interested in technical careers have several engineering-related options.
These include areas such as:
Electrical Engineering
Students can study subjects including:
Electrical principles
Electrotechnics
Engineering Science
Industrial Electronics
Mathematics
Power Machines
Mechanical Engineering
Depending on the programme level, subjects can include:
Engineering Science
Mathematics
Mechanical Drawing
Mechatronics
Fluid Mechanics
Power Machines
Strength of Materials
Civil Engineering
Civil-related studies can include:
Building Science
Building and Structural Construction
Quantity Surveying
Building Administration
Mathematics
Building and Structural Surveying
Engineering & Related Design
NC(V) Engineering and Related Design can include areas such as:
Engineering Fundamentals
Engineering Technology
Engineering Systems
Automotive Repair and Maintenance
Fitting and Turning
Welding
These programmes can be particularly useful for students interested in technical, engineering and artisan career pathways.
Electrical Infrastructure Construction
One of the interesting programmes for students interested in the energy and electrical sector is Electrical Infrastructure Construction.
The programme includes subjects such as:
Electrical Principles & Practice
Electronic Control & Digital Electronics
Electrical Workshop Practice
Electrical Systems & Construction
Mathematics
Physical Science
Renewable Energy Technology
Students can develop skills relevant to electrical infrastructure and related technical environments.
If you are interested in becoming an electrician, however, remember that completing a college programme and becoming a fully qualified artisan are not necessarily the same thing.
Your eventual artisan pathway can involve additional workplace training, an apprenticeship and the applicable trade-test requirements.
Engineering and Related Design: Welding, Fitting & Automotive
Students interested in hands-on technical careers can also look at Engineering and Related Design.
Depending on the programme, students may encounter areas such as:
Welding
Fitting and Turning
Automotive Repair and Maintenance
Engineering Technology
Engineering Systems
Manufacturing
Machine-related activities
This can provide a foundation for students who want to build careers in manufacturing, engineering, automotive or artisan-related industries.
Business Courses at Gert Sibande TVET College
TVET education is not only about engineering.
Gert Sibande TVET College also offers business-related programmes.
Examples include:
Office Administration
Students can study areas such as:
Business Practice
Office Practice
Office Data Processing
New Venture Creation
Career possibilities can include administrative and office-support roles.
Management
Students can study areas such as:
Management Practice
Operations Management
Entrepreneurship
Project Management
Financial Management
Marketing
Marketing-related studies can include:
Marketing
Advertising and Promotions
Marketing Communications
Wholesale and Retail
Office Data Processing
Other business-related areas include:
Management Assistant
Human Resources Management
Financial Management
Public Management
Business Management
Information Technology and Computer Science
Gert Sibande TVET College also offers Information Technology and Computer Science through its NC(V) programmes.
Students can encounter areas such as:
Systems analysis
Computer hardware and software
Computer programming
Data communication and networking
Multimedia
Information systems
This can provide a starting point for students interested in technology and digital careers.
Hospitality Courses
Students interested in the hospitality and tourism sector can consider hospitality-related programmes.
Areas can include:
Food preparation
Hospitality services
Client services
Food and beverage
Accommodation services
Hospitality management
Potential work environments include:
Hotels
Guest houses
Restaurants
Catering businesses
Hospitality establishments
The college also has hospitality-related facilities that give students opportunities to develop practical experience.
Primary Agriculture
For students interested in farming and agriculture, Gert Sibande TVET College also offers Primary Agriculture.
Areas include:
Animal Production
Plant Production
Soil Science
Agri-Business
Advanced Plant Production
Farm Planning and Mechanisation
Possible career and business pathways can include:
Farming
Nurseries
Agricultural production
Agricultural sales
Farm management
Small agricultural enterprises
Agriculture can also be an entrepreneurship pathway for students who want to develop their own agricultural businesses.
NATED / Report 191 Programmes
Gert Sibande TVET College also offers NATED/Report 191 programmes.
Depending on the programme and level, students can study:
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Business Management
Management Assistant
Financial Management
Marketing Management
Human Resources Management
Public Management
Hospitality and Catering
Some NATED programmes progress through N-levels, depending on the field of study.
Important
Admission requirements differ between programmes.
Do not assume that meeting the requirement for one course means that you automatically qualify for another course.
Gert Sibande TVET College Admission Requirements
Requirements depend on the programme you want to study.
