Diesel Mechanic and Heavy Vehicle Repair (TVET) Programmes at SA TVET Colleges 2026
9 programmes listed across 9 TVET colleges. Free application. NSFAS funded.
| TVET College | Programme | Entry Level | Subject Requirements | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ekurhuleni West TVET College TVET College |
Diesel Mechanic (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic |
| Tshwane South TVET College TVET College |
Diesel Mechanic (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic |
| Majuba TVET College TVET College |
Diesel Mechanic (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic |
| Umgungundlovu TVET College TVET College |
Diesel Mechanic (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic |
| Lephalale TVET College TVET College |
Diesel Mechanic (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic |
| Waterberg TVET College TVET College |
Diesel Mechanic (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic |
| Nkangala TVET College TVET College |
Diesel Mechanic (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic |
| Orbit TVET College TVET College |
Diesel Mechanic (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic |
| Northlink TVET College TVET College |
Diesel Mechanic (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic |
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to study Diesel Mechanic and Heavy Vehicle Repair (TVET) at a TVET college?
For NCV (National Certificate Vocational) programmes you need a Grade 9 pass — no matric required. For NATED (Report 191) N1-N6 programmes, a Grade 9 pass is the minimum, though some colleges prefer Grade 10 or 11. This makes TVET colleges accessible to learners who have not yet completed matric and to those who want a practical, work-focused qualification after school.
Is a Diesel Mechanic and Heavy Vehicle Repair (TVET) programme free in South Africa?
Application to all 50 public TVET colleges in South Africa is completely free. Tuition fees vary by college but NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) covers tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance for eligible students. To qualify for NSFAS: South African citizenship and household income under R350,000 per year. SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify. Apply at nsfas.org.za.
How long does the Diesel Mechanic and Heavy Vehicle Repair (TVET) programme take at a TVET college?
Programme durations: 18 months - 3 years. NCV programmes run over 3 years (Levels 2, 3, and 4). NATED N1-N6 programmes take 18 months to 3 years depending on how you complete the practical (18 months in-college plus 18 months workplace experience required for a trade test). Once you pass the DHET trade test you become a certified artisan.
What jobs can I get with a Diesel Mechanic and Heavy Vehicle Repair (TVET) TVET qualification?
Career paths from Diesel Mechanic and Heavy Vehicle Repair (TVET) programmes include: Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Plant Operator. Artisan trades are among the highest-demand occupations in South Africa. The construction, mining, manufacturing, and energy sectors have chronic shortages of qualified technical workers — meaning strong employment prospects and competitive salaries for qualified graduates.
Can I go to university after completing a TVET programme?
Yes. An NCV Level 4 with the right subjects is equivalent to matric and can be used to apply to university, though APS requirements still apply. Completing N6 and a trade test qualifies you as a certified artisan — you can then pursue a National Diploma or B-Tech at a University of Technology. Many TVET graduates also enter the workforce first and study further part-time.