Your Pathway to Becoming a Teacher in South Africa (2026 Guide)
Do you dream of inspiring young learners and making a lasting impact in classrooms? South Africa urgently needs passionate educators, particularly for the Foundation, Intermediate, and Senior school phases. Whether you’re a recent matriculant or considering a career change, this guide explains everything you need to know about education qualifications for 2026 admissions.
Education Career Paths: Choose Your Route
Three main options exist to become a certified teacher:
1. Bachelor of Education (BEd) Degree
- ✔️ Duration: 4-year full-time program
- ✔️ Specializations:
- Foundation Phase (Grade R–3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6)
- Senior Phase & FET (Grade 7–12)
- ✔️ Ideal for: Students committed to teaching from day one
2. Bachelor’s Degree + PGCE
- ✔️ Step 1: Complete 3-year BA/BSc in subjects like Languages, Maths, or Sciences
- ✔️ Step 2: 1-Year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- ✔️ Best for: Those wanting subject-specific expertise (e.g., teaching Physics or History)
3. Short-Course Qualifications
- ✔️ Early Childhood Development (ECD) certificates
- ✔️ Grade R diplomas (1–2 years)
- ✔️ Offered by TVET colleges & some universities
Admission Requirements for BEd Degrees (2026)
Key criteria for university applications:
- • Admission Points Score (APS): 23–28 (varies by institution)
- • English: Level 4 (50%+) in Home Language/First Additional Language
- • Mathematics: Level 3–4 (Maths Literacy accepted for Foundation/Intermediate Phase)
- • Additional Requirements: Some universities require specific subjects (e.g., Life Sciences for FET teaching)
Top Universities for Education Degrees in 2026
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- • Offers BEd in all teaching phases
- • APS: 26+
- • Flexible learning: On-campus & online options
University of Pretoria (UP)
- • Specializes in Foundation & Intermediate Phase
- • APS: 26–28
- • Afrikaans & English instruction
UNISA
- • Fully distance-learning BEd programs
- • APS: 23–26
- • Affordable fees & part-time study options
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- • Focus on Foundation Phase teaching
- • APS: 27+
- • Strong practical training component
Other Notable Institutions:
Wits University, Nelson Mandela University, North-West University, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Application Essentials for 2026
Prepare these documents:
- • Certified ID copy
- • Grade 11 final results + Grade 12 progress report
- • Proof of address
- • Parent/guardian ID copies (if under 18)
Key Considerations for Aspiring Teachers
- • Age Group Preference: Young children vs. teenagers
- • Subject Mastery: Senior Phase teachers need strong subject knowledge
- • Language Skills: English/Afrikaans proficiency is crucial
- • Practical Training: Look for programs with classroom experience
Career Opportunities With an Education Degree
- • Classroom teacher (all school phases)
- • Special needs education specialist
- • Education policy advisor
- • Textbook author/curriculum developer
- • School administrator (with experience)
Act Now for 2026 Admissions
Critical deadlines: Most applications close 30 September 2025.
Pro tip: Apply to 3–5 institutions to increase acceptance chances.
Where will you shape the future? With South Africa’s growing demand for quality educators, your teaching journey starts here.
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