South Africa’s education system is built on the dedication and skill of qualified teachers. With the need for trained educators growing, especially in critical learning phases of Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) teaching offers both professional stability and social impact. Teachers are responsible for shaping future generations through their mastery of subject content, delivery of the CAPS curriculum, and learner engagement. Many individuals seek to enter this respected profession but may be unsure of the exact steps. Whether you’ve just completed matric or are considering a career shift, becoming a teacher is a structured yet accessible process.
In this article, we will cover the steps to become a teacher after Matric, admission requirements, teaching phases, certification, and how Regenesys School of Education supports future educators.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Understand the Teacher Qualification Pathway
Before you begin higher education, it is important to understand what qualifications are needed to become a teacher in South Africa. The country has two primary teacher qualification pathways, each recognised and regulated by national bodies.
Listed below are some teacher qualification in South Africa routes that students can take:
- Bachelor of Education (BEd): A four-year undergraduate degree aligned with NQF Level 7. It is the most direct and widely recognised path to becoming a qualified teacher.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE):Â Designed for those who already hold a relevant 3 or 4-year undergraduate degree. The PGCE adds the pedagogical training needed to teach professionally.
Regenesys School of Education offers an accredited Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training that aligns with NQF Level 7. The qualification is the first step candidates take, preparing enrolled students in the Senior Phase (Grades 7–9) and FET (Grades 10–12) bands of education.
Step 2: Meet Admission Requirements for BEd
When exploring the steps on how to become a teacher in South Africa, one of the most important steps is understanding the admission requirements for Bachelor of Education. These requirements ensure that candidates are academically prepared for the challenges of teacher training.
Students who wish to gain admission to the Regenesys Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training must meet the following requirements:
- Matric with Bachelor pass or NQF level 4 equivalent qualification
- Or a relevant NQF Level 5 or 6 qualification from an accredited institution as per SAQA requirements
- Competent in Mathematics, English written and oral communication skills at NQF Level 4.
- Basic computer skills, internet connection and appropriate IT device
- For alternative access, contact the Regenesys Admissions Department.
Step 3: Choose Your Teaching Phase
South Africa’s school system is divided into teaching phases that reflect the developmental stages of learners. Each phase requires specific expertise and knowledge, and demands a tailored approach to pedagogy, curriculum design, and subject matter expertise.
When exploring how to become a teacher in South Africa, selecting your preferred teaching phase is a critical decision. This choice will shape the subjects you study during your teacher education programme in South Africa and ultimately determine the age group and curriculum area you will teach.
Understanding these phases helps aspiring educators align their interests and strengths with the specific needs of learners, ensuring a more impactful and rewarding teaching career. The phases include:
- Foundation Phase (Grades R–3) – Early childhood development and literacy
- Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6) – Introduction to subject-focused learning
- Senior Phase (Grades 7–9) – Subject specialisation begins
- FET Phase (Grades 10–12) – Subject mastery and exam preparation
When researching how to become a teacher in South Africa, aspirants need to ensure that their education allows them to implement the CAPS curriculum. This is the South African national framework that ensures consistency and quality across all public schools.
The Regenesys Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training is specifically tailored to the Senior and FET education bands. Furthermore, the programme also allows students to focus on Science and Technology or Business and Management.
Step 4: Complete Your Education Degree or PGCE
A Bachelor of Education (BEd) qualification is structured to combine academic coursework with Work Integrated Learning (WIL), ensuring that students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching competence.
The academic component covers educational psychology, curriculum studies, subject-specific teaching methodologies, classroom management, inclusive education, and the use of digital tools in teaching. These modules are designed to build a strong foundation in both pedagogy and subject content.
Work Integrated Learning forms an important component of how to become a teacher in South Africa. This supervised teaching practice is embedded as a core module in each academic year and involves practical exposure in real classroom settings. Students are placed in schools where they apply their learning into practice underexperienced teachers.
Aspiring teachers help plan and deliver lessons, manage learners, and participate in school life. WIL allows aspiring teachers to apply their academic learning, receive constructive feedback from mentors, and reflect on their professional growth.
Over the four years of study, the intensity and responsibility of WIL placements gradually increase, preparing students to enter the profession with confidence and competence. By the time they graduate, student teachers are expected to meet the South African Council for Educators (SACE) standards and be classroom-ready.
At Regenesys School of Education, our programme blends CAPS-aligned content with practical training, ensuring students gain insight into classroom management, learner diversity, and modern teaching strategies.
Step 5: Complete the Teacher Certification Process
Graduating with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) is a significant milestone, but it is not the final step. When learning how to become a teacher in South Africa, one of the final steps is to apply for the teacher certification process. This process legally confirms your professional status and grants you the right to be employed as a teacher in both public and independent schools.
