Mining Engineering and Rock Drilling (TVET) Programmes at SA TVET Colleges 2026
10 programmes listed across 7 TVET colleges. Free application. NSFAS funded.
| TVET College | Programme | Entry Level | Subject Requirements | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldfields TVET College TVET College |
Rock Drill Operations NC(V) Certificate · 2 years |
15 | Math Lit OK (L2+) English L3+ |
Rock Drill Operator, Blasting Assistant |
| Lephalale TVET College TVET College |
Rock Drill Operations NC(V) Certificate · 2 years |
15 | Math Lit OK (L2+) English L3+ |
Rock Drill Operator, Blasting Assistant |
| Orbit TVET College TVET College |
Rock Drill Operations NC(V) Certificate · 2 years |
15 | Math Lit OK (L2+) English L3+ |
Rock Drill Operator, Blasting Assistant |
| Goldfields TVET College TVET College |
Mining Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Mine Surveyor, Mine Captain |
| Mnambithi TVET College TVET College |
Mining Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Mine Surveyor, Mine Captain |
| Lephalale TVET College TVET College |
Mining Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Mine Surveyor, Mine Captain |
| Sekhukhune TVET College TVET College |
Mining Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Mine Surveyor, Mine Captain |
| Waterberg TVET College TVET College |
Mining Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Mine Surveyor, Mine Captain |
| Nkangala TVET College TVET College |
Mining Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Mine Surveyor, Mine Captain |
| Orbit TVET College TVET College |
Mining Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Mine Surveyor, Mine Captain |
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to study Mining Engineering and Rock Drilling (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 Mining Engineering and Rock Drilling (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 Mining Engineering and Rock Drilling (TVET) programme take at a TVET college?
Programme durations: 2 years, 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 Mining Engineering and Rock Drilling (TVET) TVET qualification?
Career paths from Mining Engineering and Rock Drilling (TVET) programmes include: Rock Drill Operator, Blasting Assistant, Underground Miner, Mine Surveyor, Mine Captain, Safety Officer. 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.