Teaching is one of the most meaningful professions as it helps students prepare for the real world. In South Africa, individuals must follow an accredited pathway to become trained teachers.
There are public and private institutions, multiple study formats, and different entry criteria to consider. The various options help make a Bachelor of Education more accessible to individuals pursuing this career.
In this article, we will help to answer the question “Where can I study teaching in South Africa?” We will explore degree types, study formats, and career paths available after graduation.
Table of Contents
Why Accreditation Matters When Studying Teaching in South Africa
Accreditation helps establish credibility and value for an educational programme. When students are searching for where can I study teaching in South Africa, it is important that they only consider accredited schools.
Teachers who complete non-accredited programmes cannot register or teach legally in South Africa. Graduates of recognised teaching qualifications must register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) to practise.
Students should check that their Bachelor of Education programme is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). The programme should also be registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
The Regenesys Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching is accredited by the CHE. We are also registered with SAQA, which credits our degree as an NQF Level 7 programme.
Teaching Qualifications Recognised in South Africa
There are several teaching qualifications in South Africa that allow individuals to enter this field. These are regulated to ensure consistent practice across public and private schools.
Entry into the field can begin with support roles. With a Matric pass, individuals may work as Teaching Assistants or education support staff. These roles provide practical classroom exposure and are often used as a stepping stone towards formal teacher training.
To qualify as a full-time teacher, students must enrol in an accredited programme. Additionally, graduates must register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE). The most common recognised qualifications include:
- Diploma in Grade R Teaching: This is for individuals who want to teach at the early childhood level. This qualification allows registration with SACE for Grade R teaching.
- Bachelor of Education (BEd): This is a 4-year degree that prepares graduates to teach in specific phases and subjects. It is the primary route into the teaching profession.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): This is for graduates who wish to transition into teaching from another field. They already hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Read more on Teaching Schools in Gauteng – Where to Study Education here
Institutions That Offer Accredited Teaching Degrees in South Africa
When students search for “where can I study teaching in South Africa?”, they will find various options. They can choose to study at public or private universities. Additionally, they can choose whether to study in person or online.
The most important factor to consider is to ensure that your institution is CHE-accredited. Studying at an accredited institution allows students to register with SACE to teach legally in South Africa.
It is also possible to secure international teaching positions after graduating from accredited Bachelor of Education programmes.
All accredited higher education institutions in South Africa are registered with the Department of Higher Education (DHET). Further, they are also registered with SAQA to align the programmes with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
1. Public Universities Offering BEd and PGCE Programmes
Public universities are government-funded and provide students with access to bursaries. These universities typically offer two intakes for the teaching programmes.
Some of the top public universities where students enrol for a teaching degree are:
- University of Johannesburg
- Wits University
- Stellenbosch University
2. Private Institutions
These institutions are privately funded and offer greater flexibility in programme delivery. They typically offer multiple intakes throughout the year to make higher education more accessible. Additionally, most offer flexible online and distance-learning formats.
Some private institutions offering teaching degrees in South Africa are:
- Regenesys Education
- UNISA
- STADIO Higher Education
Online and Distance Learning Options for Teaching in South Africa
Online and distance learning programmes have become popular over the past few years due to the convenience they offer. They allow students to complete an accredited higher education programme without relocating.
These programmes allow students to access lectures, learning materials, and assessments remotely. Institutions offering online and distance learning maintain structured academic support and supervised practical training.
The Regenesys Bachelor of Education programme is also offered online. This format follows the same approved curriculum and teaching requirements as our contact programme. Students are also required to complete the mandatory teaching practice at approved schools.
Entry Requirements to Study Teaching in South Africa
Admission criteria help to ensure that students are academically prepared for higher studies. They also help to maintain consistent teaching outcomes across public and private universities.
Students must meet the following criteria for admission to the Regenesys Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching:
- Matric with Bachelor’s 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 relevant IT resources
How to Check If a Teaching Institution Is Accredited
When exploring “where can I study teaching?”, it is important to only consider accredited institutions. This requires CHE accreditation and registration with SAQA and DHET.
This ensures that the programme meets national standards and is recognised by employers. It also allows for SACE registration and long-term career progression.
Students can take the following steps to verify if their institution is accredited:
- Check the SAQA ID of the qualification you plan to study
- Contact the DHET to confirm the institution’s registration status
- Use the SAQA website to confirm that the qualification is formally listed
Read more on Which Subjects Are Required for Teaching? Admission Requirements here
Registration With SACE After Completing Your Teaching Qualification
SACE is the official professional body that oversees teaching standards, ethics, and registration in South Africa. To legally work as a teacher in South Africa, you must be registered with SACE.
After completing your Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree from a recognised institution such as Regenesys, you can apply for registration.
This confirms that you are qualified to teach and have met all academic and practical training requirements. It also shows your commitment to upholding the national teaching code of conduct.
Graduates should follow these steps to register with SACE and begin teaching in South Africa:
- Fully completed SACE application form (Original Form)
- Certified copies of the complete academic record with the date of graduation
- Certified copy of the graduation certificate
- Educators with Diplomas in Grade R must also submit a matric certificate or an ECD level 4 certificate, together with a complete academic record.
- Certified copy of NSC or Matric certificate
- Certified copy of identity document.
Career Opportunities After Studying Teaching in South Africa
A recognised teaching qualification opens access to a wide range of career opportunities across the education sector. Graduates can explore roles in public or private schools across South Africa.
Regenesys graduates with specialisation in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET), are qualified to teach Grades 7 to 12. Our degree prepares future teachers to work with older learners seeking deeper subject knowledge.
As a senior secondary school teacher, you will typically:
- Teach specialised subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Accounting, or Business Studies
- Plan and present lessons in line with the CAPS curriculum
- Assess learner progress and provide targeted academic support
- Manage classroom environments and participate in wider school activities
- Offer guidance and mentorship during a critical stage of learner development
Explore Our Other Programmes
Conclusion
To become a teacher in South Africa, students must follow an accredited study pathway. This allows graduates to meet academic and professional standards.
South Africa offers a range of recognised teaching degrees, institutions, and study formats. This helps to make higher education in teaching more accessible for learners.
For anyone wondering, “Where can I study teaching in South Africa?”, we offer an accredited Bachelor of Education in SP & FET Teaching programme.
Visit the Regenesys Education website to apply for the next intake.
FAQs
What is the most common teaching degree in South Africa?
The Bachelor of Education is the most common teaching degree in South Africa. Other options include a relevant bachelor’s degree followed by a PGCE.
Can I study teaching online in South Africa?
Yes, many accredited institutions, including Regenesys Education, offer this programme online. The programme is CHE- accredited and includes the practical training module.
How do I know if a teaching programme is accredited?
Check that your programme has a SAQA ID and is registered on the website. Alternatively, students can call SAQA or DHET to confirm.
Can I teach without registering with SACE?
No, teachers are legally required to register with SACE before they begin teaching in South Africa.
What grades can I teach with a Senior Phase and FET specialisation?
Graduates with this specialisation are qualified to teach students in Grades 7 through 12.
