NATED stands for National Accredited Technical Education Diploma, which is a qualification awarded to students who successfully complete NATED courses. These courses are designed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in specific career fields. NATED courses are career-oriented and prepare students for higher careers.

NATED courses consist of theoretical and practical components. The theoretical component is divided into three levels, namely N4, N5, and N6, and each level takes six months to complete. Upon completion of each level, the student receives a certificate, and after completing both the theoretical and practical components, the student is awarded a National Diploma Certificate.

NATED courses are broken into different levels, with N1 being the lowest level and N6 being the highest. Each NATED certificate course is on an NQF level 05, while the final diploma course is on an NQF level 06. NATED courses are recognized nationally and are equivalent to different NQF levels.

To apply for a NATED course, you need a Matric Certificate, either the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the Amended Senior Certificate. The minimum entry requirements for NATED courses vary depending on the program, but generally, students must have taken English as a First Additional Language and Mathematics.

In summary, NATED courses are career-oriented courses designed by the DHET to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in specific career fields. These courses consist of theoretical and practical components and are broken into different levels, with N1 being the lowest level and N6 being the highest. NATED courses are recognized nationally and are equivalent to different NQF levels. To apply for a NATED course, you need a Matric Certificate.