TVET Colleges Academic Calendar – 2026 Almanac
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has released its academic calendar (almanac) for 2026 academic sessions for Public and Government TVET Colleges in South Africa, newly admitted and returning students are to take note.
The academic calendar hints about the resumption date for new and returning TVET College students 2025, examination date and other academic activities for the year.
See below, the academic calendar for sessional dates for the 2026 academic year.
TVET COLLEGES SESSIONAL DATES FOR 2026 ACADEMIC SESSIONS
The academic calendar for 2026 academic session as approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
1. National Certificate Vocational (NCV) – Annual Programme
| Term | Key Dates (Staff & Classes) | Examinations & College Closure | Lecturing & Service Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Staff: 06 Jan Classes: 12 Jan – 01 Apr |
Supplementary Exams: 16 – 27 Feb College Closes: 01 Apr |
Lecturing: 58 days Service: 62 days |
| 2 | Staff: 13 Apr Classes: 13 Apr – 10 Jun |
College Closes: 10 Jun | Lecturing: 41 days Service: 41 days |
| 3 | Staff: 07 Jul Classes: 07 Jul – 16 Sep |
Internal Examinations (within term) College Closes: 16 Sep |
Lecturing: 51 days Service: 51 days |
| 4 | Staff: 28 Sep Classes: 28 Sep – 23 Oct |
Life Skills & Computer Lit. (P2): 19–23 Oct Final Exams: 26 Oct – 27 Nov College Closes: 11 Dec |
Lecturing: 20 days Service: 55 days |
| Year Totals | Total Lecturing Days: 170 Total Service Days: 209 |
2. Report 191: Business and Utility Studies – Semester Programme
| Semester & Term | Key Dates (Staff & Classes) | Examinations & College Closure | Lecturing & Service Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sem 1, Term 1 | Staff: 06 Jan Classes: 12 Jan – 01 Apr |
College Closes: 01 Apr | Lecturing: 58 days Service: 62 days |
| Sem 1, Term 2 | Staff: 13 Apr Classes: 13 Apr – 11 May |
Exams: 12 May – 10 Jun College Closes: 10 Jun |
Lecturing: 19 days Service: 41 days |
| Sem 2, Term 1 | Staff: 07 Jul Classes: 15 Jul – 16 Sep |
College Closes: 16 Sep | Lecturing: 47 days Service: 51 days |
| Sem 2, Term 2 | Staff: 28 Sep Classes: 28 Sep – 06 Nov |
Exams: 09 Nov – 11 Dec College Closes: 11 Dec |
Lecturing: 30 days Service: 55 days |
| Year Totals | Total Lecturing Days: 154 Total Service Days: 209 |
3. Report 191: Natural Science Studies – Trimester Programme
| Trimester | Key Dates (Staff & Classes) | Examinations & College Closure | Lecturing & Service Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Staff: 06 Jan Classes: 12 Jan – 20 Mar |
Exams: 23 Mar – 17 Apr College Closes: 17 Apr |
Lecturing: 49 days Service: 72 days |
| 2 | Staff: 11 May Classes: 18 May – 24 Jul |
Exams: 27 Jul – 18 Aug College Closes: 18 Aug |
Lecturing: 48 days Service: 69 days |
| 3 | Staff: 07 Sep Classes: 14 Sep – 20 Nov |
Exams: 23 Nov – 11 Dec College Closes: 11 Dec |
Lecturing: 48 days Service: 68 days |
| Year Totals | Total Lecturing Days: 145 Total Service Days: 209 |
4. Public & College Holidays 2026
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 01 January | New Year’s Day |
| 21 March | Human Rights Day |
| 03 April | Good Friday |
| 06 April | Family Day |
| 27 April | Freedom Day |
| 01 May | Workers’ Day |
| 15 June | Special College Holiday |
| 16 June | Youth Day |
| 09 August | National Women’s Day |
| 10 August | Public Holiday |
| 24 September | Heritage Day |
| 25 September | Special College Holiday |
| 16 December | Day of Reconciliation |
| 25 December | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Day of Goodwill |
Notes:
- Internal Examinations for NCV may be conducted in either the second or third term, for a maximum of 14 days.
- Lecturing staff service days (when no students are on campus) are for planning, meetings, training, and administrative work.
- All NATED examinations are assured under the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).
