Online applications at Buffalo City Tvet college are open for intake

Buffalo City TVET College is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The college was established to provide vocational, occupational, and technical education that equips students with practical skills needed in the workplace. It operates under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), which oversees TVET colleges across the country. The institution focuses on preparing students for employment, entrepreneurship, and further studies by combining theoretical learning with practical training.

Buffalo City TVET College has several campuses located in and around East London and King William’s Town. These campuses include the East London Campus, John Knox Bokwe Campus, St. Marks Campus, and King Street Campus. Each campus specializes in different fields of study such as engineering, business studies, hospitality, and information technology. The college offers programmes such as National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)], Report 191 (NATED) programmes, and various skills development courses designed to meet industry needs.

The college aims to promote accessible and affordable education for young people and adults who want to gain practical skills for the job market. It plays an important role in community development by producing skilled graduates who can contribute to local industries and economic growth. Through partnerships with businesses and training organizations, Buffalo City TVET College helps students gain workplace experience and improve their chances of employment after completing their studies. Overall, the college is an important institution for technical education and skills development in the Eastern Cape region.

Below is an outline explaining the courses offered at Buffalo City TVET College, including their requirements and purposes.

1. Education and Development

Explanation: This course focuses on teaching, training, and community development skills. Students learn how people grow, learn, and develop in educational environments.
Requirements: Grade 9 or higher qualification, basic English communication, and interest in education or training.
Purpose: It prepares students for careers such as teacher assistants, community development workers, and early childhood educators, or for further studies in education.

2. Finance, Economics and Accounting

Explanation: This programme teaches financial management, accounting principles, and economic concepts used in businesses.
Requirements: Grade 9 or higher, basic mathematics and English skills.
Purpose: It prepares students for careers in banking, bookkeeping, financial administration, and accounting support roles.

3. Information Technology and Computer Practice

Explanation: Students learn computer systems, software applications, networking, and basic programming.
Requirements: Grade 9 or higher, basic computer interest, and mathematics literacy.
Purpose: The course prepares students for jobs such as IT technician, computer support specialist, or data capturer.

4. Mechatronics

Explanation: This course combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering systems used in automated machines.
Requirements: Grade 9 or higher with Mathematics and Science preferred.
Purpose: It prepares students for work in industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing industries.

5. Office Administration

Explanation: Students learn office management, business communication, computer applications, and record keeping.
Requirements: Grade 9 or higher and basic English skills.
Purpose: It prepares students for administrative and secretarial jobs in offices and businesses.

6. Tourism

Explanation: This course focuses on travel services, hospitality, tourism operations, and customer service.
Requirements: Grade 9 or higher and good communication skills.
Purpose: It prepares students for work in tourism agencies, hotels, airlines, and travel companies.

7. Civil Engineering and Building Construction

Explanation: Students learn construction methods, building design, and structural development.
Requirements: Grade 9 or higher with Mathematics and Science.
Purpose: It prepares students for careers in construction, building, and infrastructure development.

8. Electrical Infrastructure Construction

Explanation: This programme teaches electrical installation, maintenance, and power systems.
Requirements: Grade 9 or higher with Mathematics and Science.
Purpose: It prepares students to become electricians or electrical technicians.

9. Engineering and Related Design

Explanation: Students learn technical drawing, engineering processes, and manufacturing principles.
Requirements: Grade 9 or higher with Mathematics and Science.
Purpose: It prepares students for careers in engineering workshops and technical industries.

10. Safety in Society

Explanation: This course focuses on public safety, law enforcement, and security management.
Requirements: Grade 9 or higher and good discipline.
Purpose: It prepares students for careers in policing, security services, and law enforcement.

11. Apprenticeships, Learnerships and Skills Programmes

These programmes at the King Street Campus focus on practical training in specific trades such as automotive repair, fitting, motor mechanics, water treatment, retail operations, and early childhood development.

Requirements: Usually Grade 9–12 depending on the programme and sometimes technical subjects.
Purpose: They provide hands-on skills training that prepares students for employment in industries such as engineering, manufacturing, retail, IT, water management, security, and education.

Courses

The East London Campus offers these NCV programmes from our School of Business:

Education and Development
Finance, Economics and Accounting
Information Technology and Computer Practice
Mechatronics
Office administration
Tourism

John Knox Bokwe Campus offers NCV programmes from our School of Engineering:

Civil Engineering and Building Construction
Electrical Infrastructure Construction
Engineering and Related Design
Safety In Society

Apprenticeships, Learnerships and Skills Programmes offered at King Street Campus

National Skill Fund ( NSF Project )
Automotive Repair and Maintenance
Fitting
Mechatronics
Motor Mechanic
Wholesale and Retail Operations
Water and water waste Treatment
Water Reticulation services
End User computing
General Security Practice
Sports coaching
Accounting Technician
Fibre Processing and Manufacturing ( FP & M SETA)
Furniture Making
Health and Wealth (HWSETA)
Fitting and Turning
Electrical
Automotive
Education Training and Development Practices ( ETDP-SETA)
Early childhood Development
Wholesale and Retail SETA
Wholesale and Retail Operations

How To Apply

Apply Online

Apply online by visiting the Buffalo City College Student Portal.
You may also visit any campus to book an online application session.
Apply for NSFAS funding or search for other available bursaries.
Use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to apply using the Student i-Enabler with your PIN and student number.
Apply for admission for both the current level and the next level.
Upload all required documents and pay the necessary fees.

About the college

Buffalo City TVET College was formed in 2002 after the merger of three educational institutions located in the Greater East London area. These institutions were East London College (which included the St Marks Campus), Border Technical College, and John Knox Bokwe Careers College in Mdantsane. The merger aimed to improve the delivery of vocational and technical education by combining resources, expertise, and facilities from the three colleges into one institution.

After the merger, the College Council made several strategic decisions to improve efficiency and strengthen academic programmes. The premises of Border Technical College were closed, and its Business Studies programmes were moved to the East London Campus. At the same time, the Engineering programmes were transferred to the St Marks Campus. The John Knox Bokwe Campus continued offering both Business and Engineering Studies under the Report 191 curriculum, ensuring that students could still access these programmes.

Buffalo City TVET College focuses on providing high-quality vocational education and training. Its programmes are designed to give students both theoretical knowledge and practical skills so that they are well prepared for employment or further studies at universities. The college is committed to maintaining high standards of quality, accountability, and effective governance in all its activities.

The vision of Buffalo City TVET College is to become a highly technical and innovative institution that delivers specialised, high-quality education and training that meets the needs of industry and the wider community. Its mission is to provide education and training that responds to the demands of both the labour market and society.

The college promotes values such as inclusiveness, respect, integrity, ethical behaviour, caring, accountability, academic support, social unity, and encouraging a passion for learning among students. These values guide how the institution operates and how it supports students in achieving their educational and career goals.

FAQs

1. How do I apply?
Visit www.bccollege.co.za, click on the Online Applications tab, and follow the instructions provided.

2. How can I access my student portal?
Click on the Student Portal tab and log in using your Student Number and PIN. If you cannot remember your login details, please contact or visit your nearest campus for assistance.

3. Does the college support students with disabilities?
Yes. Inclusivity is one of the college’s core values. The college is committed to ensuring equal access to services and opportunities for all students.