The South African Council for Educators (SACE) is the statutory body responsible for upholding the ethics, professionalism, and qualifications of teachers across the country. Registration with SACE is compulsory for all qualified educators and is a legal requirement under the SACE Act.
Why SACE Registration Matters:
- It grants you official recognition as a professional educator.
- It ensures your name appears on the national educator register.
- It enables schools and educational employers to verify your status.
- It binds you to the SACE Code of Professional Ethics, which governs the conduct of educators.
Step 6: Apply for Teaching Positions
The final step in how to become a teacher in South Africa is to apply for open positions as a Secondary School Teacher. Once certified, graduates are eligible to work in various educational environments. Secondary School Teachers in South Africa are employed in both public and private sectors, and there are growing opportunities in online education and international schools.
Listed below are the various institutions where graduates can explore the role of a Secondary School Teacher as a final step in how to become a teacher in South Africa:
- Public Schools (DBE)Work in government schools that follow the national CAPS curriculum. Positions are advertised via provincial education departments and offer stable employment with government benefits.
- Independent/Private SchoolsTeach in fee-paying schools that may follow IEB, Cambridge, or international curricula. These schools often offer better resources, smaller classes, and competitive salaries.
- Special Needs and Remedial SchoolsSupport learners with disabilities or learning difficulties. Additional training in inclusive or special needs education may be required.
- NGOs and Education-Focused NPOsTeach or support learning in community-based programmes. Roles may involve literacy development, tutoring, or curriculum support in under-resourced areas.
- Online Learning PlatformsWork as a virtual teacher, tutor, or content creator. Ideal for those with digital skills and an interest in flexible or remote teaching.
- International InstitutionsTeach abroad in international schools or English-language programmes. Additional qualifications (e.g. TEFL, IB training) may be required.
Quick Overview: Steps to Become a Teacher After Matric
For many South African learners, the question of how to become a teacher in South Africa begins right after completing matric. Whether you’re still in high school or planning your career path after graduation, knowing the major milestones can help you plan ahead. Below is a clear breakdown of the steps you’ll need to follow to enter the teaching profession.
The steps below summarise how to become a teacher in South Africa:
1. Step : Pass Matric with a Bachelor’s Pass
Obtain your National Senior Certificate (NSC) with the required marks to qualify for university-level study.
2. Step : Apply for a BEd or a Degree Plus PGCE
Enrol in a Bachelor of Education (BEd) programme or complete a relevant bachelor’s degree followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
3. Step : Complete Your Teaching Qualification
Finish your academic coursework and practical training. A BEd typically takes four years to complete.
4. Step : Register with SACE
Submit your qualifications and documents to the South African Council for Educators (SACE) to obtain legal certification to teach.
Step 5: Apply for Teaching Positions
The final step in how to become a teacher in South Africa is to seek employment in public or private schools, special education centres, NGOs, or online learning platforms.
Conclusion
Becoming a teacher in South Africa demands dedication, training, and a clear understanding of the national education landscape. For individuals exploring how to become a teacher in South Africa, they can follow a structured qualification pathway, practical training through Work Integrated Learning, and registration with SACE.
Whether you’re entering straight after matric or transitioning from another field, the process is accessible and well-supported. At Regenesys School of Education, our Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training equips aspiring teachers with the academic, practical, and ethical grounding to thrive in classrooms across South Africa.
Visit the Regenesys website today to learn more about our Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training and enrol for the next intake.
How to Become a Teacher in South Africa: – FAQs
What qualifications do I need to be a teacher in South Africa?
The first step in how to become a teacher in South Africa is to complete a Bachelor of Education (BEd).
How long does it take to become a qualified teacher in South Africa?
At Regenessy, the Bachelor of Education degree takes four years of full-time study.
What are the admission requirements for the Regenesys BEd programme?
You need a Matric with a Bachelor’s pass, an equivalent NQF Level 4, or a relevant NQF Level 5 or 6 qualification from an accredited institution as per SAQA requirements. Proficiency in English and Mathematics at NQF Level 4, and basic digital literacy. Alternative access routes are also available. Please contact Regenesys Admissions for support.
What is Work Integrated Learning (WIL)?
WIL is the practical component of teacher training. During this, students are placed in real classrooms to observe, teach, and gain supervised experience during every year of the BEd programme.
What is SACE, and why must I register?
SACE is the statutory body that certifies teachers, and it is mandatory to complete the teacher certification process to legally teach in South Africa.
What subjects can I specialise in at Regenesys School of Education?
The Regenesys Bachelor of Education allows specialisation in either Science and Technology or Business and Management, preparing students to teach in the Senior and FET education bands.
