Teaching is a stable and rewarding career in South Africa, especially in urban areas like Cape Town, where schools consistently need qualified teachers. Whether you are finishing Matric, changing your career to teaching, or already working in an education support role, choosing the right institution to study is an important first step.
Cape Town offers many recognised ways to study teaching, including public universities, private institutions, and flexible study modes. Each option has different entry requirements, programme length, teaching practice, and career opportunities.
In this article, we answer the question “Where can I study teaching in Cape Town?” and discuss the types of teaching qualifications, admission requirements, etc.
Table of Contents
Where Can I Study Teaching In Cape Town?
Several reputable institutions run accredited teacher education programmes in and near Cape Town. Public providers include the University of the Western Cape and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, both with established education faculties and BEd pathways.
Private and independent providers also offer professionally aligned qualifications, including contact and online delivery. The Regenesys School of Education offers the Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching as a focused route for classroom-ready graduates.
Read more on What is a Bachelor of Education (BEd)? Scope, Eligibility, Duration & Career Opportunities.
Private Institutions Offering Teaching Programmes In Cape Town
Private institutions, such as the Regenesys School of Education, offer the Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching programme in contact & online study modes. These types of programmes are more flexible in delivery and may suit working students. They provide a professionally focused pathway for people aiming to teach the Senior and Further Education and Training (FET) phases.
Various features like recorded lectures, online assessments, and student support via online tutors and forums are generally provided. When choosing from private institutions or teaching colleges in Cape Town, it is important to perform several checks.
Here are the quick checks to do before applying:
- Is the institution CHE-accredited or DHET-registered?
- Does the programme lead to recognised BEd routes?
- Are school placements and teaching practice organised by the provider?
- Are the fees transparent, and is financial support available?
Read more on Top 7 Time Management Tips for Working Adults Pursuing a BEd Degree.
Admission Requirements To Study Teaching In Cape Town
The entry requirements vary according to the programme and institution. Most teaching programmes need a school-leaving certificate at the stipulated National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level or a completed degree. Some programmes also require minimum percentages in certain subjects or a minimum APS score, mainly at public universities.
International students and older applicants may have different entry options. After you complete your qualification, you must register with SACE (South African Council for Educators) to teach in public schools. Always check the respective institution’s website for the exact entry requirements before you apply.
Find below the typical admission checks:
- Matric/NSC with required subjects and APS score.
- Proof of language proficiency is required.
- Police clearance and health checks for school placements.
- For the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), an existing bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject is required.
Types of Teaching Qualifications Available in Cape Town
You can choose from different teaching qualifications based on your career goals. The most common option is the four-year Bachelor of Education for a proven pathway into teaching. There are also higher certificates and diplomas for entry-level study or to help you progress to a degree.
Graduates who want to change careers can study a postgraduate teaching programme such as the PGCE. Distance providers also offer BEd streams and higher certificates that lead to degree routes. Also, most teacher qualifications include a compulsory practical teaching component in schools.
Teaching Subjects You Can Specialise In
Teaching programmes in South Africa allow subject or phase specialisation, such as Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching. Universities list subject streams, like languages, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, life orientation, commerce, technology and vocational subjects.
Many BEd programmes let you combine a FET and Senior Phase specialisation to widen employment options. Choose subjects that match your interests and the school demand in local districts.
Read more on Special Needs Education: Should You Choose BEd Inclusive Education as a Specialisation?
Teaching Programme Fees And Funding Options
The programme fees differ by institution, programme level and mode of study. Public universities publish annual fee schedules while private providers show modular or annual fees on their websites. Funding options include government loans, scholarship programmes, bursaries and institutional payment plans. Always compare total cost, including placement-related travel and materials.
Find below the other funding alternatives that you can explore:
- Get Student Funding from Regenesys Education when you enrol in our programme.
- NSFAS or institutional bursaries for undergraduate students.
- Employer sponsorship for in-service training.
- External bursaries from NGOs and education foundations.
Read more on Challenges & Prospects for Bachelor of Education Graduates.
How Long Do Teaching Programmes Take?
A Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching programme usually takes four years to complete if you study full-time in South Africa. Higher certificates and diplomas typically take between one and two years.
A postgraduate teaching certificate normally takes one year of full-time study. If you study part-time through distance learning, it may take longer to finish. Teaching practice is included in all these programmes and forms part of the total study time.
Read more on Bachelor of Education Applications Open for 2026.
What Career Opportunities Await After Studying Teaching In Cape Town?
A qualified teacher can work in public and independent schools, adult education centres, curriculum support roles and education non-governmental organisations. Some graduates move into leadership, curriculum development or subject advisory posts with provincial education departments. Registration with SACE is required to teach in most public schools and helps with professional recognition. Many graduates also access teacher development and postgraduate study pathways.
The following are the typical career paths:
- Classroom teacher (Foundation, Intermediate, Senior, FET).
- Head of Department and school leadership.
- Curriculum specialist or education officer.
- Adult education and training facilitator.
Explore Our Other Programmes
Conclusion
Cape Town offers solid routes to becoming a qualified teacher through public universities, private institutions, and distance programmes. The question “Where Can I Study Teaching in Cape Town?” is best answered by first deciding your phase and subject preference. You should also check accredited providers and plan for teaching practice and SACE registration.
If you want a professionally oriented route, consider the Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching programme offered by Regenesys Education.
Contact us today to consult a career adviser for planning your career pathway.
FAQs
What is the job market like for teaching graduates in Cape Town?
The job market is steady with demand for qualified teachers in public and independent schools. Vacancies are also advertised on provincial education websites.
How do I choose the right teaching programme in Cape Town?
Choose by phase (Foundation, Intermediate, Senior, FET), subject fit, accreditation and practical placement support.
What are the benefits of studying teaching in Cape Town?
Benefits include varied placement schools, strong education faculties, and provincial networks for employment and development.
What skills will I learn in a teaching programme in Cape Town?
You will learn classroom management, lesson planning, assessment, inclusive pedagogy and subject-specific teaching methods.
Where can I study teaching in Cape Town?
You can pursue a teaching programme at public universities, distance learning providers or reputed private educational institutions such as the Regenesys School of Education.
