How to Apply to Northlink College 2025

Located in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, Northlink College is both an award-winning and illustrious FET college. With over seven campuses and 20,000 students, the college has an extensive network of students and campuses, allowing Cape Town students to reach many campuses with a mere taxi, train, or bus ride from their homes. If you’re thinking of attending a FET college or improving your chances of employment learn how to apply to Northlink College with the information below.

Step-by-Step Guide To Apply To Northlink College

To help you get started, you can follow the steps below that outline how to apply to Northlink college online and how to apply to Northlink College offline. These steps allow you to choose the option that works best for you.

Applying To Northlink College Online

The college encourages learners to apply online as this is a quicker way to track your application and ensure your application is free of errors. It also helps the college to update your online profile with information regarding your registration. So, if you have consistent access to the internet, this is the preferred way to apply.

Step 1: Find The Right Course For You

Before you apply to Northlink College online, you’ll need to know which programme you want to complete. This is a critical step in the online application. 

You can learn more about the course options by downloading the Northlink programme catalogue.

Start by visiting the Northlink College website and navigating to the list of courses. Northlink offers a wide variety of courses in fields such as engineering, business, hospitality, and more. Ensure you carefully choose a course that aligns with your career aspirations.

When you’ve decided what you would like to study, you will need to give Northlink College two programme options so that if you don’t qualify for one course, you may still be able to qualify for another.

Step 2: Understand The Fee Structure

When applying, you should also be aware of the fee structure required for your prospective course. Because if you are not applying for NSFAS funding, you will be required to pay 35% of your course fees to start the course and pay the remaining amount to be able to sit for the exams.

Step 3: Sign Up

To complete your online application, you will need a Northlink profile. You can sign up by clicking “Apply” in the uppermost green search bar and then, once redirected to the application page, clicking sign up.

Step 4: Complete The Application Process

Now that you have signed up for a Northlink profile, you will be requested to fill in the course information. You will also be required to attach a certified copy of your ID document and matric results to the application.

Applying To Northlink College Offline/Hard-copy

If you don’t have consistent access to the internet, you can apply offline by following steps one and two of the online application process. By downloading the fee policy and the course catalogue. You can then complete the process by following the steps below:

Step 1: Download The Necessary Form

If you want to apply offline, you will need to download the Northlink College application form. You can do that by going to the Northlink College website, clicking on “Apply” in the white navigation bar and then clicking “Apply” from the drop-down menu. You will then be redirected to an application page where you can scroll to the bottom to find a prompt to download the Northlink Application form. Alternatively, you can also download the application form from their site.

Step 2: Fill In The Information

You will then need to complete the application form by filling in your personal information, your contact information, your course information, as well as attaching a certified copy of your ID and any relevant qualification, like your matric certificate.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

To submit your application, you will either need to fax your application to 086 027 8839 or email your application to apply@northlink.co.za. You can also post your application to:

Northlink College
Student Applications
Private Bag X1
Panorama
7506

or hand-deliver it to a Northlink College campus.

Step 4: Pay Your Registration Fee

If accepted, and to be able to attend your classes, you will need to pay a registration fee and 35% of your course fee if your course exceeds a 3-month duration. You can find out more about how the fee structure works by downloading the Northlink College fee policy.

Northlink College has several study programmes, ranging from medical to marketing courses. Since they offer several learning options, the application process remains open year-round, so you can apply at any time, especially if you want to study through distance learning. 

However, suppose you want to keep up to date with the school’s application process and other requirements. In that case, you can get those updates in real-time by following them on social media. You can interact with them on Twitter @Northlink or Facebook @Northlink.

Requirements for Applying to Northlink College

To apply for a course at Northlink College, you must meet specific requirements depending on the type of program you are interested in. These are the general requirements and specific criteria based on different qualifications:

1. General Requirements for All Applicants

  • Certified Copy of ID Document: All applicants must provide a certified copy of their South African ID or passport for international students.
  • Latest Academic Results: A certified copy of your latest school results or qualifications is necessary. This could be a National Senior Certificate (NSC), National Certificate Vocational (NCV), or any other relevant qualification.
  • Proof of Residence: A document proving your current residential address.
  • Application Fee: Some courses might require an application fee. Confirm this when you apply, as it might differ depending on the program.

2. Specific Requirements for National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Programs
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  • Grade 9 Certificate: To enroll in an NCV Level 2 program, you must have passed Grade 9 (or equivalent).
  • NCV Level 2 Qualification: You need to have completed NCV Level 2 to enter Level 3, and similarly, you need to complete NCV Level 3 to enter Level 4.

