By pursuing a career in teaching, you will get the opportunity to offer highly valuable service to society. Teachers help develop the emotional and intellectual capabilities of individuals. They educate and inspire learners, guiding them to grow and develop values that will help them succeed in their professional and personal lives.
South Africa also faces a significant requirement for well-qualified teachers. If you want to educate the future generations, you can start by acquiring a teaching degree in South Africa.
This article will inform you about various details regarding this degree and more.
Table of Contents
Why Pursue a Teaching Degree in South Africa?
A teaching degree programme in South Africa focuses on developing skilled teachers capable of fostering inclusive environments and meeting diverse learning requirements. This particular degree emphasises theoretical understanding and practical training. Graduates can look forward to a range of rewarding teaching career options.
In this degree programme, students gain exposure to modules in curriculum development, educational psychology, and pedagogy. These prepare them to assess student progress and develop engaging lesson plans.
Students also get the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real classrooms. This hands-on experience makes them confident while they manage different classroom dynamics.
Read: Education Level Explained – Meaning, Types & Examples
Different Types of Teaching Degrees in South Africa
There are two study options for individuals to acquire the relevant qualification to be a teacher in South Africa. These include a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a Bachelor’s degree relevant to the subject they want to teach, along with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
There are several types of BEd degree programmes available to aspiring teachers in South Africa.
Have a look at some of them:
- Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching
- Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching
- Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching
- Bachelor of Education Honours
In addition, individuals can pursue the above-mentioned degrees in various specialisations. These specialisations can be in specific subject combinations or in Adult Continuing Education and Training, Early Childhood Education, or other areas.
You should note that the Bachelor of Education Honours degree is not a professional teaching qualification. Students who wish to register for this qualification should have completed a recognised Professional Teaching qualification of 4 years’ duration.
Also read: Teaching Career In South Africa – Get Insights.
Duration and Admission Requirements of Teaching Degrees in South Africa
The duration and admission requirements can vary by programme, institution, specialisation, and other factors. Aspiring teachers should take note of these by checking with the official sources at their target institution. These are important for the admissions process and also help set career goals.
Let’s take a look at these to get an idea:
Duration
Given below are the durations that are usually followed for each of these programmes, considering full-time study:
- Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching – 4 years
- Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching – 4 years
- Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching – 4 years
- Bachelor of Education Honours – 2 years
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements below apply to the Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching programme at Regenesys Education. It is a reputable institution in South Africa with a legacy spanning over 25 years. These requirements may differ for other institutions.
- Matric with a Bachelor’s pass or an 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, and possess English oral and written communication skills at NQF Level 4.
- Internet connection, relevant IT resources and basic computer skills.
This particular programme at Regenesys offers two areas of specialisation, including Business and Management or Science and Technology. If you want the specific subject and phase requirements, you can get in touch with us.
Go through this article on Educational Management in 2026 – Meaning & Importance.
Career Options with a Teaching Degree
Several professions are witnessing a declining demand because of technological advancements and improved efficiency. But this is not the case with teaching. There is still a need for human teachers and personal attention.
Many people assume that a teaching degree leads only to a traditional teaching role. In fact, the skills acquired through a teaching degree programme can open doors to several other career options. Having an idea about the various career options can help you set goals for yourself and take steps to achieve them.
Have a look at these career options:
- Curriculum Developer
- Corporate Trainer
- Educational Consultant
- Cultural Heritage Educator
- Government Education Advisor
- Nonprofit Programme Coordinator
- EdTech Product Manager
Salary Expectations for Teaching Professionals in South Africa
Salaries for teaching professionals in South Africa vary by hierarchy level, location and other factors. Individuals willing to get into this profession must have an idea about how much they can expect as earnings from their jobs in the country. Having an idea of the average salary can be helpful for them.
According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a teacher in South Africa is R174327, as of January 2026.According to the same sources and timeline, the average annual salary for an assistant teacher in South Africa is R 71 686 as of January 2026.
Top Institutions Offering Teaching Degrees in South Africa
Individuals who want to pursue a teaching degree in South Africa should look forward to reputable institutions for the same. Multiple institutions in this country offer teaching degrees. This can make it difficult for some students to choose one for themselves. Knowing the top ones can be helpful in this regard.
Here are some of the best institutions that offer teaching degrees in South Africa:
- Regenesys Education: The Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching programme at Regenesys comes with an AI-integrated curriculum.
- University of South Africa (Unisa): This is Africa’s largest open distance learning institution. It enrols almost one-third of the students in South Africa.
- University of Johannesburg: The Faculty of Education here addresses the challenges of the South African education system through its community engagement, cutting-edge research, and a commitment to advancing learning and teaching.
How to Choose the Right Teaching Degree for Your Career Goals?
Aspiring teachers willing to pursue a teaching degree programme in South Africa should know how to choose the right one as per their career goals. The education system in the country consists of several levels. Individuals must first choose the level of education they want to teach.
The phase specialisations as per the level of education are given below:
- Foundation Phase: Grades R – 3
- Intermediate Phase: Grades 4 – 6
- Senior Phase: Grades 7 – 9
- Further Education and Training (FET) Phase: Grades 10 – 12
After selecting phase specialisations based on their level of education, individuals can proceed to choose the appropriate programme for themselves. Some institutions may offer a programme with a combination of phase specialisations, allowing students to specialise in two consecutive phases.
Explore Our Other Programmes
Conclusion
A teaching degree in South Africa encourages collaboration and critical thinking among the students. This helps students become more adaptable as they gain exposure to different teaching methods.
Many of these programmes focus on innovative teaching practices that prepare students for opportunities both within and beyond South Africa.
Choose Regenesys Education to pursue an AI-powered BEd SP and FET programme. Visit the website and check the programme requirements.
FAQs
How long is a teaching degree in South Africa?
The duration of a teaching degree in South Africa can vary by programme, specialisation, institution and other factors. For instance, the duration of a Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching at Regenesys is 4 years.
What qualifications do you need to be a teacher in South Africa?
To be a teacher in South Africa, individuals need to acquire either a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a Bachelor’s degree that is relevant to the subject they want to teach and then a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Is a teaching degree worth it in South Africa?
Yes, a teaching degree is worth it in South Africa. Graduates can help meet the country’s high demand for teachers.
What is a teacher’s salary in South Africa?
A teacher’s salary can vary based on their hierarchical level, institution, job location, and other factors. According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a teacher in South Africa is R174327, as of January 2026.
Is the BEd SP and FET programme at Regenesys AI-integrated?
Yes, the curriculum of the BEd SP and FET programme at Regenesys is AI-integrated.
