Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET colleges) or Trade schools, which offer specialized education in a range of skilled trades, are essential parts of South Africaโs educational system. These educational establishments have a functional, hands-on approach to teaching, emphasizing skills that are highly sought after in todayโs workforce. Trade schools stand out in the constantly changing educational landscape for their capacity to close the bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Those who want more practical learning environments are catered to by these institutions, which concentrate on trades including plumbing, fire science, electrical work, carpentry, web development, and automotive repair.
The need for trained workers is expanding. Because of this, trade schools are more crucial than ever. Selecting the best trade schools in South Africa is essential for achievement. Partnerships with the industry, education quality, and accreditation are meaningful. Services for student support and facilities are also quite important.
The goal of this article is to identify and highlight the best trade schools in South Africa by providing information on their programs, accomplishments, main rivals, and admission requirements. We will look at how these institutes might develop further and adapt to the demands of a workforce that is changing. We will examine prestigious schools that provide excellent instruction. These institutions are renowned for their top-notch curricula and accomplished alumni.ย
Trade Courses in South Africa
Programs offered by trade schools educate students for occupations that require specific skills but do not require a four-year degree. Compared to university degrees, trade courses in South Africa typically require less time and money to finish.ย
Some of the trade courses in South Africa are as follows:
Electrical Technician
TVET colleges provide electrician programs that might help you get ready to become a certified electrician. Students gain knowledge of reading blueprints, repairing electrical wiring systems, and troubleshooting electrical issues.ย
Circuitry and safety procedures are covered in class, and students can receive credit for an internship. There are many opportunities in this profession for qualified artisans, with opportunities in telecommunications, consumer electronics, and power generation, among other fields.
Plumbing
Plumbing courses concentrate on heating, sanitation, and water system installation and maintenance. Gas installations, water supply, drainage, and pipefitting are among the topics covered in class. Further education includes practical training, where students receive hands-on instruction in workshops and real-world situations. Graduates can work as licensed plumbers in commercial, industrial, and residential settings.
Carpentry and Joineryย
Training in construction methods and woodworking is provided by carpentry and joinery schools. Students acquire skills in measuring, cutting, and assembling wood. Additionally, they learn how to install and finish wooden fittings like cupboards, windows, and doors. An apprenticeship is occasionally a part of the curriculum. These programs, supported by the Department of Higher Education, ensure that students receive high-quality training from the senior phase onward.ย
Automotive Mechanics
Courses on automotive mechanics concentrate on maintaining and repairing vehicles. Students can become qualified artisans who can service, repair, and maintain machinery and automobiles by taking classes in automotive mechanics, diesel mechanics, and mechanical fitting. Training consists of both practical experience in workshops and classroom training. Graduates can diagnose and repair problems in cars, trucks, and other vehicles as automotive technicians.ย
Hairdressing and Cosmetology
Courses in cosmetology and hairdressing impart knowledge about beauty treatments, coloring, styling, and cutting of hair. Students gain an understanding of different hairstyles, salon operations, and hair and scalp health. Students obtain a thorough education and practical experience, the senior phase equips them for the situations found in the real world.ย
Graduates might launch their salons or work in spas and salons.ย
Top 10 Trade Schools in South Africa
This article entails the top 10 trade schools in South Africa:
University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town received top rankings in 13 research areas, placed 1st in South Africa, and 242nd overall in the world in the 2024 evaluation.ย
Accreditations
Students can choose from a list of programs, including health sciences, humanities, several engineering degrees (civil, electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, computer engineering), law, architecture, theatre, and many more.
Type
Public University
Admissions
Admissions are open.
Acceptance Rate
51%
Academic Calendar
February to December (February – April; April-June; July-September; September-December)
Fees
- For South African applicants: R15,000
- For international applicants: R30,000
University of the Witwatersrandย
Ranking
In the global 2024 ranking, the University of the Witwatersrand was ranked 394th, 2nd in South Africa, and scored in the top 100 for 11 different research categories.ย
Accreditations
University of the Witwatersrand offers trade tests programs like law, architecture, engineering (environmental, metallurgical, civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, aeronautical, and mining engineering), therapeutic sciences, medicine, art, computer science, and a lot more.
Type
Public, Non-profit
Admissions
Matriculation Certificate or certificate of exemption issued by the Matriculation Board.
Acceptance Rate
34%
Academic Calendar
February to November (February – June; July-November)
Feesย
R49,430 to R65,100
University of Stellenbosch
Ranking
In the global 2024 evaluation, the University of Stellenbosch was ranked 420th, 3rd in South Africa, and in the top 50% across 223 research fields.ย
Accreditations
Courses include journalism, environmental studies, arts, medicine, IT, sports, mathematics, law, and engineering (chemical, civil, electronic, industrial engineering).
Type
Public, non-profit
Admissions
National Senior Certificate (NSC): an aggregate of at least 4 (50-59%) in subjects designated for university study.