For some NC(V) programmes, entry can be available at lower school levels, while NATED programmes and higher levels can require Grade 12, NC(V) Level 4 or another recognised qualification.
For example, some NATED business programmes list:
Grade 12 Certificate; or
National Senior Certificate (NSC); or
NC(V) Level 4.
Engineering programmes can have different requirements.
Always check the specific programme before applying.
Your:
Grade
Subjects
Mathematics
Physical Science
Previous qualification
NC(V) level
N-levels
can affect which programme you can enter.
How to Apply to Gert Sibande TVET College
Prospective students can use the college’s online student portal to apply.
Step 1: Choose your programme
Decide whether you want to study:
Business
Engineering
IT
Hospitality
Agriculture
Services
Artisan-related studies
Step 2: Check the campus
Make sure the programme you want is offered at the campus you intend to attend.
Step 3: Complete the application
Use the official Gert Sibande TVET College application system.
Step 4: Complete the placement process
Depending on the application process and programme, you may be required to complete placement or selection procedures.
Step 5: Upload or submit required documents
Keep your documents ready.
These may include:
South African ID
Latest school results
Matric certificate, where applicable
Previous academic records
Proof of residence, where required
Other supporting documents requested by the college
Step 6: Apply for funding separately
If you need financial assistance, investigate NSFAS and other available funding opportunities.
Gert Sibande TVET College NSFAS
Eligible students at public TVET colleges may apply for NSFAS funding, subject to the applicable NSFAS rules and eligibility requirements.
Funding can be important for students who cannot afford tuition and other approved study-related costs.
However, being accepted by the college does not automatically mean that you will receive NSFAS funding.
Students should complete the relevant NSFAS application process and provide the required information and supporting documentation.
Do not wait until the last minute.
If you plan to study in 2027, keep checking official NSFAS announcements as well as Gert Sibande TVET College’s student-support and financial-aid information.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
Before applying, create a folder containing:
South African ID
Matric certificate, if applicable
Latest school report
Previous academic results
Proof of residence, if requested
Parent/guardian information where required
Proof of household income for funding applications, where applicable
Any disability documentation where applicable
Keep both digital and physical copies where possible.
Does Gert Sibande TVET College Offer Artisan Training?
Yes.
The college has a Skills Academy and Artisan Development Centre, and its programmes include engineering and technical fields that can form part of broader artisan-development pathways.
However, students should understand an important distinction:
Studying an engineering course is not automatically the same as becoming a qualified artisan.
A traditional artisan pathway can involve:
Technical theory → workplace training/apprenticeship → practical experience → trade test → trade certificate
Students interested in becoming electricians, welders, fitters, mechanics or other artisans should investigate the specific apprenticeship and trade-test requirements for their chosen trade.
Gert Sibande Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator
One of the features that makes Gert Sibande TVET College particularly interesting is its Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CfERI).
The centre was established in 2015 and developed through a partnership involving the Department of Small Business Development, the University of Johannesburg and Gert Sibande TVET College.
The centre later became a Rapid Incubator in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).
Its purpose includes supporting young entrepreneurs and helping businesses develop into sustainable and legally compliant enterprises.
The centre is based in Evander and has also expanded its entrepreneurial support through a satellite hub in Kriel.
This means the college is not only focused on preparing students for employment.
It also has infrastructure aimed at helping young people explore entrepreneurship and business development.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Students interested in business can potentially benefit from exposure to:
Entrepreneurship development
Business support
Business planning
Compliance
Product development
Market opportunities
Practical business activities
Incubation support
The college has also been involved in partnerships designed to support local SMMEs and practical skills development.
For young people who want to create their own businesses instead of relying entirely on formal employment, this can be an important part of the college environment.
Student Support at Gert Sibande TVET College
Choosing a college is not only about the course.
Student support matters too.
Gert Sibande TVET College provides student-support services including:
Academic support
Selection and placement
Disability support
Personal support
Health and wellbeing support
Student leadership development
Orientation
Study facilities
Resource centres
Counselling and referral services
Students should make use of these services when they need help instead of struggling alone.
Which Gert Sibande Campus Should You Choose?
There is no single campus that is suitable for everyone.
Your decision should start with the course you want to study.
For example:
Want electrical engineering?
Check which campus currently offers the electrical programme you want.
Interested in civil engineering?
