The Higher Education Minister calls on young South Africans to explore career pathways, use their 2025 results, and apply before the September deadline to secure opportunities in the country’s growing Skills Revolution.
South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has urged young people to take charge of their futures by applying early to TVET Colleges during the September 2026 application window for the 2027 academic year.
Speaking as the national application period officially opened, Manamela warned that waiting until January often means missing out on opportunities that have already been filled. He encouraged prospective students to use their previous year’s results, research occupational programmes, and make informed decisions about the skills they want to acquire.
Manamela emphasised that TVET Colleges must be seen as institutions of choice, not a fallback option.
“We must change the way we think about TVET Colleges. They are not a second choice. They are central to the Skills Revolution and a key pathway in the PSET system connecting learning to the skills our economy needs,” he said.
The Minister also appealed to parents, guardians, teachers and Life Orientation educators to support young people during the application period by discussing career options and helping them understand the diverse opportunities available within the TVET sector.
Government’s Skills Revolution aims to ensure that education leads to skills, skills lead to opportunities, and opportunities lead to meaningful participation in the economy. The message to young people is clear: EXPLORE. CHOOSE. APPLY.
Applications close 30 September 2026, and information is available from TVET Colleges or the Department of Higher Education and Training website: www.dhet.gov.za.
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