Acceptance Rate
52%
Academic Calendar
February to December (February – March; April-June; July-September; October-December)
Feesย
R55,036
University of Pretoria
Ranking
In the global 2024 ranking, The University of Pretoria was placed 429th and 4th in South Africa.
Accreditations
Programs include dental surgery, dietetics, drama, information science, law, music, nursing, sports, agribusiness, and a lot more. They also provide online masterclasses.ย
Type
Public-private partnership, non-profit
Admissions
Matriculation Certificate or certificate of exemption issued by the Matriculation Board. Specific admission requirements are set per program.
Acceptance Rate
57%
Academic Calendar
January to November (January – June; July-November)
Feesย
Every department has a different fee structure. R40,000-R60,000.
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Ranking
In the global 2024 ranking, the University of KwaZulu-Natal was ranked 613th, 5th in South Africa, and the top 50% of 203 research fields.ย
Accreditations
The University of KwaZulu-Natal offers arts, engineering, computer science, chemistry, nursing, clinical medicine, law, and IT.ย ย
Type
Public, non-profit
Admissions
Open admission. Matriculation certificate or certificate of exemption issued by the Joint Matriculation Board
Acceptance Rate
63%
Academic Calendar
February to December (February – March; April-June; July-September; October-December)
Feesย
R49,628
University of Johannesburg
Ranking
In the global 2024 ranking, The University of Johannesburg came in at number 855, ranking 6th in South Africa.
Accreditations
Programs like engineering, architecture, design, law, arts, biochemistry, computer science, food technology, and biotechnology.
Type
Public, Non-profit
Admissions
Matriculation Certificate or certificate of exemption issued by the Joint Matriculation Board.
Acceptance Rate
60%
Academic Calendar
January to November (January – June; July-November)
Feesย
R45,710 to R56,470
Rhodes University
Ranking
In the global 2024 ranking, Rhodes University was ranked 1062nd and 9th in South Africa.
Accreditations
Rhodes Univerity offers career-focused educational programs, including pharmacy, law, taxation, finance, botany, biotechnology, biochemistry, computer science, and plenty more.ย
Type
Public, Non-profit
Admissions
Open admission. Matriculation Certificate or certificate of exemption issued by the Joint Matriculation Board.
Acceptance Rate
61%
Academic Calendar
February to November (February – April; April-June; July-September; September-November)
Feesย
R58,050
Nelson Mandela University
Ranking
Nelson Mandela University came in at number 12th in South Africa and 1764th overall in the 2024 rankings.
Accreditations
Nelson Mandela University builds job expertise through its skilled trades programs, including advertisers, artists, anthropologists, auditors, architects, biochemists, dietitians, IT, interior designers, engineers, musicians, pharmacists, photographers, sculptors, designers, and many more.ย
Type
Public, non-profit.
Admissions
Matriculation Certificate or certificate of exemption issued by the Joint Matriculation Board
Acceptance Rate
57%
Academic Calendar
February to November (February – June; July-November)
University of the Free State
Ranking
The University of the Free State was rated 1150th globally in 2024 and 11th in South Africa.
Accreditations
Trade courses include IT, computer science, engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, food technology, nursing, public health, rehabilitation science, etc.ย
Type
Public, Non-profit
Admissions
National Senior Certificate with an Admission Point of at least 30.
Acceptance Rate
25%
Academic Calendar
January to December (Mid January-March, April-June, July-September, October – mid December).
Feesย
R55,470
University of Zululand
Ranking
In the global 2024 ranking, the University of Zululand was ranked 3550th and 18th in South Africa.
Accreditations
The University of Zululand offers arts, metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, medicine, law, arts, designs, etc.
Type
Public, Non-profit
Admissions
Competitive admission
Acceptance Rate
45%
Academic Calendar
Semestersย
Feesย
R16,500
CMT education
A variety of instructional resources are available from CMTrading, such as training videos, webinars, live seminars, how-to videos, e-books, and plenty more. They motivate the traders to keep learning about the financial markets. CMTrading has always operated under the motto โFounded by traders, for traders.โ They prioritize education and a secure trading environment to give investing services. With this information, CMTrading hopes to empower its clients and provide them with the self-assurance to execute trades independently.ย ย
Newgen Trade Schools
NewGen Trade Schools is the ideal choice if you want to accelerate your learning program, have a fulfilling career in the skilled trades, be employed at age 19, and make a good living. The goal of NewGen Trade Schools is to close the skills gap and lack of certified tradespeople by educating students aged 15 to 19 about the demands of the industry and helping them find employment.
Conclusion
Conclusively, this article aims to identify the top 10 trade schools in South Africa with their rank, the programs they offer, and academic and fee criteria. South Africa often hires employees from the United States and other countries. South Africa is always in need of skilled people. By gaining trade education in these schools, this problem can be overcome.
