2027 Intake · KwaZulu-Natal's Largest TVET College
Apply to Coastal KZN TVET College — hands-on training across Durban and the coast.
Coastal KZN is the largest TVET college in KwaZulu-Natal, serving around 15,000 full-time students across eight campuses from Ozwathini in the north to Scottburgh on the South Coast. Home to the Toyota Manufacturing Academy and a nationally recognised Tooling Centre of Excellence, it's a route into real, industry-linked skills. Applying is free — here's exactly what you need, and by when.
About the college
Formed from three technical colleges, serving all of coastal KZN
Coastal KZN TVET College emerged from the merger of the former Durban Technical College, Swinton Road Technical College and Umlazi Technical College, together with the former Umbumbulu and Appelsbosch Colleges of Education. That history gives the college a deep well of technical know-how across both trades and teaching, and today it's the largest TVET college in KwaZulu-Natal, employing around 800 staff and serving a catchment area stretching roughly 80 kilometres from Ozwathini in the north to Scottburgh on the South Coast.
At the Swinton Campus in Mobeni, students train at the Toyota Manufacturing Academy on the same equipment used on real factory floors, while the Samsung Engineering Academy delivers specialist air-conditioning and refrigeration training, and the Tooling Centre of Excellence and Steel Fabrication workshops make Coastal KZN one of the best places in Africa to train as a toolmaker.
Good to know
Beyond the main annual window, Coastal KZN has previously opened short late-application periods — for example, a window in late January for programmes with spaces still available. Check the college's Notice Board on coastalkzn.co.za regularly during application season for any extra rounds.
Plan ahead
2027 key application dates
Reports on Coastal KZN's exact 2027 closing date vary — treat the window below as a strong planning guide, and confirm the final date with the college directly.
Applications typically open
The main online application window for the 2027 academic year generally opens on 1 September through the college's online portal.
Closing date (confirm)
Sources place the closing date anywhere from late September to 30 November — confirm the exact date for your programme with the college.
Late applications (if opened)
In past years, a short late-application window has opened for remaining spaces — watch the college's Notice Board for any 2027 announcement.
Registration
NCV and NATED registration is a Departmental directive to begin in January, with classes commencing the same month.
Online, free of charge
How to apply to Coastal KZN
Applications are submitted online through the college's application portal, or in person at any campus — and applying is completely free.
Before you start
- Decide on your programme and campus — engineering-focused campuses like Swinton differ from business or health-focused sites.
- Gather a certified copy of your ID or passport, latest academic results, and proof of residence.
- Have a reliable cellphone number and permanent email address ready — the college uses these to communicate application updates.
Submit online or in person
- Visit the official Coastal KZN TVET College website and find "Apply Here" under Application For New Students on the Notice Board.
- Register an online account, then complete the compulsory career guidance and pre-entry screening assessments.
- Fill in your personal, academic and programme details, then upload your certified documents.
- Review and submit — only complete applications are processed, so double-check before submitting.
Understand the options
NCV or NATED?
NC(V) — National Certificate (Vocational)
Career-oriented programmes open to students from Grade 9, offered across all eight campuses in fields from Engineering to Hospitality.
NATED (Report 191)
Structured N-level engineering and business streams, generally requiring a Grade 12 pass or N3 with relevant technical subjects.
Checklist
Documents you'll need
- Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- Certified copy of your latest academic results or Grade 12 certificate
- Certified proof of residence
- A reliable, permanent cellphone number and email address
- Completion of the compulsory career guidance and pre-entry screening
Costs
Application fees
Where you could study
Fields of study at a glance
Field
Engineering Studies
Mechanical, civil and electrical engineering at Swinton — home to the Toyota Manufacturing Academy and Tooling Centre of Excellence — plus electrical and plumbing at Umbumbulu.
Field
Business Studies
Finance, Economics and Accounting, Marketing, Management, and Office Administration, offered across several campuses.
Field
Hospitality & Tourism
Practical, service-oriented training preparing students for careers across Durban's hospitality and tourism industry.
Field
Primary Health & Educare
Community-focused health and early childhood development training, alongside Art and Design, Clothing Production, Haircare and Safety in Society.
Eight campuses, one coastline
Where Coastal KZN is based
Durban Campus
Main administrative and academic centre in Umbilo, central Durban.
Swinton Campus
Engineering HQ in Mobeni — Toyota Manufacturing Academy and Tooling Centre of Excellence.
Umlazi-V & Umlazi-BB
Two campuses serving the Umlazi and southern Durban region.
Ubuhle Bogu (KwaQiko)
Extending college services to further Durban communities.
Umbumbulu Campus
Electrical and plumbing training, serving semi-rural communities south of Durban.
As-Salaam Campus
Serving the South Coast region toward Braemer and Ixopo.
Appelsbosch Campus
Vocational training in the north of the catchment area, near Ozwathini.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
When do Coastal KZN 2027 applications open and close?
Most sources place the window opening on 1 September 2026, with the closing date reported anywhere between late September and 30 November 2026 depending on the source and programme. A short late-application window has also opened in past years around late January for remaining spaces. Confirm the exact date directly with the college.
Is there an application fee?
No — applying to Coastal KZN TVET College is free of charge, whether online or in person.
What qualifications does Coastal KZN offer?
NCV and NATED (Report 191) programmes across Engineering Studies, Business Studies, IT and Computer Science, Hospitality and Tourism, Primary Health, Educare, Art and Design, Clothing Production, Haircare and Safety in Society, plus QCTO-accredited occupational courses.
Where is Coastal KZN located?
Across eight campuses in Durban and along the KZN coast: Durban, Swinton, Umlazi-V, Umlazi-BB, Ubuhle Bogu, Umbumbulu, As-Salaam and Appelsbosch, serving communities from Ozwathini to Scottburgh.
KwaZulu-Natal's largest TVET college starts with applying.
Get your documents certified and ready, complete the placement screening, and submit your free Coastal KZN TVET College application before the window closes.
Apply to Coastal KZN Now →