Best 15 FET College Courses in South Africa | Cost and Requirements

If you’re thinking about furthering your education or learning skills that can help you get a good job, you’ve probably heard about FET colleges.

These South African institutions offer practical, career-focused courses for students who want more than just a traditional classroom experience. FET stands for Further Education and Training, and these colleges are known for preparing students for real-world careers in industries like business, engineering, IT, and more.

In this article, we will discuss more about FET colleges, then 15 FET college courses, their costs, and requirements. It doesn’t matter if you’re fresh out of school or looking for a career change, these options could be your next step to success.

What is FET College in South Africa?
What Level is FET in South Africa?
How Many Subjects are in the FET Phase?
What are the 4 Compulsory Subjects in FET?
FET College Courses in South Africa
How Many FET Colleges are There in South Africa?
FET College Courses and Requirements
- Entry Requirements for Specific Programs:
FET College Courses and Fees
FAQs
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

What is FET College in South Africa?

Imagine you’re trying to build a house. You don’t just need architects who design blueprints; you need bricklayers, plumbers, electricians—people with real, hands-on skills to make the dream a reality. That’s what FET colleges are like in South Africa. They don’t just focus on academic theory like universities do; they teach you practical skills that are in demand in the workplace.

They are the result of the merger of 152 technical colleges into 50 colleges with multiple campuses. These campuses are located across South Africa and serve urban, peri-urban, and rural communities.

FET colleges are not universities. They focus on practical, hands-on skills rather than academic degrees. They’re also not high schools—they cater to people who have completed Grade 9 or higher and are ready to focus on a specific career path.

FET stands for Further Education and Training, and these colleges bridge the gap between high school and the job market. They’re ideal for people who want to specialize in engineering, business, IT, or hospitality.

What’s great about them is that you don’t need matric to get started. It’s all about giving you the tools to succeed in your career without spending years buried in books. FET colleges are where learning meets doing.

Read: List of Tshwane South College Courses | Fee Structure

What Level is FET in South Africa?

In South Africa, education is divided into two main parts: General Education and Training (GET) and Further Education and Training (FET). Think of GET as the foundation—it covers Grade R (kindergarten) through Grade 9, where students learn the basics.

Then comes FET, which takes things up a notch. FET includes Grades 10 to 12, where students prepare for life after school.

But here’s the twist: FET isn’t just about high school. It also includes vocational training, like what you’d find at FET colleges, where students can learn career-focused skills.

So, whether it’s classrooms or hands-on workshops, FET bridges the gap between learning and real-life opportunities.

How Many Subjects are in the FET Phase?

In FET phase in South Africa, students are required to take seven subjects, which are a mix of core and elective options.

The core subjects include a Home Language, a second language (either at Home Language or First Additional Language level), Life Orientation, and a choice between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy.

Beyond these, students can select electives that align with their interests and career goals. These might include Business Studies, Computer Applications Technology (CAT), or even something technical like Engineering & Graphics Design (EGD).

The idea is to provide a balance of foundational knowledge and specialized skills, giving students both flexibility and direction as they prepare for their future.

What are the 4 Compulsory Subjects in FET?

Four subjects are non-negotiable for every student in FET. These include one Home Language (like English or Afrikaans) and a second language at either Home Language or First Additional Language level (such as isiZulu).

Then, there’s Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, where you choose based on your strengths and future plans. Finally, Life Orientation rounds out the compulsory subjects, focusing on life skills, health, and preparing students for the world beyond school.

FET College Courses in South Africa

Here are the courses offered at FET colleges in South Africa:

Civil Engineering and Building Construction
Electrical Infrastructure Construction
Engineering and Related Design
Finance, Economics, and Accounting
Hospitality
Information Technology and Computer Science
Diesel Mechanics
Marketing
Office Administration
Primary Agriculture
Safety in Society
Tourism
Business Management
Human Resource Management
Bookkeeping

1. Civil Engineering and Building Construction

If you’re someone who loves the idea of shaping the world around you, Civil Engineering and Building Construction is a perfect course. It doubles as one of the best FET college courses without matric. It’s all about learning how to design, build, and maintain buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures.

You’ll get hands-on experience in project management, construction techniques, and safety standards. At Umgungundlovu TVET College, students can take this course for around R16,922.00, with a core subject fee of R3,868.00 with an admin fee of R250.