3. Specific Requirements for Report 191 (NATED) Programs

  • N1 to N3 Programs: These require a Grade 9 pass or equivalent qualification.
  • N4 to N6 Programs: You must have passed the N3 level or a relevant NCV Level 4 qualification for engineering studies. For business studies, an NSC (Matric) certificate or equivalent is required.

4. International Applicants

  • International applicants must provide a valid passport and study visa.
  • Depending on the level of study, you might also be required to submit an SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) evaluation of your previous qualifications.

5. Additional Requirements for Certain Courses

  • Some specialized programs, such as those in engineering or hospitality, may require additional documents like a portfolio (for creative programs) or proof of previous practical experience (for certain engineering courses).
  • Specific short courses may also have prerequisites depending on their technical complexity or level.

6. Financial Aid (NSFAS) Requirements

  • South African students applying for financial aid through NSFAS must meet the NSFAS requirements, including household income limitations and academic merit. The NSFAS bursary covers tuition, accommodation, and transport costs for qualifying students.

For more detailed requirements, visit the Northlink College official website or contact the admissions office.

Northlink Qualifications Offered

  • The College offers a wide variety of qualifications that fit into the following categories:
  • Arts and Culture
  • Business, Commerce, and Management Studies
  • Law, Military, and Security
  • Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology
  • Physical Planning and Construction
  • Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
  • Services

Application/Registration Dates

Engineering Studies:

N1 (New students): Registration: 19 January – 22 January
Classes commence on 25 January
N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 (Returning students): Registration: 25 January – 29 January
Classes commence on 01 February.

Other Applications are open at different times throughout the year, depending on the course you want to study.

Important Dates and Application Deadlines

When applying to Northlink College, it’s crucial to be aware of the academic calendar and deadlines. Missing an important date can delay your enrollment or placement in your desired program. Below is an overview of the key dates and deadlines:

1. Application Period

  • Opening Date: Applications for the following academic year typically open in August of the current year.
  • Closing Date: The general deadline for applications is around November. However, this can vary depending on the specific course and the availability of spaces. For part-time and certain full-time programs, applications might remain open until January of the next year.

2. Trimester Courses (Engineering Studies N1–N6)

  • Trimester 1: Applications open in January and close by mid-February. Classes commence in February.
  • Trimester 2: Applications open in April and close by the end of May, with classes starting shortly thereafter.
  • Trimester 3: Applications open in August and close in mid-September, with the academic term beginning by late September.

3. Semester Courses (Business and Utility Studies N4–N6)

  • Semester 1: Applications are typically open from November to January, with classes starting in February.
  • Semester 2: Applications open around June and close in July, with classes beginning in August.

4. Short Courses

  • Short courses generally have flexible application dates, but applying at least one month before the course starts is advisable to secure your spot. Some popular short courses have limited space and may fill up quickly【14†source】.

5. Financial Aid Deadlines (NSFAS)

  • The NSFAS bursary application period opens in August and closes by the end of November. All supporting documents must be submitted within this window for financial aid to be considered for the following academic year.

6. Registration Periods

  • Successful applicants register in January for first-semester courses and in July for second-semester courses. Registrations for trimester courses occur before the start of each trimester.

Financial Aid and Fees

Northlink College is a recognized institution where students can apply for government financial aid through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The NSFAS provides bursaries to qualifying students, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. Additionally, Northlink College offers guidance on scholarships and bursaries available for students in specific fields.​

Estimated Tuition Fees:

  • Fees at Northlink vary depending on the course and its duration. For example, engineering courses can range between R3000 and R4000 per term, while short courses like Web Design or Bookkeeping might range from R2500 to R3850. The Northlink College website has more detailed fee structures.

Student Support Services

Northlink College is committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey. The college offers a wide range of student services, including:

  • Career Guidance: Helping students choose the right course and providing insight into potential career paths.
  • Health & Wellness Programs: These programs focus on student well-being, including counseling services and health awareness campaigns.
  • Academic Support: For students needing extra help, the college provides academic support programs to ensure success​.

Campus Life and Accommodation

Northlink College has seven campuses in Bellville, Belhar, Goodwood, Parow, Protea, Tygerberg, and Wingfield. Each campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that students have access to learning resources. The campuses also provide technical workshops, computer labs, and industry-standard equipment.

Accommodation is available for students at select campuses. Residences are safe and offer an environment conducive to learning. Spaces are limited, so you are advised to apply for accommodation early when submitting your application.