How to become a teacher in South Africa

Teachers help children and teenagers learn. They work in primary and high schools all over South Africa.

From R 18 000/mo · median ~R 28 000Steady demand
Starting pay
R 18 000/mo
Study time
4 years
Qualification
Degree, NQF 7
Register with
SACE
Demand
Steady demand

Where to study for Teacher

18 universities offer relevant programmes. Open one to see its full course requirements or calculate your university-specific APS.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Western Cape

  • Bachelor in Education: Foundation Phase Teaching · APS 32
  • Bachelor in Education: Intermediate Phase Teaching · APS 32

Central University of Technology

Free State

  • B. Ed (SP & FET): Computer Science · APS 27
  • B. Ed (SP & FET): Economic & Management Science · APS 27
  • B. Ed (SP & FET): Language Education · APS 27
  • B. Ed (SP & FET): Mathematics · APS 27
  • B. Ed (SP & FET): Natural Science · APS 27
  • B. Ed (SP & FET): Technology · APS 27
  • B. Ed Foundation Phase Teaching · APS 27

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Eastern Cape

  • Bachelor of Arts · APS 350
  • BCom: General (Business Management) · APS 390
  • BCom: General (Business Management) Extended Curriculum · APS 370
  • BCom: General (Economics) · APS 390
  • BCom: General (Economics) Extended Curriculum · APS 370
  • BCom: General (Statistics) · APS 390

Stellenbosch University

Western Cape

  • Bachelor of Arts in Humanities · APS 63
  • Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences · APS 65
  • Bachelor of Science in Physics · APS 65
  • Bachelor of Science in Sport Science · APS 65

The University of South Africa

Gauteng

  • Bachelor of Arts · APS 21
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management · APS 21
  • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching · APS 23
  • Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching · APS 23
  • Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching · APS 20

Tshwane University of Technology

Gauteng

  • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching · APS 25
  • Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching · APS 25

University of Fort Hare

Eastern Cape

  • Bachelor Of Arts · APS 27
  • Bachelor of Arts (Extended Programme) · APS 26
  • Bachelor Of Education In Foundation Phase Teaching · APS 28
  • Bachelor Of Education In Intermediate Phase Teaching · APS 28

University of Johannesburg

Gauteng

  • Bachelor of Arts · APS 27
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management · APS 26
  • Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Psychology · APS 31

University of Limpopo

Limpopo

  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management · APS 26
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management - Extended Curriculum Programme · APS 22
  • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching · APS 24

University of Pretoria

Gauteng

  • Bachelor of Arts · APS 30
  • Bachelor of Commerce Business Management · APS 30
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Applied Plant and Soil Sciences · APS 32
  • Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry · APS 32
  • Bachelor of Science in Genetics · APS 32
  • Bachelor of Science in Physics · APS 34

University of the Witwatersrand

Gauteng

  • Bachelor of Arts · APS 36
  • Bachelor of Commerce General · APS 38
  • Bachelor of Education Foundation Phase Teaching · APS 37
  • Bachelor of Education Intermediate Phase Teaching · APS 37
  • Bachelor of Education Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching · APS 37
  • Mathematical Sciences · APS 42

University of Venda

Limpopo

  • Bachelor of Arts · APS 300
  • Bachelor of Arts (English and Literature) · APS 300
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management · APS 320
  • Extended Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management · APS 280
  • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching · APS 360

Walter Sisulu University

Eastern Cape

  • Bachelor of Arts · APS 25
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management · APS 25
  • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching · APS 24

Colleges for early childhood (ECD)

TVET colleges do not offer the school-teaching BEd, but some offer early childhood (ECD) courses, like the Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education. These train you to teach young children, and can lead to a BEd in Foundation Phase. Find a TVET college on our list, and check it offers an ECD course. To teach older grades, you study the BEd at a university, or a PGCE if you already have a degree.

National

All 50 public TVET colleges, by province

Find a college near you, and check it offers an early childhood (ECD) course.

National

DHET official TVET college list

The government's own official list.

Some private colleges and distance providers also offer ECD and Grade R courses. Always check any college is registered and its course is accredited before you pay.

Questions people ask

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