If you’re considering furthering your education at Buffalo City TVET College in South Africa, one of the key factors to consider is the cost of tuition. This blog post will provide you with insights into Buffalo City College course fees, available programmes, and how to apply.
Buffalo City TVET College: An Overview
Buffalo City TVET College is a leading public college in South Africa offering diverse courses in business, engineering, and vocational training. The college operates across three main campuses:
- East London Campus — Focuses on business-related NCV programmes.
- John Knox Bokwe Campus — Offers engineering-focused NCV programmes.
- King Street Campus — Provides learnerships, apprenticeships, and skills development programmes.
These campuses aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need for the job market.
Courses Offered at Buffalo City TVET College
Buffalo City College offers various courses under three main categories:
1. NCV (National Certificate Vocational) Programmes
These programmes are full-time courses designed to provide hands-on training in specific career paths.
East London Campus Courses (School of Business):
- Education and Development
- Finance, Economics, and Accounting
- Information Technology and Computer Practice
- Mechatronics
- Office Administration
- Tourism
John Knox Bokwe Campus Courses (School of Engineering):
- Civil Engineering and Building Construction
- Electrical Infrastructure Construction
- Engineering and Related Design
- Safety in Society
2. Learnerships, Apprenticeships & Skills Programmes
These are short-term programmes aimed at providing specialized skills. They are offered at the King Street Campus and include:
- Automotive Repair and Maintenance
- Fitting
- Mechatronics
- Motor Mechanic
- Wholesale and Retail Operations
- Water and Wastewater Treatment
- General Security Practice
- Sports Coaching
- End User Computing
- Accounting Technician
- Health and Wealth (HWSETA)
- Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP & M SETA)
- Furniture Making
- Fitting and Turning
- Electrical
- Education Training and Development Practices (ETDP-SETA)
- Early Childhood Development
3. NATED (Report 191) Diploma Programmes
To pursue a NATED Diploma Programme at Buffalo City TVET College, you need a Grade 12 certificate or be in Grade 12 during the year of application. These programmes cover a range of technical and vocational fields.
How Much Are Buffalo City College Course Fees?
The course fees at Buffalo City TVET College vary depending on the programme and its duration. Here’s a general breakdown of costs:
- NCV Programmes:
- The fees for NCV programmes typically range from R2,000 to R30,000 per year, depending on the course and level.
- Courses like Mechatronics and Engineering may have higher fees due to the use of specialized equipment.
- Learnerships, Apprenticeships & Skills Programmes:
- These short-term courses are often funded by SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) like HWSETA and FP & M SETA.
- In many cases, students may pay little to no fees for these courses. However, for unfunded programmes, fees can range from R1,500 to R10,000.
- NATED Diploma Programmes:
- For NATED (Report 191) courses, fees vary depending on the field of study.
- The fees for these courses are estimated at R2,500 to R25,000 per semester, depending on the specific course and duration.
Note: Many students qualify for the NSFAS bursary (National Student Financial Aid Scheme), which covers tuition, accommodation, and even meal allowances. Students are encouraged to apply for NSFAS if they meet the criteria.
How to Pay Buffalo City College Fees
To ensure a smooth enrollment process, you must follow these steps to pay your fees:
- Obtain a Student Reference Number — You’ll get this number when you apply online via the Buffalo City Online Application Portal.
- Deposit the Fees — Fees should be paid into the official Buffalo City College bank account. Payment details will be provided upon application.
- Submit Proof of Payment — Submit your proof of payment to the finance department to confirm your enrollment.
💡 Tip: Ensure you meet payment deadlines to avoid losing your spot in the course.
Can You Study at Buffalo City TVET College for Free?
Yes, you can! Students can apply for funding through NSFAS. If you qualify, NSFAS will cover your tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and living expenses.
How to Apply for NSFAS
- Create an NSFAS account on the official NSFAS website.
- Submit all required documents, including certified copies of your ID and household income statements.
- Wait for approval. If approved, you will receive a confirmation message.
How to Apply for Courses at Buffalo City TVET College
You can apply for Buffalo City College courses in two ways:
- Online Application — Visit the official Buffalo City College Online Application Portal, fill in your details, and upload the required documents.
- Walk-in Application — Visit the campus to book an online application session if you don’t have access to the internet.
Required Documents
- Certified copy of your ID or birth certificate
- Certified copy of your latest school results or academic transcripts
- Proof of residential address