Can You Study at a TVET College While on a Learnership? (Full South African Guide)

Can You Study at a TVET College While on a Learnership? (Full South African Guide)

by

A very common question among young people in South Africa is:

“Can I study at a TVET college while I’m doing a SETA learnership?”

The short answer is:

  • Yes — but only under certain conditions.
  • In many cases, you are NOT allowed to do both at the same time without permission.

Many learners lose their stipends, get terminated from learnerships, or get suspended from college because they don’t understand this rule properly.

In this complete guide, you will learn:

  • What the law says about studying and learnerships
  • When you ARE allowed to study and do a learnership
  • When you are NOT allowed
  • What happens if you try to hide your studies
  • The difference between full-time and part-time study
  • How to safely combine both (if allowed)
  • And the best career path to follow without getting disqualified

What Is a TVET College?

A TVET College (Technical and Vocational Education and Training College) is a public institution that offers:

  • Engineering studies
  • Business studies
  • Utility and vocational training
  • Artisan development
  • Practical skills training

TVET colleges offer:

  • NCV programmes (Level 2–4)
  • NATED programmes (N1–N6)

These qualifications prepare students for:

  • Employment
  • Apprenticeships
  • Learnerships
  • Further studies

What Is a SETA Learnership?

A SETA learnership is a work-based training programme that combines:

  • Classroom learning
  • Practical workplace training
  • A registered NQF qualification
  • A monthly stipend

Learnerships are funded by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and are governed by legal training contracts.

When you sign a learnership contract:

  • You agree to attend training
  • You agree to attend workplace duties
  • You agree NOT to be in conflicting full-time studies

Can You Study at a TVET College While on a Learnership?

YES, You CAN — If:

  • Your TVET studies are part-time
  • Your TVET studies are distance learning
  • Your employer and training provider approve in writing
  • Your studies do not interfere with:
    • Workplace attendance
    • Training schedules
    • Assessments

NO, You CANNOT — If:

  • You are registered as a full-time TVET student
  • Your timetable clashes with:
    • Work hours
    • Training sessions
    • Assessments
  • You did NOT disclose your TVET registration
  • Your learnership is funded strictly for the unemployed category

In most SETA-funded programmes:

You cannot be a full-time student and a full-time learner at the same time.

Why SETAs Usually Do NOT Allow Full-Time Study + Learnership

SETAs fund learnerships based on:

  • Unemployed youth status
  • Time availability
  • Full commitment to training and work

If you are a full-time student:

  • You already receive state-funded education
  • You are considered not fully unemployed
  • You cannot meet full workplace attendance

This creates:

  • Double funding
  • Attendance violations
  • Contract breach

What Happens If You Hide That You Are Studying?

This is a serious mistake that leads to:

  • Immediate termination of your learnership
  • Cancellation of your stipend
  • Blacklisting by training providers
  • Possible recovery of paid stipends
  • Reporting to the SETA
  • Loss of future funding opportunities

Many learners get caught during:

  • Random audits
  • SETA verifications
  • Database checks
  • College confirmation requests

Always be honest from the start.

Can You Do Part-Time TVET Studies While on a Learnership?

YES — This is the safest option if you want to study and work.

Part-time studies usually:

  • Take place evenings or weekends
  • Do not clash with work hours
  • Allow you to earn and study legally

But you must still:

  • Get written permission
  • Inform both institutions
  • Manage your time perfectly

Can You Do Distance Learning While on a Learnership?

YES — Distance learning is often allowed because:

  • There are no fixed class hours
  • You study on your own time
  • It does not interfere with workplace training

But again:

  • You must declare it
  • You must still perform fully in your learnership

Can a TVET College Offer Learnerships?

Yes.

Some TVET colleges:

  • Partner with SETAs
  • Host learnerships directly
  • Act as training providers

In this case:

  • You are not a full-time student
  • You are registered as a learner
  • You receive a stipend
  • You attend training as part of the learnership

This is different from normal college study.

What About NSFAS and Learnerships?

You generally cannot receive NSFAS funding and a SETA stipend at the same time.

This is because:

  • NSFAS funds full-time students
  • SETAs fund unemployed learners
  • You cannot be both at once

If discovered:

  • One of the fundings will be cancelled
  • You may be forced to repay money

Best Legal Study Options While on a Learnership

If you want to grow without risk, choose one of these:

  • Part-time TVET course
  • Distance learning short course
  • Online skills certificate
  • Evening business or IT programme
  • Weekend NATED modules

These do NOT usually violate learnership contracts.

Can You Start a Learnership While Already Studying at TVET?

YES — If:

  • You switch to part-time
  • You pause your full-time registration
  • Your college issues a deferment letter
  • The learnership sponsor approves

NO — If:

  • You remain a full-time funded student
  • You cannot attend full workplace hours

What if Your Learnership Ends While You Are Studying?

This is perfectly allowed.

Once your learnership contract ends:

  • You may register as a full-time student
  • You may apply for NSFAS
  • You may continue your NATED or NCV qualification

Which Path Is Better: Learnership First or TVET First?

Option 1: TVET First → Learnership Later

  • Strong theory base
  • Easier placement later
  • Higher-level learnership access

Option 2: Learnership First → TVET Later

  • Early work experience
  • Monthly income
  • Practical confidence
  • Faster employment

Both paths are correct — the best one depends on:

  • Your finances
  • Your qualifications
  • Your home situation
  • Your career goals

Common Mistakes That Get Learners Disqualified

  • Registering secretly at TVET
  • Skipping workplace duties for classes
  • Using illness as cover for attendance at college
  • Registering for NSFAS while earning a stipend
  • Not asking for written permission

Your Legal Safe Checklist

Before combining TVET + Learnership, make sure you:

  • Are NOT registered as full-time
  • Have written approval
  • Have no timetable clashes
  • Are not double-funded
  • Are fully attending work
  • Are passing your assessments

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I do NATED N4–N6 part-time while on a learnership?

✅ Yes, if your schedule does not clash and permission is granted.

Can I be suspended from college for being on a learnership?

✅ If you are registered as full-time and break attendance rules, yes.

Can I do matric rewrite while on a learnership?

✅ Usually allowed if it is after work hours.

Can I pause my studies for a learnership?

✅ Yes, through official deferment from the college.

Final Thoughts

Trying to study full-time and do a full-time learnership at the same time is risky and often illegal under SETA funding rules.

But if done correctly through:

  • Part-time study
  • Distance learning
  • Full disclosure
  • Written approval

You can safely build both your education and your work experience without losing funding.

Always remember:

It’s better to grow slowly and legally than to rush and lose everything.

Related Articles: