What Is The Tourism Course In TVET College?
What Is The Tourism Course In TVET College?
The Tourism course covers a variety of important subjects, including customer service, tour guiding, working with tour operators, and even roles like game rangers. It also focuses on public relations and hospitality skills, which are essential when dealing with tourists. The Tourism program at TVET colleges follows the National Certificate (Tourism), which is offered at three levels—2, 3, and 4—giving students options to progress step-by-step through their studies. Studying a Tourism course at a TVET college is a great way to start a career in South Africa’s growing travel and tourism industry. This program is designed to give students both the knowledge and practical skills they need to work successfully in tourism-related jobs. The course has two parts: an 18-month theoretical component where you learn about the basics of tourism, and an 18-month practical component where you get hands-on experience working in the industry.
This mix ensures students are well-prepared for the real world and ready to take on jobs in tourism after graduation. What makes this course unique is how it combines classroom learning with practical work experience. Students spend time either working for a tourism company or participating in simulated work environments, so they can gain real-life skills while still studying. This practical work is an important part of the learning process and helps build confidence and understanding of what the job requires. You’ll also learn about sustainable tourism, cultural diversity, and how tourism impacts South Africa’s economy.
These topics prepare you to contribute positively to the industry and offer tourists meaningful experiences. Practical skills like itinerary planning, marketing, and managing guest relationships are part of the curriculum. Tourism course at a TVET college is a solid foundation if you want to explore careers like tour guide, travel agent, hotel receptionist, or event organizer. It opens many doors in a fast-growing sector that values skilled and well-trained professionals.
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Which Subjects Make Up A National Certificate (Tourism)?
To obtain a National Certificate (Tourism), a student is required to take a total of 7 subjects. These include 3 fundamental subjects and 4 vocational subjects.
N4:
Travel Office Procedures
Travel Service
Tourism Communications
Tourism Destinations
N5:
Travel Office Procedures
Travel Service
Tourism Communications
Tourism Destinations
DTT: Fares within Africa
N46:
Travel Office Procedures
Travel Service
Hotel Reception
Tourism Destinations
Galileo (Optional)
Duration Of The Tourism qualification
The National Certificate (Tourism) qualification at TVET colleges is completed over three levels: Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Each level takes about one full academic year to complete, combining theoretical study with practical training. Students receive a certificate upon finishing each level, allowing flexibility to enter the workforce or continue studying. The program usually includes six months of practical work per level, often through internships in tourism-related businesses. In total, completing all three levels takes around three years. This structure ensures students gain both knowledge and real-world experience.
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Requirements for the Tourism Program at TVET College
To enroll in the Tourism program at a TVET College, prospective students need to meet specific entry criteria. These requirements ensure that applicants have the foundational knowledge necessary to succeed in the NQF Level 2 curriculum. Here are the requirements for admission to the Tourism program:
- A year-end school report for Grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 certificates.
- An NQF Level 1 qualification.
- An approved bridging program specifically designed for accessing NQF Level 2.
- A Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment to meet the basic requirements for NQF Level 2 access.
- A Matric Certificate or one with an exemption will be more beneficial.
- Applicants must meet the minimum pass requirements for National Certificate Vocational entry.
- Compulsory subjects include English with a minimum of 40% and Maths or Maths Literacy with a minimum of 50%.
- A minimum aggregate of 40% (excluding Life Orientation) is required.
- All subjects must have a minimum of 40%
TVET Colleges Offering Tourism in South Africa
Below are the TVET Colleges offering Tourism in their institutions in South Africa:
- Majuba TVET College
- South Cape TVET College
- Central Johannesburg TVET College
- KSD TVET College
- Northern Cape Rural TVET College
- Vuselela TVET College
- Nkangala TVET College
- Ehlanzeni TVET College
- College of Cape Town
- False Bay College
- Port Elizabeth TVET College
- Coastal KZN TVET College
- King Hintsa TVET College
- Northlink College
- Goldfields TVET College
- West Coast College
- Mnambithi TVET College
- Taletso Tvet College
- Boland College
Procedures On How To Apply Online To TVET College
Utilise these steps and submit your application form to the college of your choice successfully:
- Choose Your College and Course: Find a TVET college and course you want to study. Check their website for details about courses, campuses, and entry requirements.
- Get Your Documents Ready: Prepare digital copies of your ID, latest school results, and any other required documents. Keep them ready to upload during your application.
- Create an Online Account: Go to the official website of the TVET college you chose and sign up by creating an account. This helps you save and track your application.
- Fill in the Application Form: Complete the online form with your personal information, educational details, and course choices. Upload the documents when asked.
- Pay the Application Fee (If Needed): Some colleges require an application fee. Check if you need to pay, and if so, do it online through the available payment methods.
- Submit Your Application: Review everything before hitting submit to avoid mistakes. After submitting, you’ll get a confirmation or reference number—save this for future use.
- Check Your Application Status: Log in to your account regularly to see updates. The college may notify you by email or SMS if you are accepted.
Tourism career opportunities
- Accommodation management
- Conference and events planning
- Restaurant and food services
- Tourism development
- Transportation management
- Travel counseling
- Further studies at Universities of Technology
- Game ranging and safari work.
Contact Details For Department of Higher Education and Training
Get in touch with the DHET with the information provided below:
Physical Address:
- 123 Fr ancis Baard Street
- Pretoria
- 0001
Website: www.dhet.gov.za
Call Centre Information
- 0800 87 2222
Email: callcentre@dhet.gov.za
- Private Bag X174
- Pretoria
- 0001
Tel: + 27 12 312 5911