By the end of it, you’ll have the skills needed to work on major construction projects, ensuring they’re solid, safe, and up to standard. Perfect for those who want to leave their mark on the world!

Read: 20 Cheapest Online Civil Engineering Degree

2. Electrical Infrastructure Construction

For people who want to work power systems and electrical infrastructure, Electrical Infrastructure Construction is a top course.

It’s all about learning how to build and maintain electrical networks—think power lines, transformers, and even underground cables. You’ll get into understanding of how electricity is safely delivered to homes and businesses.

At Capricorn TVET College, this course will cost you around R15,100 per year for a 12-month program. By the end, you’ll have the skills to work as an electrical technician or in power systems, making sure the lights stay on and the grid runs smoothly.

If you’re into designing and creating things from scratch, the Engineering and Related Design course is perfect for you.

This course teaches you the skills to design, create, and test products like machinery, tools, and even vehicles. It’s ideal if you love problem-solving and making ideas come to life in the engineering world!

You’ll learn how to use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, understand materials, and apply engineering principles to real-world problems.

When you’ve completed this course, you will be ready to work as a designer, draughtsman, or even a mechanical technician. You can study this at Ekurhuleni West College (EWC), and the course will cost you around R108,126 for 100% privately funded enrollment, and R21,627 for 20% funded enrollment.

4. Finance, Economics, and Accounting

This course, Finance, Economics, and Accounting, is perfect if you’ve got an eye for numbers and want to understand how money works in businesses and the world. You’ll get into managing budgets, understanding markets, and learning how to make smart financial decisions.

It teaches you how to analyze financial data, read balance sheets, and forecast future trends. If you’re looking to build a career in finance, accounting, or economics, this is a great foundation.

You can study this at Vega School FET College for around R8,000 with a non-refundable pre-registration fee of R2500 needs to be paid on acceptance of the Offer. This fee is part of the total tuition fee.

It’s the ideal course if you want to make sense of the financial world and set yourself up for a solid career!

5. Hospitality

The Hospitality course is all about preparing you for the exciting world of hotels, resorts, and event planning. It’s easily one of the top grade 9 FET college courses. You’ll learn how to manage guest services, run a restaurant, organize events, and even handle the business side of the industry like budgeting and marketing.

The skills you gain will help you create unforgettable experiences for people, whether they’re staying in a hotel or attending a big event.

You can study this at False Bay College in South Africa. At False Bay College in South Africa, the costs for hospitality courses vary based on the program:

National Certificate: N4-N6 Hospitality and Catering Services (3 years full-time) costs R7,219 per semester at the Muizenberg Campus. Minimum requirement: Grade 12 pass. This course includes 18 months of theory and 18 months of practical experience.
National Certificate (Vocational): Hospitality Level 2-4 (3 years full-time) costs R19,967 at the Muizenberg Campus. Minimum requirement: Grade 9 pass.

If you love making people feel welcome and want a career in this dynamic field, this course is a perfect fit!

6. Information Technology and Computer Science

If you’re interested in technology, Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science could be a great path for you. This course dives deep into how computers work, how to code, and how to build systems that power our digital world.

You’ll learn how to solve tech problems, design software, and manage IT networks. It’s all about developing skills like programming, troubleshooting, and understanding data security.

At False Bay College, you can take the National Certificate: Information Technology Level 4, which costs R19,967 for the three-year full-time course. To enroll, you need at least a Grade 9 pass. This course gives you the foundation for a career in tech!

7. Diesel Mechanics

If you’ve ever wondered how massive trucks, buses, or construction machinery keep running smoothly, Diesel Mechanics is the course for you. This course teaches you everything about diesel engines – from understanding how they work to fixing and maintaining them.

You’ll learn how to troubleshoot engine problems, repair brakes, check fuel systems, and much more. It’s all about getting your hands dirty and working with real, heavy-duty machines.

You can take the Diesel Mechanics course at the Africa FET College. The course costs R5,900.

8. Marketing

If you’re the kind of person who loves seeing how brands grow and learning what makes people click, then Marketing could be your perfect course.

