Department of Higher Education and Training
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The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is the South African government department responsible for overseeing the country's post-school education and training (PSET) system. Established in 2009, the department develops policies, allocates funding, regulates institutions, and works to improve access to quality education and skills development after Grade 12.
The DHET oversees South Africa's 26 public universities, 50 public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges. It is also responsible for regulating private higher education institutions and private colleges to ensure they meet national quality standards.
A key focus of the department is addressing South Africa's skills shortages by expanding vocational education, apprenticeships, learnerships and artisan development programmes. The DHET works closely with the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to fund training initiatives that improve employability and support economic growth.
The department also oversees important entities, including the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which provides financial assistance to eligible students from low-income households, and collaborates with the Council on Higher Education (CHE), Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), and Umalusi to maintain quality standards across the education and training system.
Through the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system, the DHET aims to increase participation in higher education, improve graduate employability, strengthen research and innovation, and create more pathways for young people and adults to gain qualifications and workplace skills.
The department is led by the Minister of Higher Education and Training and is responsible for implementing government policies that support lifelong learning, inclusive education, economic development and job creation through education and skills training.

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Post-Matric Options
We helped you with past papers for your matric exams, so hopefully you are happy with your Matric results. So now you are faced with a lot of post-matric options that can shape your future paths. You might want to study law, teaching, or nursing. Of course studying is expensive so we have helpful advice about student loans, NSFAS bursaries, Fundi loans, ISFAP, and lots of other funding options.
These options range from pursuing higher education at universities , TVET Colleges or private colleges, finding student accommodation, entering vocational training programs (like Learnerships and internships), joining the workforce, or even starting your own business. There are so many choices but we are here to help.
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Where to Study
College of Cape Town TVET college strives to equip their students with the qualifications and skills to start successful careers. They provide well-equipped workshops, lecture rooms, computer rooms, studios for practical work and well-equipped media centres.
Three residences are located near the City, Crawford and Thornton Campuses. In addition to offering a variety of courses, they also provide their students with Open Learning Centres. College of Cape Town cares about the well-being of their students and therefore provides Student Support Services.
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Applying for your Smart ID Card has gotten even easier as you can now apply online via e-Home Affairs. Here is how to apply, upload documents and pay for your application all from the comfort of your own home.
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