7 TVET Courses You Can Apply For Without Matric in 2025

TVET Courses You Can Apply For Without Matric in South Africa

Not having matric doesn’t mean the end of the road. TVET colleges give you a chance to study further and build skills that can actually help you get a job. Most of these courses are open from Grade 9 level upwards. The good thing is they’re very practical, so you don’t just sit with theory – you actually learn how to do things.

Here are seven solid TVET college courses you can study in 2025 without needing matric:

1. Engineering Studies (N1–N3)

Engineering courses are some of the most popular at TVET colleges. Even without matric, you can start at N1 level if you’ve passed Grade 9 or 10. These courses focus on teaching you the basics of working with machines, electricity, and construction.

Specializations you can choose include:

• Electrical Engineering – working with wiring, circuits, and electricity.

• Civil Engineering – learning about building, construction, and infrastructure.

• Mechanical Engineering – dealing with engines, tools, and machines.
  
  

These courses are great for anyone who enjoys working with their hands and solving practical problems. After N3, you can move up further or even go into apprenticeships in trades like welding, fitting, or plumbing.

2. Hospitality (NC(V) Level 2–4)

If you’re interested in the hotel, tourism, or food industry, Hospitality is a good choice. This NC(V) program doesn’t need matric – you can start from Grade 9.

What you’ll learn:

• Cooking and Food Preparation – everything from kitchen basics to full meals.

• Front Office – how hotels and guest houses welcome and serve guests.

• Housekeeping and Catering – the skills needed to run events, functions, and daily operations in hospitality businesses.
  
  

This course is very hands-on. You’ll spend time in practical kitchens and mock hotel setups, which makes it easier to gain real-world confidence before going into the workplace.

3. Information Technology (NC(V) Level 2–4)

Technology is everywhere, and TVET colleges make it possible to start an IT career without matric. This course starts from the basics, so you don’t need to be a “tech genius” already.

What you’ll cover:

• Computer Applications – working with Microsoft Office and basic programs.

• Networking – how computers connect and share information.

• Database Basics – understanding how data is stored and managed.
  
  

Many students use this as a starting point for jobs like IT support, junior technician, or data capturing. It’s also a good foundation if you want to keep studying and specialize later in coding, cybersecurity, or system development.

4. Office Administration (NC(V) Level 2–4)

Every business needs admin staff, and this course prepares you for that. It’s ideal if you want to work in an office environment, and it’s available without matric.

Skills you’ll learn include:

• Business Communication – writing emails, letters, and reports professionally.

• Customer Relations – how to deal with clients and colleagues.

• Office Practice – things like filing, record keeping, and organizing daily office work.
  
  

After finishing, you can work in positions like secretary, receptionist, admin clerk, or office assistant. The skills are useful in almost any company, big or small.

You may also look: List of TVET Colleges Open for 2025 Applications

5. Primary Agriculture (NC(V) Level 2–4)

Agriculture is still a huge industry in South Africa, and TVET colleges train students to be part of it – even without matric. If you like farming, plants, or animals, this might be a good fit.

In this course, you’ll learn about:

• Crop Production – growing vegetables, maize, and other plants.

• Animal Production – looking after cattle, poultry, or small livestock.

• Farm Management Basics – how to run and manage a farm.
  
  

The course mixes classroom theory with actual farm work, so you get both knowledge and hands-on skills. You may look at TVET Colleges Offering Artisan & Trade Skills Training for more TVET Courses  . Graduates can work on farms, agribusiness companies, or even start small-scale farming themselves.

6. Safety in Society (NC(V) Level 2–4)

If you’re curious about law enforcement, policing, or security, this course introduces you to the basics. It’s not the same as becoming a police officer immediately, but it gives you the foundation.

You’ll learn about:

• Safety Procedures – how to keep communities and workplaces safe.

• Criminal Justice Basics – understanding how the legal system works.

• First Aid and Fire Safety – basic emergency response training.
  
  

This course can open paths into security companies, community safety projects, or further study in policing and law enforcement.

7. Civil Engineering and Construction (NC(V) Level 2–4)

Construction is one of the fastest-growing industries. Even without matric, you can start learning how buildings and infrastructure are created.

What’s covered:

• Bricklaying and Masonry – building walls and structures.

• Plumbing Basics – water systems, pipes, and sanitation.
  

• Construction Materials – understanding how to use tools and building resources.
  
  

This is a very practical course – you’ll spend a lot of time working on real projects, which makes it easier to find work on construction sites or with contractors after completing your studies.

You may also look: 10 TVET College Courses That Can Lead to Self-Employment 

Final Thoughts

These TVET courses show that matric isn’t the only way forward. With just a Grade 9 pass, you can start building real skills in areas like engineering, hospitality, IT, farming, office work, safety, and construction. Each of these courses gives you a chance to work, grow, and even study further if you want.