2027 Intake · A Better Future With Ikhala
Apply to Ikhala TVET College — practical skills across the Northern Eastern Cape.
Ikhala serves five campuses across Aliwal North, Ezibeleni, Queen Nonesi, Komani (Queenstown) and Sterkspruit, offering NCV, NATED and QCTO-accredited programmes across Engineering, Business and Utility Studies. Applying is free — here's exactly what you need, and how the college's rolling intake system works.
About the college
Formed from a merger, on 1 April 2002
Ikhala Public TVET College was formed on 1 April 2002 through the merging of a number of previous technical colleges. The college now serves the communities of the Northern Region of the Eastern Cape from campuses spread across three towns in the region — a geography that shapes how it plans intakes and support services for students who may travel some distance to study.
Ikhala is one of 50 public TVET colleges in South Africa, offering NCV, NATED (Report 191) and QCTO-accredited programmes across Engineering Studies, Business Studies, and Utility Studies covering hospitality, tourism and catering. In 2024 the college opened a new engineering campus, backed by significant government infrastructure investment, expanding its technical training capacity in the region.
Good to know
Ikhala doesn't run a single fixed application window every year — recent cycles have opened online applications in September and closed at month's end, but windows can shift and additional intakes can open for specific programmes and campuses. Always check www.ikhala.edu.za or contact your nearest campus for the current status.
Plan ahead
2027 key application dates
Ikhala's dates shift year to year and by programme — the window below reflects the recent pattern and is a strong planning guide, not a fixed deadline.
Online applications open
The 2026 cycle's online application window ran from 3 to 30 September 2025 — a similar September window is a reasonable planning guide for 2027, but always confirm.
Window closes
Recent cycles have closed applications at month's end — confirm the exact closing date for your programme and campus, as this can vary.
Additional intakes
Shorter windows can open at other times of year for specific programmes, including at the college's newer engineering campus.
Registration
Confirmed and returning students typically register in January, ahead of the new academic year.
Online, free of charge
How to apply to Ikhala
Applications are submitted online through the official Ikhala TVET College website — and there's no registration fee for NCV or NATED programmes.
Before you start
- Decide on your programme, qualification type and campus — the five campuses each specialise differently.
- Gather a certified copy of your ID, your latest school report or Grade 12 results, and proof of residence.
- Note the college's office hours (Mon–Thu 08:00–16:30, Fri 08:00–13:00) if you need to contact a campus during your application.
Submit online
- Go to the Ikhala online application portal at www.ikhala.edu.za and register a student profile.
- Complete your biographical and academic information, then select your preferred programme and campus.
- Upload certified copies of your ID and latest academic results in PDF format.
- Review your details carefully, then submit — and keep your login details safe to track your application status.
Understand the options
NCV, NATED, or QCTO routes?
NC(V) — National Certificate (Vocational)
Programmes spanning Engineering Studies (Process Plant Operations, Building & Construction, Transport & Logistics), Business Studies (Office Administration, Economics, Finance, Marketing) and Utility Studies (Tourism and Catering).
NATED (Report 191)
N4–N6 programmes in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil), Business (Management, HR, Public Management) and Utility Studies (Hospitality and Tourism).
QCTO Programmes
Occupational qualifications aligned with workplace standards, blending theory with practical, industry-relevant training.
No Registration Fee
NCV and NATED programmes carry no registration fee; tuition ranges roughly from R2,000 to R30,000 depending on course and level.
Checklist
Documents you'll need
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your Grade 12 certificate or latest school results
- Certified proof of residence address
- Academic transcripts for any relevant prior study, where applicable
Costs
Application & tuition fees
Where you could study
Fields of study at a glance
Field
Engineering Studies
Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering NATED programmes, plus NCV Process Plant Operations, Building & Construction and Transport & Logistics.
Field
Business Studies
Business Management, Human Resources and Public Management at NATED level, plus NCV Office Administration, Economics, Finance and Marketing.
Field
Utility Studies
NATED Hospitality and Tourism, and NCV Tourism and Catering programmes.
Field
QCTO Programmes
Industry-relevant qualifications aligned with workplace standards, across various trades.
Five campuses, one Northern Region
Where Ikhala is based
Aliwal North (Maletswai)
Somerset Street, Aliwal North, 9750.
Ezibeleni Campus
Serving the Ezibeleni community near Komani.
Queen Nonesi Campus
Lady Frere, Eastern Cape.
Komani (Queenstown)
Robinson Road & Zieler Street, Komani, 5320 — near the Hexagon and Longhill Nature Reserve.
Sterkspruit Campus
Serving the Sterkspruit community, Eastern Cape.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
When do Ikhala 2027 applications open and close?
Ikhala doesn't run one single fixed window every year. In the 2026 cycle, online applications opened 3 September 2025 and closed 30 September 2025. A similar September window is a reasonable guide for 2027, but shorter windows can also open at other times for specific programmes and campuses. Confirm the exact date for your programme with Ikhala directly.
Is there an application fee?
No registration fee is charged for NCV or NATED programmes. Tuition fees vary by course and level, ranging from roughly R2,000 to R30,000.
What qualifications does Ikhala offer?
NCV, NATED (Report 191) and QCTO-accredited programmes, across Engineering Studies, Business Studies, and Utility Studies covering hospitality, tourism and catering.
Where is Ikhala located?
Across five campuses in the Northern Region of the Eastern Cape: Aliwal North (Maletswai), Ezibeleni, Queen Nonesi (Lady Frere), Komani (Queenstown), and Sterkspruit.
A better future with Ikhala starts with applying.
Get your documents certified and ready, choose your campus and programme, and submit your free Ikhala TVET College application before your programme's window closes.
Apply to Ikhala Now →