You’ll get into everything that helps a business attract and keep customers—from creating ads that catch attention to understanding consumer behavior. You’ll learn how to do market research, set prices, promote products, and even handle social media campaigns. This course is all about figuring out how to sell a product or service the right way.

By the time you finish, you’ll have the skills needed to kickstart a career in advertising, public relations, digital marketing, or even run your own business. If you’re creative, strategic, and ready to understand how the world of business works, Marketing could be a great fit for you!

Ekurhuleni West College offers this course at R54,603 for privately funded enrollment, or R10,923 for 20% funded enrollment.

9. Office Administration

If you enjoy organizing things and keeping everything running smoothly, Office Administration could be the perfect course for you. This course teaches you how to manage office tasks like answering calls, handling paperwork, scheduling meetings, and keeping records.

You’ll also learn how to use office software, do basic accounting, and communicate effectively with clients and team members. It’s all about making sure the business runs without a hitch.

It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a career where you can be organized and get things done! By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to work in any office setting, from small businesses to big corporations.

The FET Certificate in Office Administration Management NQF 4 course at the IBM Institute of Business Management in South Africa costs R1,389 per month for a 4-month course, R1,214 per month for an 8-month course, and R823 per month for a 12-month course.

The first payment for all courses is R3,100. This course is offered through distance learning and only requires assignments, not exams.

10. Primary Agriculture

Primary Agriculture is all about learning how to work with the land, animals, and crops. If you love nature and want to understand how farming really works, this course is for you. You’ll learn how to grow and harvest crops, manage livestock, and use farming tools and machines.

Plus, you’ll understand how to take care of the environment while making a living from the land.

Whether you dream of running your own farm or working in the agricultural industry, this course will give you the skills you need to succeed. It’s practical, hands-on, and perfect for anyone looking to dig in and get their hands dirty in agriculture!

Ehlanzeni TVET College offers this FET course at R25 301 in DSouth Africa.

11. Safety in Society

Safety in Society is all about learning how to keep people safe in different situations, whether it’s at work, in public, or in your community. You’ll study things like risk management, emergency response, security systems, and how to prevent accidents or crimes. It’s a course designed for those who want to help create safer environments for everyone.

The cost for the Safety in Society Level 2–4 course at South Cape TVET College is R10,527 per semester.

Also, read: Best 15 Software Development Courses in South Africa | Cost and Requirements

12. Tourism

When we talk about Tourism, we’re referring to the exciting world of travel, hospitality, and cultural exchange.

This course teaches you everything you need to know about the tourism industry, from customer service to managing travel services and promoting destinations. You’ll learn how to work with people, manage events, and create unforgettable travel experiences.

If you’re passionate about exploring new places, love meeting people from all over the world, and want to make a career out of it, this course is perfect for you. It gives you the skills to work in travel agencies, hotels, or event planning, and opens up a world of opportunities.

Coastal KZN TVET College offers this course from the ranges of R3,570.03 to R3,725.25 for 6 months.

13. Business Management

This course teaches you how to handle finances, manage teams, understand marketing, and keep things running smoothly. You’ll also learn about decision-making, leadership, and problem-solving—everything needed to keep a business successful.

The FET Certificate in General Business Management NQF 4 at IBM Institute of Business Management costs R2,389 per month for a 4-month course, R1,214 per month for an 8-month course, or R823 per month for a 12-month course. The first payment for all courses is R3,100.

If you’re someone who loves the idea of leading projects, organizing teams, and making business decisions, this course is a great fit.

It opens doors to all kinds of roles—whether you’re managing a small startup or working in a big company. Plus, it’s a solid foundation for anyone looking to start their own business.

14. Human Resource Management

Every company needs people, right? That’s where Human Resource Management comes in. This course teaches you how to recruit, train, and support employees, while also making sure everyone’s treated fairly and has what they need to succeed.

You’ll learn about employment laws, conflict resolution, payroll management, and how to create a healthy work environment.

At Whitestone College, you can study this for R4550 (excluding stationary and Exam Fees). If you’re someone who enjoys working with people, solving problems, and helping businesses grow by supporting their staff, this course is perfect.

It’s a great path to becoming an HR officer, recruiter, or even a training specialist, making sure companies have the right people in the right roles.