Check the campuses offering the relevant civil programme.
Interested in office administration?
Check the available business programmes and campus offerings.
Interested in agriculture?
Look for the campus offering the agriculture programme.
The most important question is:
Does this campus offer the exact programme I want at the level I need?
Gert Sibande TVET College Application Portal
The official Gert Sibande online student system provides prospective students with options to apply and access student-related services.
Before entering your personal information, make sure you are using the official college website and application system.
Avoid WhatsApp messages or social-media accounts claiming to “guarantee” admission or NSFAS funding in exchange for payment.
Is Gert Sibande TVET College a Good Option After Matric?
TVET college can be an important option for students who want vocational, technical or career-focused education.
It may be particularly relevant if you want to develop practical skills in areas such as:
Engineering
Electrical
Mechanical
Construction
Welding
Automotive
IT
Business
Hospitality
Agriculture
University is not the only pathway after Grade 12.
A TVET college can provide a different route into education, employment, further qualifications and entrepreneurship.
What If You Don’t Have Matric?
Don’t automatically assume that you have no options.
Some TVET programmes have different entry requirements and pathways.
Depending on your previous education and the programme, there may be options through NC(V), foundational studies, technical programmes or other recognised routes.
The important thing is to check the specific admission requirements of the programme you want.
Gert Sibande TVET College 2027 Application Checklist
Before applying, make sure you have:
☐ Chosen your course
☐ Checked the admission requirements
☐ Checked which campus offers the course
☐ Prepared your ID
☐ Prepared your latest academic results
☐ Checked the official application portal
☐ Completed the placement process where required
☐ Applied for NSFAS if eligible
☐ Saved your application/reference information
☐ Checked your SMS/email regularly
☐ Avoided paying unofficial “application agents”
Important Warning About Fake College Applications
As TVET applications become more popular, students should be careful about scams.
Never assume that a Facebook post, WhatsApp message or TikTok video is an official college announcement.
Before submitting personal information:
Visit the official Gert Sibande TVET College website.
Confirm the announcement.
Use the official application portal.
Check the college’s contact details.
Never pay someone simply because they promise admission.
Never share your banking PIN or password.
If somebody tells you:
“Pay me and I will guarantee your admission.”
Be extremely cautious.
Gert Sibande TVET College Contact Details
Gert Sibande TVET College
General telephone:
017 712 9040
Official website:
gscollege.edu.za
The college lists its general business hours as:
Monday–Thursday: 07:30–15:30
Friday: 07:30–13:30
For application and programme questions, use the contact information published on the official college website.
Final Word from NextStepZA
If you are from Mpumalanga and looking for a practical route into education, employment or entrepreneurship, Gert Sibande TVET College is worth researching.
The college offers more than one pathway.
You can study business.
You can study engineering.
You can develop IT skills.
You can explore agriculture.
You can pursue hospitality.
You can build technical skills.
And through its entrepreneurship and incubation initiatives, you can also explore the possibility of building a business.
The most important thing is to choose your programme carefully, understand the entry requirements and apply through the official channels.
Your future does not have to follow someone else’s path.
My Future Starts Today.
internal links:
- TVET Colleges in South Africa 2027
- TVET Colleges Opening Soon for 2027
- SETA-Funded Artisan Trades
- NSFAS Guide
- Government Programs for Youth in South Africa
- Career store
- SASSA SRD to Employment Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective students should monitor the official Gert Sibande TVET College website and application portal for the latest 2027 application announcements and deadlines.
Yes. Engineering-related programmes include electrical, mechanical, civil and Engineering and Related Design fields, depending on the programme and campus.
Welding is included as an area within Engineering and Related Design at the college.
Yes. The college offers electrical-related NC(V) and NATED/Report 191 programmes, with availability depending on campus and level.
Yes. The college offers Information Technology and Computer Science through its NC(V) programmes.
Yes. Primary Agriculture is among the college’s NC(V) programme areas.
Eligible students may apply for NSFAS funding, subject to the current NSFAS rules and application process.
The college identifies six main campuses: Balfour, Ermelo, Evander, Sibanesetfu/Mpuluzi, Perdekop and Standerton.
Yes. The college has a Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator designed to support entrepreneurship and the development of sustainable businesses.
Technical study can form part of an artisan pathway, but becoming a qualified artisan may require additional workplace training, an apprenticeship and the applicable trade-test process.