Requirements for Teaching in South Africa 

Teaching is a standardised profession worldwide. You need to meet specific academic, professional and registration requirements to start a teaching career. It is crucial to understand these expectations before pursuing a career. 

Several steps in the career process include choosing subjects, understanding APS requirements, and registration with a professional authority. These steps are key to shaping your teaching pathway. 

In this article, we will help you understand the requirements for teaching in South Africa. It follows a clear and practical approach to help you plan your career path. 

Who Can Teach in South Africa?

Individuals who meet the minimum academic and professional requirements are eligible to teach. National education bodies in South Africa set these standards. The profession accepts diverse backgrounds but aims to protect learner outcomes and education quality.

You should fulfil the formal requirements for teaching to work in public or private schools. It also includes an approved qualification and professional registration. Schools value qualified candidates dedicated to learner development and ethics.

Here’s the key eligibility criteria for teaching in South Africa:

• The candidate should be a South African citizen or a legally permitted foreigner.
• They should have completed an accredited teaching qualification.
• The candidate must be registered with SACE (South African Council for Educators).
• They should not have any criminal records.
• The candidate should possess strong communication skills and subject-matter expertise. 

Learn more about: Know What Is Teaching & Career Opportunities in SA. 

Academic Qualifications Required for Teaching in South Africa

Academic qualifications are the core of a teaching career. The DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training) approves specific qualifications, allowing graduates to teach at different schooling phases. 

B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) is the most popular route among teaching candidates. It prepares students for classroom teaching from the beginning. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is another alternative, usually pursued after a degree. 

Here are a few recognised teaching qualifications:

• B.Ed in foundation, intermediate, senior or FET phase.
• Bachelor’s degree in any subject, and then a PGCE
• Diploma in Grade R teaching
• Advanced certificates for upskilling.

Read more about: What is a Bachelor of Education (BEd)?

Understanding APS (Admission Point Score)

APS for teaching is a key entry requirement in South Africa. Universities use APS to check the academic level of applicants for admission. APS is calculated using the score of your best matric subjects. The score reflects your academic readiness, and it varies across institutions.

Here are a few key points to remember about APS:

• Calculated using your best matric subject results
• Every university sets its own APS range
• Teaching programmes usually need strong language scores
• Maths or Maths literacy requirements depend on the phase. 

Professional Registration Requirements

Along with a teaching qualification, you need a SACE registration to teach legally in South Africa. SACE is a professional body ensuring the ethical and professional standards of teachers. 

The SACE registration confirms your compliance with the national requirements for teaching and recognises you as a professional teacher. Hence, it is a compulsion for both public and private schools. Schools can’t appoint you as a teacher without registration. 

Here are the requirements for SACE registration:

• Academic qualifications’ certified copies
• Identity proof
• Filled out application forms
• Registration fees payment
• Police clearance (rarely).

Career Pathways After Qualification and Registration

A teaching career has more than just classroom roles. Several educators advance into specialist, leadership or academic roles with experience. Career growth depends on your experience, further studies, and performance. Teachers who continuously learn and adapt can create broader educational career opportunities.

Here are some typical career pathways for teachers:

• Classroom teacher for primary or secondary grade
• Subject head or phase coordinator
• Educational consultant or curriculum advisor
• Lecturer or academics (Postgraduates only).

Salary Expectations Based on Qualification and Phase

Teaching salaries in South Africa depend on qualifications, teaching phase, and employer. Public school salaries follow the government standards. Private schools set their own packages depending on the candidate. 

The average minimum salary of a teacher in South Africa is R169,441 per year. Your qualifications directly impact the earning potential. Teachers with higher degrees and more experience have a better earning potential. 

Here are a few general salary considerations:

• Foundation phase teachers start with a lower salary than FET teachers
• B.Ed and PGCE-qualified teachers earn higher salaries than diploma graduates. 
• Public school salaries offer annual hikes with experience 
• Some private schools offer performance-based incentives.

Alternative Pathways to Becoming a Teacher in South Africa

Following a traditional academic path is not always necessary. South Africa offers an alternative career path for career switchers and individuals looking to enter teaching later in life.

These alternative paths must officially meet the requirements for teaching before placement. These routes also align with national teaching standards and require formal training and registration. 

Here are the alternate pathways to become a teacher:

• Completing PGCE after a bachelor’s degree
• Part-time or online education through accredited institutions
• Start as a teaching assistant and pursue a formal teaching qualification
•  RPL (Recognition or Prior Learning) in specific cases.

Here’s a related read about: Foundation vs Senior vs FET Phase. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for a Teaching Programme

Many teachers need to wait due to the avoidable application process mistakes. These errors are usually related to documentation, subject choice, or misunderstanding of APS requirements. Avoiding these mistakes helps you meet all the requirements for teaching from the beginning. Careful planning helps save time and reduce the risk of rejection. 

Here are the common mistakes you should avoid:

• Ignoring the minimum APS criteria
• Choosing the wrong phase for your subjects
• Applying to non-accredited institutions
• Missing the application deadline
• Ignoring the SACE eligibility criteria.

Tips for Aspiring Teachers in South Africa

Teaching candidates should plan their career from the matric level. Intense preparation is helpful in the long term. Factors such as choosing subjects, understanding APS, and selecting institutions support long-term growth.

These are some practical tips for aspiring teachers:

• Choose subjects that match the teaching phase
• Aim higher than the minimum APS requirements
• Volunteer to gain early classroom experience
• Research recognised B.Ed programmes
• Start planning for SACE registration early.

The Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching programme at Regenesys Education helps you build a meaningful, future-ready teaching career. The programmes help you build practical skills, gain strong training, and become professionally ready. Regenesys Education supports your career journey, from qualification to success. Enrol Now!

Explore Our Other Programmes

Conclusion

The requirements for teaching in South Africa are structured and achievable. Every step, including understanding APS, completing recognised qualifications and professional registration, prepares you for your career. 

Teaching is one of the most impactful career choices in the country. It offers long-term career growth, security and purpose. The proper preparation can make teaching a rewarding career that contributes to society.

Visit Regenesys Education to learn more about the programme, entry requirements, and flexible study options. 

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