15. Bookkeeping

Now, all businesses need to keep track of their money, right? That’s where Bookkeeping comes in. This course teaches you how to handle financial records, keep track of transactions, balance books, and manage things like invoices and expenses.

You’ll also learn how to prepare financial reports, understand taxes, and make sure everything adds up correctly.

It’s a great course if you enjoy working with numbers and have an eye for detail. After completing it, you can work as a bookkeeper, accounts clerk, or even manage a company’s finances. If you want a solid career in finance with loads of opportunities, this is the course to consider!

Springfield FET College offers this course at around R11,000 per year.

How Many FET Colleges are There in South Africa?

South Africa has 50 FET colleges, formed by merging 152 technical colleges. These colleges are spread across urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, offering both academic learning and career-focused training.

FET covers education from Grades 10 to 12 and beyond, blending classroom knowledge with practical skills for the workplace. Previously known as technical colleges, they prepare students for careers by bridging education and the world of work.

Here’s a list of the top 20 FET colleges in South Africa:

False Bay College
Western College for TVET
Tshwane North College
Vhembe TVET College
Eastcape Midlands College
Ekurhuleni East College
Port Elizabeth TVET College
Umfolozi TVET College
Central Johannesburg TVET College
King Hintsa TVET College
Lephalale TVET College
Coastal KZN TVET College
Sedibeng TVET College
Western Cape College
Capricorn TVET College
Motheo TVET College
Northern Cape Urban TVET College
Northlink College
Sekhukhune TVET College
Nkangala TVET College

FET College Courses and Requirements

Here’s a breakdown of the general FET colleges courses and requirements:

Grade 9 Certificate: FET colleges may accept students with a Grade 9 certificate, making entry easier compared to universities.
National Senior Certificate (NSC): Some programs may require a Grade 12 (NSC) certificate or an equivalent qualification.
Minimum Pass Marks: Certain programs may require a minimum pass mark in specific subjects, such as Mathematics or Physical Science.
Age: Some programs may have age restrictions, typically for students aged between 18–29 years.
Citizenship: Some programs might require applicants to be South African citizens.

Entry Requirements for Specific Programs:

National Diploma: Engineering Studies N4-N6: Requires Grade 12 (NSC), N3 Certificate, or Senior Certificate with at least 40% in Mathematics or Maths Literacy and Science.
National Diploma: Business Management N4-N6: Requires a National Senior Certificate, National Certificate (N3), or an equivalent qualification.
National Diploma: Financial Management N4-N6: Requires a National Senior Certificate, National Certificate (N3), or an equivalent qualification.
National Diploma: Human Resource Management N4-N6: Requires a National Senior Certificate, National Certificate (N3), or an equivalent qualification.

FET College Courses and Fees

Fees for FET college courses can vary depending on the college and the specific program or course you choose. Let’s use the Africa FET College in South Africa as a case study:

Courses Offered at Africa FET College:

Civil Engineering
Diesel Mechanics
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Matric Rewrite Courses (for those looking to retake their matric exams)

Fees at Africa FET College:

Civil Engineering: R5,900 – R6,500 (approx.)
Diesel Mechanics: R6,000 – R7,500 (approx.)
Electrical Engineering: R5,800 – R6,200 (approx.)
Mechanical Engineering: R6,000 – R7,000 (approx.)
Matric Rewrite: R1,000 – R2,000 (approx.)

So, while these fees are only for the African FET College, it’s important you know that fees can vary based on the specific program, location, and whether you’re a local or international student.

That most FET colleges provide different payment options and financial aid to make courses more accessible.

Lastly, that some courses, especially in technical fields like engineering, may have additional costs for equipment, materials, or practical training.

Also, read: List of Boston City Campus Courses and Fees | Fee Structures

FAQs

What does FET stand for?

FET stands for Further Education and Training.

What is a FET degree?

An FET degree focuses on practical and vocational education.

What grades are FET?

FET covers Grades 10 to 12 in South Africa, focusing on career-oriented and practical education.

Conclusion

Choosing the right path can be life-changing, and FET college courses offer incredible opportunities to build a solid future. It doesn’t matter if you’re drawn to business, tourism, or hands-on technical skills, there’s something here for everyone. These courses are designed to equip you with practical knowledge and real-world skills, opening doors to rewarding careers.